What Mold Can Kill You

Black toxic mold is also known as Stachybotrys chartarum and is dark black or sometimes dark green. It is a highly toxic form of mold commonly found in attics. This mold releases mycotoxins which are toxic chemicals that are present in mold spores that get released into the air and can then be inhaled.

What molds are dangerous to humans?

6 Types of Harmful Mold That May Be Lurking in Your Home

• Stachybotrys. Commonly referred to as “black mold,” stachybotrys is one of the most dangerous types of mold and can cause flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, headaches, memory loss and severe respiratory damage.
• Chaetomium.
• Aspergillus.
• Penicillium.
• Fusarium.
• Alternaria.

Can you die from mold exposure?

Exposure to mold, via skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation, can result in allergic reactions, infections, or toxic (poisonous) effects. The associated symptoms range from a rash and cold and flu-like effects to neurological damage and even death.

What does mold in a house smell like?

Mold does not always have a strong smell but when it is present, it’s often described as musty. Others have described mold smelling earthy, meaty or resembling the odor of wet socks or rotten wood. For many homeowners, the smell is unpleasant and pungent.

How long does it take to detox from mold?

As you kill the mold and there are less organisms in your body, you will start to feel better. It took my husband six months to become free and clear of mold while it took me a year and a half.

Does mold cause blood cancer?

There’s no evidence that mold causes cancer. If you’re allergic to mold, your symptoms may be more severe, such as lung irritation.

How do you know if mold is making you sick?

Symptoms of mold exposure may include headache, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and fatigue. In those with asthma, asthma attacks can occur. In those with impaired immune systems, serious infection can occur.

Does bleach kill black mold?

The EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill or remove mold, except in special circumstances. In fact, recognizing the bleach as a ‘threat,’ the mold will grow back even stronger.” When bleach is used on porous surfaces like drywall or wood, mold membranes will move deeper into the surface to avoid the chemical.

How long does it take for mold to affect you?

These microorganisms can quickly fill the air and spread throughout your home, affecting more and more areas and endangering your health with every passing hour. Mold spores that start to colonize on surfaces within 24 hours become visible in about 18 to 21 days of the flooding.

How do you detox your body from mold?

Strategies to detox from mold Depending on the mycotoxins present and your body’s ability to tolerate treatment, I will recommend a combination of binders like clay, charcoal, chlorella, zeolite, cilantro, citrus pectin and cholesteramine or welchol.

Is there a mold detector?

Mold kits will detect spores in any room of your home, and some even go inside your HVAC unit, and will usually give you initial results within a couple of hours. These first test results will determine whether or not you actually have mold growth at all, which can then help you take the next step.

Will a chest xray show mold?

A chest X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan — a type of X-ray that produces more-detailed images than conventional X-rays do — can usually reveal a fungal mass (aspergilloma), as well as characteristic signs of invasive aspergillosis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

What type of cancer does mold cause?

The only possible link is this: Mold can cause pulmonary fibrosis (PF), which is scarring in your lungs. If you have PF for a long time, it can make you more likely to get lung cancer.

What are the symptoms of long term mold exposure?

Toxic mold exposure is also connected to more serious, long-term effects like insomnia, memory loss, trouble concentrating and confusion. Mold exposure contributes to depression and anxiety. It can even lead to muscle cramps, numbness in extremities, weight gain, light sensitivity and hair loss.

Should you walk away from a house with mold?

The home you are looking to buy fails inspection due to mold, termites and a compromised foundation. If you are not used to fixing these kinds of issues or have the budget to do so, walk away. Mold can be cured, but termites and foundation problems can be very costly to repair.

Does vinegar kill mold?

White vinegar is a mildly acidic product that cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects. It can also kill 82% of mold species, including black mold, on porous and non-porous surfaces. You can use it safely on most surfaces, and its offensive odor goes away quickly. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle.

Can mold grow in your lungs?

The mold spores can colonize (grow) inside lung cavities that developed as a result of chronic diseases, such tuberculosis, emphysema, or advanced sarcoidosis. The fibers of fungus might form a lump by combining with white blood cells and blood clots. This lump or ball of fungus is called an aspergilloma or mycetoma.

Does mold cause memory loss?

Mold is also known to cause asthma and life-threatening primary and secondary infections in immune-compromised patients that have been exposed. Toxic mold exposure has also been linked to more serious, long-term effects like memory loss, insomnia, anxiety, depression, trouble concentrating, and confusion.

Is it dangerous to live in a house with mold?

The CDC, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warns about the dangers of living with mold in the home: Respiratory tract symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, and swelling of the throat. Those who have asthma and allergy problems are especially at risk.

What level of mold is dangerous?

50-200 spores – still very low levels; the toxic mold species Stachybotrys and Memnoniella are some of the species to be considered an issue at this level. 200-500 spores – the most common species (Penicillium/Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Curvularia) are typically not an issue and stay within the normal range.

How do you know if mold is in your walls?

Mold can be black, green, gray, white, or brown. Mold can even appear orange, pink or purple when it grows behind vinyl wallpaper. Another sign of visible mold is discoloration of walls, even if it has been painted over. If the water damage inside the walls persists, mold will show signs on the surface.

How do I know if my cough is from mold?

Mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by mold allergy can include: Sneezing. Runny or stuffy nose.Signs and symptoms of asthma include:

1. Coughing.
2. Wheezing.
3. Shortness of breath.
4. Chest tightness.