It's dangerous enough that our government and health officials warn the public about the harmful effects of black mould. The negative health effects of black mould include: Respiratory problems. Allergic reactions, including watery and itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose.
Is bathroom mold dangerous to everyone? Once it begins producing mycotoxins, mold growth may affect anyone breathing it in. While many may not feel the repercussions, any individual exposed to it is at an increased risk of developing asthma or other respiratory concerns.
Black mould produces mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by active mould colonies, that can enter the air in a bathroom and cause issues when ingested or inhaled. Just as there are different varieties of mould, there are many different types of mycotoxin.
Combine 1 part bleach with 2 parts water in a spray bottle and spritz the affected area. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes. The mold should start to fade away on its own, but if areas of stubborn mold remain, use a coarse brush (for larger areas) or old toothbrush (for smaller areas) to scrub the mold away.
These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss.
Answer: 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.
The major reason why molds keep coming back after being removed is excess moisture and failure to cut off all favorable conditions for their growth. It is important to monitor the moisture levels in your home and keep the area well-ventilated using fans.
Differences Between Mold and Mildew
Mold tends to have a higher profile and can even become fuzzy, while mildew is usually flat. Mold exhibits darker colors such as deep green and black; mildew may begin as white, then turn brown or gray.
Undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle is the best all-around mold remover for shower grout. Spray the grout, and let the vinegar sit for at least one hour. Rinse with fresh water, and wipe down the walls. Use a stiff brush to remove challenging, stuck-on mold growth.
Black mold, as the name implies, is often dark in color. When searching for black mold, look for circular-shaped spots that are black, dark green or dark brown. Some black mold can also take on shades of orange or have flecks of white within it. Most of the time, black mold has a slightly furry appearance.
Although black mold is not the most common type of indoor mold, it is not rare to find it in moist, dark places, such as a shower stall.
People who live or work in buildings with black mold are at risk for developing hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an immune system disorder that causes chronic lung inflammation. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an allergic reaction that occurs after sustained exposure to a particular irritant or allergen.
Check for a dark black or brown color, musty smell, a slimy or chalky texture, and water damage. Those are the signs of toxic black mold.
Examples of bacteria that could be found in your shower head
Legionella bacteria (can cause Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (can trigger ear and eye infections) Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (linked to digestive conditions including Crohn's disease)
Just because a mold is black, does not mean it is toxic. And not all black molds are deadly. Mold can range in color depending on what materials provided the mold the food it needs to grow. Even so, toxic or not, mold prevention is the key to a safer home.
The best solution for cleaning mold in a shower is an equal mix of water and white vinegar, says Michael Golubev, CEO and expert at Mold Busters. Mixing the two in a spray bottle is the easiest way to kill mold spores.
Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.
Getting rid of black mold with white vinegar
'Bleach will kill mold spores growing across a hard surface, but if the mold has extended below the surface, then white vinegar is the best choice,' she says. 'The vinegar will penetrate to kill the mold and mildew at the root, preventing it from regrowing.
Exposure to mould can have an impact on your lungs, particularly for people with a lung condition like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchiectasis or asthma. And whether you have a pre-existing condition or not, prolonged exposure to mould can cause irreversible damage.
The only possible link is this: Mold can cause pulmonary fibrosis (PF), which is scarring in your lungs. If you have PF for a long time, it can make you more likely to get lung cancer.