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.
Can bathroom mold cause illness? For the most part, mold just looks bad. For some, it can irritate allergies and asthma. “Mold is relatively harmless, but given the right circumstances it can definitely cause some irritation,” Tolliver said.
Health effects of mould exposure include a runny or blocked nose, irritation of the eyes and skin, and sometimes wheezing. For people with asthma, inhaling mould spores may cause an asthma attack. Very rarely, people may develop a severe mould infection, usually in the lungs.
In some cases, people may experience symptoms of mold sickness immediately after exposure, while others may not notice any effects for weeks or even months.
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.
Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew. If you try to clean it with a heavy-duty cleaner, you might find that it remains on the surface and doesn't completely wipe away.
To be clear, you don't want any type of mould growing in your shower. No mould is good for your health. However, black mould will be tougher to remove and prevent from returning. When you spot discolouration in the grout around your tiles, you'll soon notice it's spread to more places in your shower.
Black mold is a fungus that may cause your immune system to react. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, congestion and eye irritation. It rarely causes serious illness or death but may worsen asthma symptoms.
Use a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup (8 ounces) household laundry bleach per 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces.
Mold growth in the bathroom is one of the most common complaints for homeowners and tenants alike. This isn't surprising – bathrooms contain just about every conceivable source of moisture. Cracked grout, missing caulking, failed toilet seal ring, high humidity – the list of potential moisture problems is long.
Urine mycotoxin tests are ideal for testing yourself (and your family members) for mycotoxin exposure.
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.
A blood test, sometimes called the radioallergosorbent test, can measure your immune system's response to mold by measuring the amount of certain antibodies in your bloodstream known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
It's very common for mold to be found in the shower. There is lots of water and humidity in the bathroom which mold just adores.
Mold is an invasive issue that causes countless troubling allergic reactions. Hair loss can occur in both adults and children because of mold infestation.
Yes, if you have damp and mould in your home you're more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Those who process toxins well can see their symptoms disappear as quickly as a few days. Others who eliminate toxins slowly can experience symptoms for much longer. They could be ill for months or even years after the source of mold is eliminated.
One prescription cholesterol-lowering medication called Cholestyramine binds strongly to some mycotoxins — especially ochratoxin — and keeps them getting reabsorbed. On the natural front, modified citrus pectin (MCP) has been extensively researched as an effective detoxifying agent.
See your doctor if you have symptoms of an allergy or illness, and take steps to clean the mold, regardless of what type of mold it is. You should seek medical help immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, memory loss, or lethargy after a prolonged exposure to mold.
Mold generally looks slimy or fuzzy, tends to have a raised texture, and can come in a rainbow of colors, including deep green and black. Mildew is powdery, looks white or gray, always appears flat, and grows on surfaces.