As parents, we all share the same goal of keeping our children safe and healthy. To achieve this, we do everything we can to ensure that our homes are free of harmful contaminants that can compromise our family’s well-being. Unfortunately, one contaminant that grows easily and frequently spreads undetected is black mold. This mold can expose your children to allergic reactions or symptoms of toxicity that can affect their vital functions. In this article, we discuss the symptoms of black mold exposure in your home and how to protect your family from its effects.
What is Black Mold – How, Why and Where Does it Grow?
Also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, black mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments and can reproduce quickly if not detected and controlled in a timely manner.
A black mold infestation can occur in any area of the home where moisture or water is present, such as basements , bathrooms, and kitchens. One area that is often overlooked is the attic. Because they are highly vulnerable to water damage, moisture buildup, or poor ventilation, attics are prime locations for black mold to grow and thrive.
Health Risks Associated with Exposure to Black Mold
Wondering if black mold can make you sick? The answer is yes, black mold can make you sick. So it’s important to be aware of the health issues that can result from acute or early exposure to black mold.
Here are some of the major health risks to your family, especially young children:
- Worsening of pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma.
- Development of asthma in children.
- Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, brain fog, and insomnia may appear or worsen.
- Mycotoxicosis, also known as mold poisoning.
- Fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Development of chronic inflammatory response syndrome, fibromyalgia, mast cell activation disorder, histamine intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut and multiple sclerosis.
Symptoms of Black Mold Exposure – Who is at Risk?
It is important to note that black mold symptoms are diverse and unique to each individual. While some people only experience symptoms related to allergies and irritations, more vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, may experience more severe and prolonged symptoms due to exposure to black mold.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is possible that it is due to exposure to black mold:
- Respiratory symptoms – Sore throat, congestion, sinusitis, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, dry or prolonged cough
- Visual symptoms – Sensitivity to light, blurred vision, red eyes, watery eyes
- Neurological symptoms – Mood swings, memory loss, headaches, stabbing pain, difficulty concentrating, trouble remembering words, confusion, disorientation, dizziness
- Physical Symptoms – Body aches, muscle cramps, weakness, rashes, nosebleeds, abdominal pain, stiffness, sweating, tingling, fatigue
How to Test Your Home for Black Mold Exposure
The best way to detect if you have a mold problem is to get tested and test your home. Getting tested for mold exposure may involve a skin prick allergy test performed by a doctor or a blood test at your local lab. These tests can help determine if you have an allergic reaction to mold and how severe your reaction may be.
While testing for mold in your home can be done with an over-the-counter test kit, be aware that these tests can give false results. If you are truly concerned about your health and that of your loved ones, it is highly recommended that you contact a trained mold detection expert. They will be able to answer your questions and perform a professional air quality test to confirm the presence of mold in your home.
In summary
Black mold poses a significant health and safety risk to your family, as it can cause everything from a sore throat to abdominal pain. Knowing the signs to look for, getting tested, and being proactive in combating an infestation can protect your children’s health and ensure a healthy living environment for years to come.
Mold remediation is essential to restoring safety and comfort to your home. A good certified mold remediation professional will walk you through the process, from assessing the infestation to conducting a final air quality test. They should also identify the sources of moisture in your home that are causing mold so you can address it as quickly as possible and keep you and your family breathing safely.
Trust Steri Mobile to protect your family
At Steri Mobile, we understand how frightening it can be to discover mold in your home, especially if you have young children. Our team of experts is here to answer all of your questions regarding black mold and help you eliminate it from your home for good. Don’t hesitate to contact us to take advantage of our professional mold detection and remediation services .