Mold is a fungus which spreads through airborne spores. Mold can and does grow anywhere, though it prefers moist, dark places. Most of the time, mold is merely a nuisance; though if left unchecked it can cause structural damage to affected areas. Black mold is one of the more common molds, but some types of black mold are more than an eyesore.

There are varieties of black mold which are toxic and can cause a range of health problems. Since black mold can sometimes grow in areas where it’s difficult to see it happen, everyone should be aware of the common black mold symptoms. If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should thoroughly inspect your home for this potentially harmful fungal infestation.

Some of the black mold symptoms most often seen in people exposed to this toxic fungus include:
• Headaches
• Red eyes
• Coughing and difficulty breathing
• Asthma (with chronic exposure)
• Nose and throat irritation
• Bleeding in the lungs and bronchial tubes (rare)
• Skin rashes or hives
• Changes in blood pressure
• Visceral pain due to liver or kidney damage
• Urinary tract infections
• Digestive problems
• Nausea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Infertility (with chronic exposure to high levels of black mold)

The most serious black mold symptoms are relatively rare, usually occurring in cases of especially severe and/or prolonged exposure to black mold. People experiencing these symptoms should check their homes for visual signs of black mold growth and the characteristic musty odor of mold. A professional inspection and mold removal may be necessary if mold is causing health problems and the growth cannot be located or removed by the homeowner.

One thing which should be taken care of at once if you suspect that you or someone in your household is being harmed by black mold is to check your entire home for any standing water or leaks which may be providing black mold the humid environment it needs to grow. Standing water should be mopped up or drained and any areas of the home which are especially humid (such as bathrooms and laundry rooms) should be made drier with a dehumidifier.

Without moisture, black mold can’t continue to grow; preventing excess humidity and removing standing water is a good preventative measure to keep mold from gaining a foothold in your home.

If you do see black mold growing in your home, it can often be removed by thoroughly cleaning the affected area with bleach and water. Soap or detergent can be used in addition, as long as this product does not contain ammonia – which should never be mixed with bleach. If the mold growth goes deeper than the surface or is extensive, you may want to get professional help from a mold removal specialist to eliminate the problem. Black mold can become a serious health hazard, so exercise preventative measures and take action at once if someone in your home experiences the symptoms of black mold poisoning.