What are the Symptoms of Toxic Black Mold Exposure?

Mold spores are virtually everywhere and they often go unnoticed. But in the case of “black mold” there can be health effects ranging from mildly irritating to severely disrupting – especially for infants, the elderly, and the roughly one quarter of the population that has a genetic predisposition to mold-related illness.

What is toxic mold?

Black mould buildup in the corner of an old house

The term “toxic mold” refers to several types of mold that are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins. There are several types of toxic black mold. Among the most significant of these is stachybotrys chartarum which is greenish-black in color. It is often found in water-damaged buildings, as it proliferates on items that have high cellulose content.

Surfaces like wood, drywall, fiberboard, and paper that are exposed to moisture are ideal breeding grounds for this black mold.

Toxic mold is most dangerous when it is airborne. Possibly due to seeming advances in modern building technology, there has been a rise in cases of toxic mold exposure traced back to industrial and medical heating and cooling units, which can vaporize the mold spores and lead to an increased risk of infections and complications.

How toxic mold leads to toxic mold syndrome

Some people naturally filter out mycotoxins secreted by toxic mold. But for other individuals, including a significant portion of the population (estimated at about 24%) who have a genetic condition where mold spores are not safely filtered. In these individuals, black mold can provoke allergies, asthma, inflammation, and immune system disruption. This can result in skin rashes, respiratory distress, and even neurological problems that can be mistaken for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Symptoms of toxic mold syndrome

Anyone who has spent time in a water-damaged building, a hospital, or an industrial building, and has experienced the following symptoms should consider visiting a doctor to determine whether mold exposure is to blame:

  • Sudden onset of asthma or other respiratory problems like sinus congestion
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Joint pain or morning stiffness
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Increased urination or increased thirst
  • Trouble regulating body temperature
  • Unusual tingling or numbness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • More severe than typical shocks from static electricity

Eligibility to file toxic mold lawsuits

For those who have suffered a mold-related injury, it may be possible to file a toxic mold lawsuit. After seeking treatment from a physician, is important to gather necessary information regarding the type of injuries experienced, the suspected type of mold at issue, and the probable exposure site.

If you or a loved one have experienced a toxic mold injury, contact Chaffin Luhana today at 1-888-480-1123

Additional toxic mold resources:

  1. Healthline, Black Mold Spores and More, https://www.healthline.com/health/black-mold-exposure
  2. Surviving Mold, Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome – CIRS, https://www.survivingmold.com/docs/KJohnson_CIRS_ESSAY.PDF
  3. NCBI, Indoor Mold, Toxigenic Fungi, and Stachybotrys chartarum: Infectious Disease