Black mold symptoms vary dramatically from person to person, as different species of mold produce different toxins, and each toxin can produce a variety of different symptoms. Research proves without question that sickness and disease related to black mold is a real concern. By nature, molds are everywhere, and mold spores are common place in most households and workplaces; however, when spores are present in larger quantities, they can become harmful to humans, causing symptoms related to mold allergies and respiratory problems.
Exposure to black mold does not always cause symptoms in everyone and some people are more sensitive to mold than others. When sensitive to types of molds, people may experience symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. More prone to black mold symptoms are workers exposed to large amounts of mold in occupational settings, for example, farmers working around moldy hay. More severe symptoms may include fever and shortness of breath. Immune compromised individuals, as well as individuals with chronic lung diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are at increased risk for infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.
Harmful poisons called “Mycotoxins” may be produced either before or after exposure to humans, potentially causing toxicity. Once exposed, mold continues to develop inside of you and percolate throughout your body with each passing day. The more time that passes between inhaled or ingested mold spores and proper diagnosis and black mold treatment, the more mold colonies will continue to expand and release harmful toxins into your body. As a result, black mold symptoms in humans become more severe and ultimately more harmful.
The most common, and least severe of black mold symptoms related to high levels of airborne mold spores, include: sneezing, itching skin, redness and skin irritation, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, sinus congestion and other respiratory problems, and persistent headaches. Because these symptoms of black mold are commonly caused by other various conditions, such as flu, cold, or seasonal allergies, the attribution to black mold can often be difficult to diagnose.
The amount of time exposed to a mold contaminated environment is typically proportional to the severity and permanence of black mold health risks for humans. More severe symptoms of black mold include: constant headaches, nose bleeds, fatigue, breathing disorders, coughing up blood or debris, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, hair loss, skin rashes, open sores on the skin, short-term memory loss, neurological and nervous disorders, sexual dysfunction, swollen glands, sudden asthma attacks or breathing disorders, ear infections and pain, chronic sinus infections, chronic bronchitis, and joint and muscle pains.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, there are other less common, but more severe symptoms of black mold, such as: feelings of anxiety or depression, panic attacks, hearing loss, loss of vision (blindness), long-term memory loss, infertility and miscarriage, brain damage, Fibromyalgia, bleeding from the lungs, cancer, heart attack, developmental delays, jaundice, tremors, rectal bleeding, stomach ulcers, destruction of brain tissue and in even death in the most extreme cases. It is important to remember that there are thousands of different species of mold that can cause a wide range of black mold symptoms in humans, and these symptoms vary dramatically from person to person. Because of this, it is always best to consult with a doctor or physician when any of the above symptoms are noticed.