Black mold, also known as toxic mold, can exist in homes and offices without the occupants of the structure being aware of its presence. For some individuals exposure to toxic mold can cause symptoms ranging from mild to extreme and in the worst cases individuals may actually develop a chronic illness know as Toxic Mold Syndrome. It is important that individuals be aware of the symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome as well as know what to look for if they suspect that a home or office is growing black mold.
What is Toxic Mold?
While all homes have some degree of harmless mold growth, problems can occur when the type of mold that is growing produces toxic spores that can be inhaled and cause health problems. Toxic mold can be found growing in areas that have been exposed to water. Toxic mold can be the result of a flood in the home, plumbing problems or leaks that allow moisture to get into the walls, or even bathrooms that are not well ventilated. It is often found in the walls and may not be noticed by an individual until the mold begins to seep through walls and ceilings leaving black splotchy growth visible.
Symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome
The symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome are varied and can mimic other problems. Doctors are often baffled by patients' symptoms that do not seem connected yet begin appearing around the same time. Patients with a combination of any of the following symptoms should ask their doctor whether they might have Toxic Mold Syndrome:
- Unusual memory loss
- Anxiety that appears for no reason and has never been a problem before
- Sudden onset of mental health problems such as personality disorder
- Nosebleeds in a person who is not prone to them
- Breathing difficulties
- Pain in the abdomen
- Unexplained hair loss
- Rashes
- Unexplained tiredness
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Unusual headaches
- Mood instability
- Pain in arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Unexplained cough
- Frequent sore throat
- Frequent sinus problems
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Unexplained aches and pains throughout the body
Treatment for Toxic Mold Syndrome
The best way to eliminate or reduce the symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome is to get away from the mold. If the problem is in an individual's home he will have to contact a specialist to have it removed. If the problem is beyond fixing he may have to move. If the problem is in the workplace an employee needs to speak with their employer about remedying it, and if that does not work she should call her local health department and make them aware of the unresolved issue.
Depending on the damage done to the respiratory tract by the mold, further medical intervention may be needed to treat the resulting disorders or problems. Toxic Mold Syndrome Symptoms will not disappear overnight and it can take months for the toxins that an individual has been breathing in to exit the body.
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