Toxic mold, more commonly known as black mold, is responsible for causing a range of issues in a person’s health and lifestyle. Made up of mycotoxins, black mold can cause headaches, changes in mood, nosebleeds, pain, and even memory loss. Black mold does so by releasing spores of mycotoxins into the air which we humans breathe in, leading to such health complications.
The infection of these spores is referred to as mycotoxicosis and is common in places where it’s hot and humid. If you’re based in Houston, you must have seen black splotches on the wall of the bathroom or kitchen. If you see such signs, then you’re going to be dealing with a mold infestation.
This article will examine these health complications in more detail, with an aim at educating you and giving you reason to carry out an inspection if necessary.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS
The most common health complication seen with black mold is allergic reactions. Coughing, watery eyes, runny nose, infected throats, skin reactions, wheezing, sinusitis, and even asthma are some of the symptoms associated with allergic reactions. Black mold can be a nightmare for people who already have sensitive allergies, but even a normal man will fall victim ro an allergic reaction to black mold.
The allergic reaction can be so severe that studies have shown that black mold can cause development of asthma in children who have been exposed to black mold. More than 30 different types of fungus were examined in the study, including black mold, and the findings on the matter were conclusive.
As such, one should take care and address any black mold infestation immediately otherwise they run the risk of developing breathing problems and respiratory complications.
INFECTION
Being exposed to any external element for prolonged periods will cause some form of reaction in the human body. With prolonged exposure to black mold, fungal infections can be a real risk and while a strong immune system could fight the infection, the risk of developing an infection is exponentially increased in old people and children.
TIPS TO PREVENT A MOLD INFESTATION
In light of the above, it would be best if you adhere to the following tips to prevent an infestation of black mold in your home or office. The most important factor to help fight black mold is humidity. If you keep the humidity low inside your home or office, the chances of mold infestation are significantly reduced. Anything below the 50% mark would be ideal if you’re looking to prevent an infestation. Make sure there is cross ventilation and if you need to dry clothes, then do so outside on a drying line.
If you spill water or there is a leakage inside your house, dry it up right away or as fast as possible and do so thoroughly. If you have carpets in your home or office and the flooding is intense, it would be best to remove the carpet and have it reattached after it’s been dried out in the sun. For added measure, use cleaning products that specifically kill mold.
