Black mold can cause allergic reactions, lung or skin infections, and mycotoxin toxicity. It is an allergen that can trigger symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and hives. In severe cases, it can cause breathing difficulties and asthma attacks. Mycotoxin toxicity is rare but can cause neural damage and be fatal. Black mold should be eliminated quickly, especially in homes with young children.
While mold is a natural fungus, there are some health risks of black mold that vary in severity. In a portion of the world’s population, black mold can cause an allergic reaction. This reaction can be as minor as itchy, watery eyes, or as dangerous as being unable to breathe. There are other health risks of black mold as well, including a fungal infection of the lungs or skin and mycotoxin toxicity.
Black mold is considered an allergen. For those who are sensitive to it, black mold can throw the immune system into overdrive, causing an allergic reaction. Symptoms of a black mold allergy include itchy eyes, sneezing, sore throat, and hives. In severe cases, black mold can cause allergy sufferers to close the airways, requiring medical intervention to reduce swelling and regulate breathing. For some asthma sufferers, black mold can sometimes trigger an asthma attack. Antihistamines, inhalers, and epinephrine can be used to prevent, control, and treat these types of black mold health risks.
In some cases, black mold can cause a lung or skin infection if mold spores are inhaled. Because black mold is a fungus, some types can cause an infection in some people, especially those with immune disorders. The most common type of infection is known as aspergillosis; its name comes from the name of the mold that causes it: aspergillus. Symptoms of a fungal infection in the lungs include severe chest pains and wheezing. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the skin, brain, heart and kidneys and may require hospitalization. If caught early enough, the infection can be treated with oral medications.
One of the most serious health risks of black mold is mycotoxin toxicity. Black mold, in certain stages of growth, gives off a toxin known as mycotoxin. In reality, however, the development of mycotoxin toxicity is rare. In most cases, even the worst cases of house mold won’t cause this problem. Abnormally large amounts of black mold must be present and a person must be exposed to it for months, if not years, to develop this health problem. If mycotoxin toxicity develops, it is one of the most dangerous health risks of black mold. More often than not, some form of neural damage is to be expected; if not treated promptly, it can be fatal.
For most people, exposure to black mold is nothing but an irritant. However, this fungus can be toxic and exposure to black mold should be limited or avoided altogether. In the home, especially if young children are present, black mold should be eliminated as quickly as possible, and if there is a large amount of mold, a professional should be contacted for removal instructions or services.
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