Many people get worried upon hearing the words ”mold toxicity,” which makes them overthink various diseases. While their worry is exaggerated, mold exposure is something real and something you do not want to experience.
Symptoms are easily treated if you know what to look for. These problems affect many people every year. In some cases, these issues are left untreated. It is important to ask the help of a specialist if you are not feeling well.
Summary
The most common warning symptoms of mold toxicity and sickness include brain fog and fatigue. Other symtpoms include changes in your mood and a metallic taste in the mouth, which are signs that should not be ignored. What you’ll need to do when you find black mold is to get it removed, and calling a professional is often advised.
We’ll also cover the following:
- What to do
- How to test
Continue reading
For now, let’s look at the mold warning signs and symptoms. In case of sickness, you will also know what to do after reading the information below. Then you can take the necessary action to resolve the problem.
Table of Contents
- More than 10 warning signs of mold toxicity & sickness (15 to be exact)
- Can it make you sick?
- Why is it dangerous?
- What causes it?
- Black vs. toxic black mold
- How long does it take to get out of your system?
- When should you see a doctor?
- What should you do about black mold?
More than 10 warning signs of mold toxicity & sickness (15 to be exact)
There are various symptoms experienced after mold exposure, and they can be categorized into two different areas. The first is represented by an immune reaction. It involves symptoms like a runny nose, itching skin, or even shortness of breath.
The second category contains a type that develops an inflammatory reaction. Mycotoxins initiate this inflammatory response in the body, and it can manifest through various symptoms.
Here are the 15 most common mold warning signs and symptoms:
- Brain fog and memory problems.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Tremors and vertigo.
- Digestive issues like change in appetite, nausea, or abdominal pain.
- Metallic taste in the mouth.
- Changes in mood and irritability
- Temperature regulation or night sweats.
- Excessive thirst and increased urination.
- Unexplained muscle cramping followed by aches and pains in the joints.
- Numbness and tingling.
- Eye problems like red eyes, watering, or light sensitivity.
- Asthma and sinus problems like coughing, congestion, or shortness of breath.
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss.
- Excessive thirst and dehydration, bed-wetting in children.
- Hair loss and rashes.
- Inflammation
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Unexplainable bleeding
- A burning sensation.
- Severe bleeding
The problem might still be uncertain if you have one of these symptoms. But if you notice more than 3 symptoms and they start to be connected, mold exposure is the cause.
Check with a doctor and get the necessary treatment before removing the problem from its source. Make sure you don’t end up needing medicine as other Aspergillus patients if your floors and walls are full of humidity and mold.
Can it make you sick?
Household mold is dangerous, whether it comes in from black spots on the shower curtain or fuzzy white patches on the basement floor. Your kitchen drain might also feature slick orange films, which is a clear indication of mold development.
It does not matter whether you are allergic to mold or not. Once you are exposed to it, your eyes and nose are the first to show symptoms of discomfort. Over time, the skin and your lungs can develop serious health problems that worsen if left untreated.
If you are sensitive to mold, allergic reactions can be caused by inhaling or touching spores. These allergic reactions manifest through sneezing, red eyes, or skin rash. For those with serious allergies, reactions will be more severe.
Breathing in the spores might cause shortness of breath and even asthma attacks for people with asthma who also have a mold allergy.
There are some common things you should be looking out for when mold spores are running rampant in your house! We’ll cover them later on. First, here’s one of the types of mold that is the most severe. If you suspect you’re affected, doctors will be able to help you.
| Types of black mold | Severity |
| Stachybotrys | It’s very toxic and appears greenish-black or just black. |
| Alternaria | Less dangerous. |
| Aspergillus | People with pre-existing conditions may be affected. |
| Cladosporium | It can cause sinus infections, eye irritations, & skin rashes. |
Why is it dangerous?
Once black mold is inhaled, it will weaken your immune system. People can also become more sensitive to other illnesses once they are exposed to black mold. These illnesses are not necessarily mold-related.
In some extreme cases, prolonged exposure to black mold can lead to brain damage and incapacitation of the immune system. Pregnant women might experience miscarriages and congenital disabilities as well.
The brain neurons can be directly affected by black mold, as toxins are released. Neurological effects such as mood swings and tremors can also appear.
Because it has a strong mildew odor, black mold can be easily detected. You can take necessary precautions as soon as possible. But some health conditions cannot disappear even after treatment. Sensitivity and a weak immune system are just some of the long-term effects caused by black mold.
What causes it?
So far, scientists have managed to discover hundreds of various species of mold. Some species are incredibly dangerous to humans, while others are harmless. A type that is not harmful to humans is penicillium, which is also used to treat bacterial infections.
Other species will have the opposite effect and cause serious sickness in humans. Black mold is one of the most lethal and can easily lead to illness.
It thrives well in warm and damp areas around buildings. It can commonly be found in laundry rooms, flooded areas, or bathrooms. But since it can grow in dark and hidden areas, it can be hard to detect.
What makes this fungus dangerous are the toxins that are constantly and slowly released into the environment. Once we inhale this air, these toxins will cause many health problems.
Asthmatic people will suffer the most, as well as those with pneumonia. That is because black mold primarily affects the lungs and the respiratory system.
The spores can enter buildings through windows and heating systems. Ventilation systems also represent an ideal way for mold to install in your house. People and pets can also carry spores, eventually settling in moist places where they can grow and thrive.
Buildings provide the best conditions that contribute to mold growth. Remove it immediately whenever you detect it inside your building, regardless of its type or potential harm.
