What is black mold?
Black mold is a type of fungus that looks dark green or black. There are many kinds of black mold, but when most people refer to it, they’re referring to Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum). It grows and spreads on materials that contain a lot of cellulose, including paper products, wood products and drywall. Cellulose is a fiber in fruits, vegetables and other plants. It’s part of the cell wall.
Black mold needs warm temperatures and moisture to grow and spread. It commonly appears in damp or water-damaged areas of your home, such as basem*nts, showers and windows.
For most people, black mold won’t make you very sick or kill you.
Advertisem*nt
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Can black mold make you sick?
If you have mold allergies, black mold can make you sick.
Black mold produces spores, which can enter the air. Molds also produce microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which create an unpleasant “moldy” or musty smell. If you have allergies, you can have allergy symptoms from the spores or mVOCs. Allergy symptoms occur when your immune system is hypersensitive to these spores. This results in your immune system releasing chemicals that cause inflammation in your nose, eyes and lungs. Even if you don’t have allergies, you can still experience irritation from mVOCs.
If you have a weakened (compromised) immune system — for example, from immunodeficiency disorders or medications that suppress your immune system — black mold exposure can also cause a fungal infection (mycosis) in your airways or other parts of your body.
How harmful is black mold?
All types of mold can affect people who have mold allergies. However, black mold isn’t any more dangerous than any other types of mold.
How quickly can black mold affect you?
How quickly black mold affects you depends on whether you have any allergies or sensitivities to it. Your body is unique, and how you react to black mold may differ from how others respond to it.
If you’re allergic to black mold, you may have symptoms immediately after spores come in contact with your body.
If you’re not allergic to black mold, you may not have any symptoms, or your symptoms may not appear for a long time.
Who does the condition affect?
Black mold can irritate anyone, even if you don’t have mold allergies. However, the symptoms are usually worse if you:
- Have a personal or biological family history of allergies.
- Have respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Spend a lot of time around black mold, either because of work or because your home is damp and has little ventilation.
- Have a compromised immune system.
What happens if you breathe in black mold?
Breathing in black mold spores causes an allergic reaction if you have black mold allergies. An allergic reaction is your body’s response to an allergen.
If you have black mold allergies, your body responds to your first encounter with black mold spores by creating immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE are antibodies your immune system makes. Your body makes different types of IgE, which target specific kinds of allergens, including black mold. IgE antibodies bind to mast cells (histamine-containing cells) in your mucus membranes, skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract and airways. After your first exposure, the mast cells are now sensitive to black mold allergens.
The next time the mast cells encounter black mold spores, the mast cells release histamine and other chemicals. Histamine is what causes your immediate allergy symptoms. Your symptoms develop very fast — usually within seconds or minutes. The other chemicals can cause ongoing inflammation.
FAQs
Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, congestion and eye irritation. It rarely causes serious illness or death but may worsen asthma symptoms. You can't cure a black mold allergy, but a healthcare provider can diagnose it and help treat your symptoms.
What is the treatment if you have been exposed to black mold? ›
Nasal sprays or rinses.
Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal corticosteroids, like fluticasone (Flonase), reduce airway inflammation caused by mold allergies. A solution of warm, distilled water and saline can also help rinse your nasal passages of mold spores and remove congestion.
Can your body recover from black mold exposure? ›
Yes, you can recover from mold exposure. Once removed from the moldy environment and after receiving appropriate treatment, symptoms usually improve. However, prompt medical intervention is vital, as prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues or more severe health complications.
Should I go to the doctor if I have been exposed to black mold? ›
For most people, being exposed to black mold may only cause mild respiratory systems, such as a runny nose. Experts don't agree on whether it can lead to more serious issues, such as pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding in the lungs), which can be fatal.
What should I take after black mold exposure? ›
Treatment
- Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat the inflammation caused by an upper respiratory mold allergy. ...
- Antihistamines. These medications can help with itching, sneezing and runny nose. ...
- Oral decongestants. ...
- Decongestant nasal sprays. ...
- Montelukast.
However, if you are dealing with large amounts of toxic molds like Penicillium, Fusarium, Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium, your mold symptoms may come on fast and it could take several months or years for your symptoms to dissipate.
What does mold toxicity feel like? ›
Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include: Nasal and sinus congestion. Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes. Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Is black mold toxicity reversible? ›
You can't get rid of black mold allergies. However, you can help treat your symptoms. The first step in treating a black mold allergy is to avoid it. If you have a water leak, make sure someone repairs it as soon as possible.
Can you clean black mold out of your body? ›
Activated charcoal can be taken as a supplement to assist in the removal of mold from the body. Because of the adsorbent properties of activated charcoal, it quite literally traps toxins (like mycotoxins) in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so that the body doesn't reabsorb them.
How can I test myself for mold toxicity? ›
Urine mycotoxin tests are ideal for testing yourself (and your family members) for mycotoxin exposure. They're absolutely painless, totally non-invasive, and incredibly easy to use.
When left unchecked, mold can cause severe illnesses, especially in children and people with compromised immune systems. Sudden coughing, skin irritations, and difficulty breathing are potential symptoms of mold and a good reason to properly test your home.
When should you seek treatment for mold exposure? ›
It may be time to call in the experts in mold remediation if you've experienced:
- Allergy or flu-like symptoms that come when you're at home and go when you're out.
- A musty or damp smell inside your home.
- Water damage from a recent flood or plumbing leak.
- History of mold in your home.
Extensive mold in the home can become dangerous. The reason is that some species of mold produce mycotoxin, a substance that leads to headaches, problems with breathing, and even damage in the neurological system. Other symptoms may even include an annoying odor, sneezing, or a runny nose.
What foods remove mold from the body? ›
There are a number of foods that act as anti-fungals and naturally help your body combat mold. Garlic is a winner as it contains allicin, considered a natural antibiotic. Other helpful anti-fungals include onions, fish, green vegetables, soy products, shallots and leeks. These can help your body detox.
How do you feel after being exposed to black mold? ›
Black mold can look menacing, but generally is benign. The primary symptoms that could occur would be from inhaling mold, including nasal stuffiness, nasal mucus drainage, cough, and occasionally shortness of breath or wheezing in the chest.
How do doctors treat mold exposure? ›
Treating Mold Allergies or Exposure
Allergy shots and oral medications, including over-the-counter antihistamines, may be recommended or prescribed to treat mold toxicity.
Is black mold exposure an emergency? ›
For most people, black mold doesn't cause a significant illness or death. In addition, people who are immunocompromised may experience more severe symptoms. Although you can't eliminate mold allergies, treatment is available to manage your symptoms.
Can you take anything for mold exposure? ›
For immediate relief from the symptoms of mold allergies, consider over-the-counter (OTC) options such as antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids.
How to get mold out of your body? ›
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can be taken as a supplement for mold cleansing. Most people don't think about mold living in their bodies, but it can. Activated charcoal is a potent natural treatment. It traps toxins in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so the body doesn't reabsorb them.
