The Effects of Breathing in Black Mold

Mold Toxicity

Molds generally are harmless to humans unless they produce mycotoxins. Certain species of black-colored molds -- such as Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys atra -- are known to produce mycotoxins under the right conditions. Any mold growth you discover in your home should be removed at once, but if that mold growth is black or greenish black in color, the chances are higher that this particular species of mold growth is a mycotoxic variety and will need to be controlled before it threatens the health of the home's occupants.

Early symptoms of black mold inhalation mirror those of inhaling any mold, namely flu-like or cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes and difficulty breathing. But if the black mold is toxic, these symptoms will increase in severity as will the strain on your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to other medical conditions. If left untreated, toxic mold exposure can be fatal. Again, whether the mold in your home is black or any other color, it is always best to err on the side of caution by removing it at once.

Luckily, there are numerous household and commercially available methods for removing mold from the home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a bleach and water solution to remove the mold. Alternatively, you can use borate or borax powder in addition with a common household disinfectant. The most important part of the cleanup, however, is to remove the source of moisture that enabled the mold growth in the first place. Mold spores can only form mold colonies when they find a moist environment on which to land, so any leaking plumbing, ceilings, air-conditioning systems or any other sources of extra moisture should be repaired right away to remove the excess moisture.

The effect of inhalation of toxic black mold in humans is the subject of ongoing research and is not completely understood. If you discover a mold colony in your home, anyone experiencing flu-like or cold-like symptoms should seek medical attention. Inform the doctor of the presence of the possibly toxic mold in your home.