Test kit
| Name | 5-Minute Mold Test |
| Brand | Healthful Home |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item Weight | 1.76 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 8 x 5 x 1 inches |
Pros
- It’s more reliable than other tests.
- It’s easy to use.
- No lab is required.
- You’ll have the results in 5 minutes.
Cons
- It’s a bit more expensive than competing products.
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Black vs. toxic black mold
There are a couple of differences between a mold that looks black and a mold that is black and toxic. The black-colored mold features a black pigment by nature. Most people associate it with toxic fungi, but this is not always true. While it can be allergenic, it might not always be toxic.
A specific example of black mold is nigrospora, which is harmless to humans and other living organisms. Another species is cladosporium, the most common black mold you will find both inside and outside your house.
While it doesn’t cause serious health issues, prolonged and heavy exposure to it can trigger allergies in people with respiratory problems. Black molds do not produce mycotoxins, but some of them can cause allergy symptoms.
On the other hand, black toxic mold is dangerous for all living organisms. It is dark but can also feature green colors. It is commonly found in attics and other dark spaces.
Mycotoxins are chemicals present in fungal spores that get released into the air. Once humans inhale this air, their health can be in danger. Immediate treatment is required. After recovery, the elimination of it is mandatory.
It usually grows in wet and dark environments, where they need 72 hours of constant moisture. With these conditions, they can easily grow and thrive while also continuously expanding.
How long does it take to get out of your system?
Even though everyone will react differently to mold, the symptoms are fairly common and similar. They usually start with a sinus infection that won’t go away, no matter the treatment. Scientists determined that every organ and tissue of the human body can be negatively affected by mold.
That is why you must learn how to eliminate toxic mold. The recovery process can be long, and the sooner you start, the better. Recovery time varies from person to person, but an approximation can be made between 6 months to a year.
Getting it out of your system takes a lot of work and determination. The first step is always to remove yourself from the moldy environment and cease exposure to it as soon as possible.
For an ideal recovery, clean food and clean water are mandatory. Because it affects the lungs and breathing system the most, clean air is also necessary. Vitamins and supplements will boost immunity and help with faster recovery.
If you want to detox your body completely, check out this article on ways to clean out your system in 24 hours.
It can also be mistaken for other common illnesses, such as chronic fatigue or psoriasis. It is important to pay attention to any symptoms that appear and try to make a link between them. If you detect it in your environment, there is a great chance you are already infected with its pores.
In that case, you should seek a proper diagnosis from a skilled doctor. They will provide you with specific treatments and medication that will boost the immunity system.
When should you see a doctor?
Suppose you experience multiple symptoms presented above for more than a few days. In that case, you might be inclined to take over-the-counter medication and follow some home remedies. But if these symptoms do not go away after a while, you should see a doctor and tell them about your problem.
Suppose you are diagnosed with a respiratory infection like bronchitis or pneumonia. In that case, you should see a doctor as soon as the symptoms start to appear. It affects the respiratory system and can cause further damage to your lungs.
Explain your problem to the doctor even if you are unsure where the symptoms are coming from. They will also consider poisoning and give you proper treatment specific to your problems.
While your recovery is urgent, removing the mold from your home is critical and should be done as soon as possible. If you continue being exposed to it, your treatment might be ineffective.
While the symptoms do not represent a serious health risk, you should seek immediate medical attention in some cases. Get to your nearest hospital if you experience significant trouble breathing or have a high fever.
For those suffering from asthma, call 911 immediately if the asthma attack does not respond to your usual medication. Once you get to the hospital, inform the medical staff about the mold in your house so they can follow the necessary treatment for your problem.
If you notice leukocytes in urine, check out this article. Leukocytes are white blood cells. You should perform a urine test to prevent health problems.
What should you do about black mold?
You can identify black mold in your house by noticing its appearance. Look for spots or clustered growths in moist and warm rooms. Once you spot the problem, notice how the air feels. A musty smell should bother your nose, which is enough confirmation that you’re dealing with black mold.
You should also look for causes that made the black mold appear. Check for water damage, leaks, or lack of ventilation. Old food and papers will also develop fungi, so cleaning your entire house is another recommended solution.
After identifying the problem, it is time to remove it. To completely eliminate the problem, you must get to its cause and remove the mold from the source. Before you start dealing with it, make sure to wear protective gear.
Cover yourself with a:
- mask
- gloves
- and rubber boots.
This mandatory equipment will protect you, as mold can release additional spores upon removal. Suppose you are dealing with a lot of mold. In that case, you can wear disposable clothing as it is not recommended to wear the clothes after exposure.
Here’s a great level 4 disposable coverall to ensure you’re safe doing the work.
| Name | Hazmat Suits |
| Brand | Medtecs |
| Country of Origin | Cambodia |
| Feature | Biohazard Chemical Protection |
| Item Weight | 8.1 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 14.5 x 12 x 0.6 inches |
| Sizes | Small – 3XL |
Pros
- It offers a lot better protection than other coveralls.
- They’re shipped with Prime.
- Great value
- Reasonably durable
Cons
- Make sure you choose the right size on the listing.
- Some other coveralls are thicker.
- Not very breathable
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Ventilate the room by opening all the doors and windows. Continue by removing the objects from the area that has not been affected by fungi yet. Throw away the completely ruined items.
Cut and replace the damaged:
- ceiling tiles
- drywall
- and carpets.
Use specific solutions intended for fungal removal to get rid of it completely, but do not mix these solutions.
After you successfully removed the problem, take preventive measures for the future. Fix all of the water problems from your home and keep the area dry.
