While molds have been known to cause severe health problems, the facts are that mold is very common in the home, especially in humid environments.  There are a wide number of molds found in the home, and while some are dangerous, others are safe.  Below is a listing of the common mold types you would expect to find in the home:

Penicillium

This is one of the most common mold types found in homes.  Some humans are allergic to this mold and it can cause a wide variety of symptoms when it is present.  It lives on food and decaying food as well as in the soil.  It is also found in air conditioning and heating ducts.  Spores are spread throughout your home whenever the air conditioning or heat is running.

Stachybotrys

The Stachybotrys mold is the one most commonly referred to as toxic black mold and it is known to have a wide variety of harmful effects.  It can be recognized by its slimy black appearance.  The most common symptoms of toxic black mold exposure include sinus and respiratory problems, neurological problems, headaches and eye irritation.  It has also been known to cause lung hemorrhaging in infants as well as liver and lung cancer.  It is most commonly found under ceilings and behind walls, making it difficult to known if toxic black mold is present in your home.

Memnoniella

This type of mold typically grows on wood, paper or cotton and can often be found alongside the Stachybotrys mold.  It is capable of producing toxins and can be harmful to both humans and animals living in homes where it is present.

Cladosporium

This is another common home mold.  It is recognizable by its dark green or black color and powdery  appearance.  It is most commonly found in fiberglass ductwork, on food or dead plants, and growing on paint.  The most common allergic reactions to this mold type are skin rashes and asthma like symptoms.

Alternaria

Alternaria is an allergenic mold similar to Penicillium.  It is typically found on plants and in the soil.  Allergic reactions to Alternaria exposure range from hay fever like symptoms to asthma like symptoms.

Mucor

Mucor is typically found in soil and in animal feces.  This makes it especially prevalent in homes with pets.  It has also been known to grow rapidly in household dust.  It produces toxins that can be especially dangerous to those with weak immune systems and causes lung infections easily in this type of person.

These are 6 of the most common mold types found in homes.  Of the 6, the Stachybotrys, or toxic black mold, is the most dangerous and any homeowner who suspects a toxic black mold growth should take steps to contact a professional black mold removal company immediately for their own safety and protection as well as that of their family.

Molds are quite common and will grow in any building where there is moisture present, including your home.  The most common types of mold found in homes are the Penicillium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus.  The most troubling mold however is the Stachybotrys chartarum, which is also known as toxic black mold.  There is no precise information available regarding the frequency of this mold in homes, and while it is not as common as the other 4 molds mentioned, it is also not rare.  It causes black mold toxic symptoms though, and should therefore be taken very seriously by every homeowner.

In truth, the term black toxic mold is not completely accurate.  The Stachybotrys mold itself is harmless, however it produces a mycotoxin that is harmful to humans.  While there are always molds present in the home, the toxins produced by black mold should be considered especially concerning.  There have been reports that black mold toxic symptoms can include pulmonary hemorrhages, memory loss, and cancer of the liver and lungs.  These reports are rare, but we believe in the axiom that it is better to be safe than sorry.

The Institute of Medicine determined in 2004 that there was enough evidence to link exposure to black mold with coughing and wheezing in otherwise healthy individuals, upper respiratory infections, and asthma symptoms in those with asthma.  In addition, they found that people who have weak or compromised immune systems are susceptible to contracting infections when exposed to toxic black mold and that there appears to be a link between respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children when they are exposed to indoor black mold.

Furthermore, in 2009 the World Health Organization released guidelines regarding air quality in the home in respect to molds.  Several other research studies have linked the development of asthma in children with black mold exposure, especially among children who have a genetic predisposition to asthma.  It was also found that by ridding the house of black mold the incidence of asthma and respiratory ailments declines.

All of this suggests that mold contamination within the home should be taken seriously, especially in the case of toxic black mold.  Common mold toxic symptoms include hay fever like symptoms, constant respiratory and sinus problems, and even difficulty breathing.  Those who have weak or compromised immune function are particularly at risk; this includes the elderly and small children.  If you or your family members have any similar symptoms a qualified technician should investigate your home for the presence of toxic black mold.  Mold prevention techniques should also be used to avoid a mold problem.

Any warm moist place is a suitable place for mold to grow.  Typically these molds appear as dark green or black spots, but they can also be while, yellow and pink.  A particularly concerning type of mold is the toxic black mold or Stachybotrys mold.  This mold is known to be toxic to humans and the side effects of mold can be disastrous for some.

In those who are sensitive to black mold the side effects can be wide ranging.  Because this mold can grow any where there is sufficient moisture, it commonly occurs in households.  And because it most typically grows behind walls, above ceilings, and under carpets it can be difficult to know when an illness is actually one of the side effects of mold growing in your home.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who have weak or compromised immune systems, asthma and respiratory conditions are especially at risk.

Some of the side effects of mold exposure include a persistent cough or sinus problems, headaches, skin rashes, watery/itchy eyes, and irritation in the nose and throat.  Those who are very sensitive to the mold mycotoxins and those with asthma or other breathing conditions can experience wheezing and extreme shortness of breath.  In addition, fungal infections are possible including those that require surgery.  The severity of symptoms will depend on your sensitivity to the black mold, the length of time you have been exposed to the mild spores, and the degree to which you have been exposed.  There have been documented cases of lung hemorrhage and memory loss from exposure to toxic black mold, so it is not something that should be taken lightly.

