Toxic mold can cause severe health problems, and thanks to news reports many homeowners are becoming aware of the health risks that these molds pose to anyone who lives in a home contaminated with these mold types. Toxic mold is not actually toxic, instead these molds release toxins to protect themselves, and when humans come into contact with these toxins health problems from allergies to organ failure and/or death can occur, depending on your age, health, and the amount of exposure to the toxic mold. The toxic mold most responsible for the media attention and all the reports is the strain Stachybotrys, which is considered one of the most dangerous toxic molds around. This mold is always black, and thrives in areas that are damp, dark, and fosters slow growing fungi. Stachybotrys mold grows very slowly, and loves to hide in wall spaces and other areas where moisture from a roof leak or dripping pipe is not noticeable.
Stachybotrys is not the only toxic mold, and not all molds which are black are harmful. In addition, some toxic molds are not black, but are another color instead. Stachybotrys is not the only toxic mold around either, there is also Aspergillus, Penicillium, and others that can be just as bad. When the tomb of King Tut was opened, and many of the workers who entered the tomb came into contact with a dense cloud and thick layers of dust and mold, the people started dying from diseases usually not seen. This started the story of the curse on the tomb, but the fact is that the mold particles and spores which were touched, ingested, and inhaled were to blame for the deaths, and not any curse. Toxic molds have been around as long as the earth has, and the mycotoxins released by these molds is to blame for the illnesses and other health problems suffered when people are exposed or come into contact with these molds.
Toxic molds can grow indoors or outdoors, and they can contaminate your home without you even being aware that they are there. Unfortunately, many people only find out that their home is contaminated with toxic molds when they or their family starts to show symptoms of mold related health problems. Home mold inspection and mold testing should be done if you are planning to buy a new home, or if you are concerned about mold contamination in your current home. Toxic molds can be detected in several ways, and mold testing should be done by a certified mold inspector if you do not use a home mold testing kit, or if the result of the home mold test shows a reason to suspect mold contamination.
There are many types of mold that are toxic, and the health effects from these molds can range widely. If you or anyone else in your home shows any symptoms of mold exposure, including skin rashes, upset stomach, headaches, pneumonitis, upper respiratory problems, asthma, sinusitis, dry cough, nosebleeds with no medical cause, or disorientation, seek medical attention right away. Some individuals are more susceptible to the effects of toxic molds then others, and children, infants, the elderly, and anyone else who does not have a strong and healthy immune system should be removed from any home immediately if toxic mold contamination is suspected or found. Some toxic molds release toxins that have been proven to cause cancer over extended time periods, and if the exposure to mycotoxins occurs long enough or in cases where the toxic mold contamination is severe, organ failure including the kidneys, liver, and heart can occur, internal bleeding can start, and pulmonary emphysema can result, among other severe health problems including death.
It is a good idea to test your home for toxic mold, and do not ignore maintenance or leaks and plumbing problems. If members of your family start exhibiting symptoms of health problems, see a doctor and determine if mold can be the cause. Visually inspect your home routinely to locate any water, moisture, or humidity problems, and correct any problems right away. Olympian offers quality home mold testing kits that can be ordered all across the country, and they also offer certified mold inspections and testing as well. If mold is detected in your home and it is toxic mold or even mold that can cause allergies, mold remediation will need to be done. Olympian can help you determine the available options to test for, detect, identify, and solve your toxic mold problems safely and efficiently.
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