BLACK MOLD
Black mold can be very problematic to our health. People do not realized the how damaging this mold can be. The black mold symptoms can actually be very serious. Black mold symptoms are highly unpleasant and one should avoid getting exposed to it.
WHAT IS BLACK MOLD?
Black mold is also known as Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys atra. They can grow on variety of surface, such as wood, fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, lint and dust. Black Mold tends to be dark black in colour (hence the name black mold). Other than being black, it can also be in greenish or grayish black and they have a distinctive odor that is musty and mildew-like.
Black molds like to be in areas of the home that are warm, humid and damp. In addition to showers, roof and crawlspace that may have leaks or some other source of moisture, are commonly susceptible to the growth of toxic producing black mold.
BLACK MOLD SYMPTOMS
There are several common black mold symptoms. Some of these symptoms of mold exposure include: (3)
- Headaches
- Chronic fatigue
- Fever
- Eye irritation
- Sneezing
- Rashes
- Irritation to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and throat
- Chronic coughing
Black mold symptoms are even worse if the black mold exposure is severe, has lasted for a long time or if the individual has a mold allergy.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Black mold thrives on warmth, humidity, moist environment. Places like bathrooms, roof wall cavities or any places with any water seepage problems will be the prime area for black mold to flourish.
Another place to watch out for black mold is your air conditioning system. If there is moisture in the air, this can lead moisture inside the system, which can then lead to mold growth. This could be the worst place to have black mold as it can spread spores into the living space. Therefore it is important to have your system checked and cleaned regularly.