What happens if exposed to mold

Bleach can eliminate mold on nonporous surfaces, like countertops and bathtubs. It can't get to the root of mold and remove it entirely from porous…. Gentian violet for thrush is an old remedy gaining new popularity, but there are potential dangers as well. Learn about it here. The length of time it takes for mold to cause symptoms varies greatly.

The side effects can be immediate, delayed, or nonexistent. Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the mouth. Oral thrush is usually treated with antifungal medications, but home remedies can…. Health experts are expressing concerns over the spread of the drug-resistant Candida auris fungus in some hospital and healthcare facilities. You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean mold off some surfaces in your home. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. How are we exposed to mold?

Underlying health conditions and mold sensitivity. What are the symptoms of mold exposure? When to seek medical help. How best to remove mold from your home. Key takeaways. Read this next. Show references Mold allergy. Accessed Feb. Mold allergy.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home. Environmental Protection Agency. DeShazo RD, et al. Pharmacotherapy of allergic rhinitis. Ahasic AM, et al. Building-related illness and building-related symptoms. Basic facts about mold and dampness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sultesz M, et al.

In fact, trichothecenes have been investigated for the purpose of biological warfare Zajtchuk, ; needless to say, they are not something to which you want to be exposed. Regardless of the species of mold in question, symptoms of a mold allergy can appear very similar, especially when looking at many individuals.

So if you see black-colored mold or some with a greenish tint, as Stachybotrys can also appear this color and experience allergic symptoms, it could be Stachybotrys , or it could be another species of mold.

That said, the same person can react differently to different molds. For example, one person may have severe dry eyes in response to a Cladosporium exposure, while Aspergillus exposure may cause wheezing and asthma-like symptoms. For those people who are sensitive to mold, the CDC lists the following symptoms that mold in general not specific to black mold may cause:.

For people with mold allergies or asthma, exposure to any kind of mold may cause more severe reactions like:. The CDC also describes who is more likely to get mold infections. People who are more likely to get serious mold infections in their lungs when exposed to any kind of mold may include:. Moreover, there are many modifying factors that can increase or decrease your reactivity to mold, which may include:.

Black mold exposure may often present with your typical allergic complaints that are listed above. However, one must be mindful that other non-allergic, mold-related illnesses exist and may present similarly to a mold allergy, but often with more seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Research Kilburn has found that people who have been exposed to mixed mold, mold spores and mycotoxins have experienced neurological and behavioral symptoms. These symptoms have been corroborated by other studies like Gordon et al. As mentioned, Stachybotr ys can look black or green so color is an unreliable identifier. If you suspect mold exposure and cannot see visible growth, consider hiring a reputable company to complete a mold inspection.

In general, a good IEP will bring plenty of equipment along with them to their site visit, including a particle counter, a hygrometer and a thermal imaging camera. Typically, you should expect them to identify areas of increased humidity along with thermal variations. Please know that a visual inspection is not enough, as water damage and thus mold, can exist in walls and in hidden areas. The key to preventing Stachybotrys growth is to control humidity.

Be advised that different humidity levels are applicable to different times of the year and different climates. In general, a dehumidifier can be used to maintain appropriate humidity levels within the home. Be mindful of energy usage, as older models of dehumidifiers can cause large spikes in your electric bill. If you choose to use a dehumidifier, make sure to empty it regularly.

One cannot forget that mold requires a medium for growth. Inside your home you can control mold growth by: Controlling humidity levels; Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes; Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding; Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.

Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months. Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture. How do you get the molds out of buildings, including homes, schools, and places of employment?

Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold: Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.

Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes. Open windows and doors to provide fresh air. Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear. Small areas such as a shower, or an area the size of a door can often be cleaned by residents, but larger areas might need more professional help. Are there any circumstances where people should vacate a home or other building because of mold?

I found mold growing in my home; how do I test the mold? A qualified environmental lab took samples of the mold in my home and gave me the results.

Can CDC interpret these results? Should I be concerned about a serious health risk to me and my family? There is always a little mold everywhere — in the air and on many surfaces. Quick Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.