A mold allergy can be diagnosed by a physician through simple blood tests or skin prick tests.  Of course another method to determine if your symptoms are due to mold side effects is to have a qualified technician examine your home for the presence of toxic black mold.

Because molds are everywhere it is impossible to avoid all exposure to mold spores.  This isnt necessary in any case, as most mold spores are not harmful or at worst are mildly allergenic.  It is primarily the toxic black mold that you should be concerned with as the spores and mycotoxins of this mold can be especially dangerous.  Recommendations for avoiding the growth of mold in your home include keeping the humidity between 40 and 60 percent, using an air conditioner during humid times, and running a dehumidifier to minimize the amount of moisture in your homes air.  It is also wise to have ductwork cleaned regularly and to have your home inspected for black mold immediately if you or a family member is experiencing any of the known side effects of mold.

Wherever we may be, there are almost always some type of mold spores circulating in the air.  Mold is especially drawn to moisture, and when it finds a nice moist environment it will reproduce and grow rapidly.  As it grows it releases spores, which are like mold seeds, which help the mold to spread further.  While the vast majority of molds are safe, there is one mold in particular that can cause illness and even death in humans.  That is the black mold namedStachybotrys chartarum, and when it grows in your home you are subject to a number of potentially deadly symptoms of mold sickness.

Symptoms of Mold Sickness: Infections

Those who have weak or compromised immune systems are at the most danger of developing infections from black mold spore exposure.  Respiratory and sinus infections are the most common, with signs such as chronic cough, runny nose and sinus problems, and burning or itchy eyes being some of the symptoms of mold sickness.  Skin rashes and yeast infections can also be a sign of infection due to black mold exposure.

Symptoms of Mold Sickness: Respiratory Problems

In many cases, the symptoms of mold sickness can mimic those associated with asthma.  Depending on the sensitivity of the person to the black mold spores, these symptoms can be immediate or they can appear at a later time.  Those who are already affected by asthma may find their asthma symptoms become worse when exposed to black mold.  If symptoms such as difficulty breathing or catching your breath develop suddenly, the home should be checked for the presence of black mold.   Repeated and prolonged exposure can make these symptoms of mold sickness worse and can lead to other symptoms such as sinusitis and sinus headaches.  In worst cases, a fungal ball can form in the sinuses, which then requires surgical removal.  Bronchial infections are also a common symptom of mold sickness.

Symptoms of Mold Sickness: Cancer

The main cause of black mold symptoms are the mycotoxins that attach themselves to the outside of the black mold spores.  There are many different types of mycotoxins which are produced by black mold, and at least one of them is known to cause both liver cancer and lung cancer.  This mycotoxin is called aflatoxin and it is commonly found in buildings that have been flooded.

Symptoms of Mold Sickness: Other Signs

There is a huge list of symptoms that has been attributed to black mold exposure.  Everything from rashes to headaches and even neurological symptoms such as dementia can be related to black mold spores.  In some cases, lung hemorrhaging has been caused in infants exposed to the mycotoxins.  This hemorrhaging can quickly lead to death.  The dangers are clear, and any home with black mold should be evaluated for these deadly mycotoxins and cleaned immediately.

Mold is common in areas where there is high humidity and levels of moisture, especially when the temperature is moderate.  This type of environment provides an ideal atmosphere for the growth of mold on wood, furniture, walls, concrete and many other surfaces.  Many molds are benign; however there is one type of black mold which is highly toxic.  If you have black mold in your home you need to learn more about toxic black mold symptoms to protect yourself and your family.

The black mold Stachybotrys chartarum is well known for releasing mycotoxins that are dangerous to humans.  Once these mycotoxins are inhaled or otherwise ingested there are a large variety of nasty symptoms that can develop.  It is most common to see these mold related symptoms in those with compromised or weak immune systems, but they can happen in healthy individuals as well.  The elderly, infants, and people with respiratory diseases are the most prone to developing toxic black mold symptoms.

Because these toxic black mold symptoms are similar to the symptoms of other diseases, most people never make the connection between the black mold and their illness.  In addition, if your physician is unaware of the presence of black mold in your home he or she may not even consider toxic black mold poisoning as a diagnoses.  Some of the most common toxic black mold symptoms are given below:

–          The most common symptom experienced from exposure to black mold mycotoxins is chronic sinusitis.  This can be seen as a constant runny nose, sinus drainage, sinus headaches, and sinus cough.

–          Other common symptoms include dry, burning and itchy eyes, skin rashes, and chronic headaches.

–          Difficulty in breathing is a common occurrence in black mold toxicity, as are nausea and dizziness or a lack of ability to concentrate.

There are also a large number of less common symptoms such as digestion problems, urinary tract infections, irregular blood pressure and even infertility has been known to be caused by black mold mycotoxins.  Many respiratory and even neurological changes can be attributed to the presence of black mold in your home.  If you are experiencing any type of abnormal symptoms you should consult your doctor and immediately have any black mold cleaned from your home.

There are several ways you can help disperse the air borne mold spores.  Exhaust fans will move spore infested air outside your home.  Air conditioning and dehumidifiers will help discourage the growth of the mold as well as filtering spores from the air.  The best solution though is to have the mold cleaned and then have the surfaces painted by a professional with special moisture resistant paints that discourage the return of the black mold.