Mold growth is very common in homes, offices, schools and other buildings. It thrives in damp, warm environments where there is excess moisture present. While most types of mold are not harmful, some molds can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins that can cause health issues when inhaled or ingested.
What is the difference between regular mold and toxic mold?
The main difference between regular mold and toxic mold is that toxic molds produce mycotoxins that can cause health issues. Regular mold may cause allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals, but it does not produce toxins. Some examples of toxic mold include:
- Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as black mold)
- Aspergillus
- Penicillium
- Memnoniella
- Alternaria
These molds produce different types of mycotoxins that can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. Long-term exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can suppress the immune system and even be fatal in extreme cases.
How to identify toxic mold
It can be difficult to identify toxic mold just by visual examination. Here are some signs that may indicate the presence of toxic mold in a building:
- Musty, earthy odor
- Discolored patches or cotton-like/fuzzy growth on walls, ceiling, wood, paper or insulation
- Damage caused by moisture or water leaks
- Presence of mold on household goods, clothes, stuffed toys
However, the only way to confirm the presence of toxic mold is to have a sample analyzed by a professional mold testing laboratory. They can identify the exact species present and determine if it is producing dangerous mycotoxins.
Signs of a toxic mold problem
In addition to visual signs, toxic mold can cause a range of health issues when inhaled or ingested over time. Here are some possible signs of a toxic mold problem:
- Repeated respiratory symptoms like wheezing, sinus congestion, sore throat
- Recurring headaches, fatigue, nausea
- Eye and skin irritation
- Aggravated asthma symptoms
- Suppressed immune system, frequent colds/flu
These symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually over time after repeated exposure. Babies, young children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable to the effects of toxic mold.
How to test for toxic mold
Specialized tests are required to identify toxic mold definitively. These include:
- Air sampling: Small air samples are collected and analyzed in a lab to identify mold spores present.
- Surface sampling: tape or swab samples are taken from visibly affected areas to identify mold growth.
- Bulk sampling: small pieces of building materials are taken to allow culturing of mold present on them.
- Mycotoxin testing: Urine, blood or saliva samples can be analyzed for the presence of mycotoxins.
Professional mold inspectors or indoor air quality specialists can conduct these tests. Air sampling works best to reveal hidden mold problems in a building.
DIY mold testing limitations
Home mold test kits sold at hardware stores have some limitations:
- They only measure overall mold levels, not specific types.
- Results may not be very accurate.
- They do not test for the presence of mycotoxins.
- Samples may get contaminated and skew results.
Therefore, while DIY kits can indicate a possible larger mold issue, professional testing is recommended for accurate identification of toxic mold.
How to prevent toxic mold growth
The key to controlling toxic mold is moisture control. Here are some tips to prevent mold growth in buildings:
- Fix any water leaks, moisture damage promptly.
- Maintain humidity levels between 30-50%.
- Use exhaust fans, open windows to improve ventilation.
- Clean and dry wet spots within 24-48 hours.
- Clean bathroom/kitchen areas regularly to control moisture.
- Avoid carpet in damp areas, use tile instead.
- Check appliances like AC units for condensation buildup.
With vigilance and moisture control, most toxic mold growth can be prevented.
How to remove toxic mold safely
Trying to remove large amounts of toxic mold on your own is not recommended as it can release spores into the air. For minor visible mold growth on non-porous surfaces like glass, metal, tiles, you can follow these safety precautions for self-remediation:
- Protect yourself by wearing an N95 respirator mask, goggles, gloves.
- Isolate affected room by sealing vents, doors with plastic sheets.
- Use a pump sprayer to apply conc. bleach solution to disinfect surface.
- Clean with non-ammonia detergent and water, allow to dry fully.
- HEPA vacuum area thoroughly, dispose vacuum bag carefully.
- Consider hiring a professional for cleanup if mold growth is extensive.
Porous materials like drywall, carpets, insulation harboring toxic mold are very difficult to clean thoroughly and are best removed and replaced.
Professional mold remediation process
For large toxic mold problems, a professional mold remediation contractor should be hired. They will follow industry guidelines to clean up toxic mold safely:
- Conduct detailed inspection to identify all affected areas.
- Estimate the extent of contamination and develop a remediation plan.
- Isolate the work area with plastic sheeting to prevent spore spread.
- Use specialized HEPA vacuum and air scrubbing equipment.
- Remove contaminated porous materials properly.
- Treat non-porous surfaces with biocide or fungicide solution.
- Use air clearance testing to ensure mold levels are back to normal post clean-up.
- Coordinate any repairs to fix moisture issues.
Following structured remediation protocols ensures a building is thoroughly decontaminated of toxic mold.
Toxic mold exposure symptoms
Toxic molds release various mycotoxins that can cause adverse health effects when inhaled over time. Some common symptoms include:
| Body System Affected | Possible Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Respiratory | Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, aggravated asthma |
| Neurological | Headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue |
| Immune system | Frequent colds and flu, chronic infections |
| Skin, eyes, nose | Itching, rashes, burning or watery eyes, sinus congestion |
Symptoms may appear immediately or develop gradually over months/years of repeated exposure. Young kids and people with existing illnesses can be more quickly affected.
When to seek medical help
You should consult a doctor promptly if you experience any persistent symptoms that you suspect may be linked to toxic mold exposure, such as:
- Breathing difficulties, chest tightness
- Flu-like feeling, chronic fatigue
- Frequent headaches, impaired concentration
- Rashes, irritated eyes
- Repeated infections
A doctor can check for any lung/respiratory issues using exams and imaging tests. Allergies may be evaluated using skin prick or blood tests. Treatment may involve medications, avoiding further exposure to mold, and getting mold remediation done at home/work.
Risk factors for toxic mold illness
Certain factors can increase your risk of getting sick from exposure to mycotoxins released by toxic molds:
- Living or working in a water-damaged building with hidden mold growth
- Having an occupational exposure, e.g. construction, farming
- Having a compromised immune system
- Being very young, elderly or pregnant
- Having existing lung disease like asthma
- Having chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer
Genetic factors may also play a role in sensitivity to mold toxins. It is important to minimize exposure for vulnerable individuals.
Conclusion
While regular mold can cause allergy-like symptoms in some people, toxic molds can lead to more severe, chronic illness when mycotoxins accumulate in the body. Get a professional mold inspection done if you see signs of a hidden mold problem at home or work. Correcting moisture issues combined with proper remediation can successfully decontaminate a toxic mold contaminated building and protect health.