Indoor Black Mold and the effect on you and your family

Commonly called mildew, molds (sometimes referred to as "black mold") are a subset of fungi that produce fluffy or powdery growth on surfaces. Toxic molds can grow on cloth, carpets, leather, wood, sheet-rock, insulation (and on human foods) when moist conditions exist.

Toxic mold on sheet-rock

Mold and mildew in the home can cause a variety of health difficulties, like allergic and irritant symptoms, flu- and cold-type symptoms, toxicity symptoms, and infections, according to BlackMold.com. BlackMold.com also states that there are 16 species of mold that are known as toxic, because they emit chemicals called mycotoxins, which are highly toxic. Essential oils are used for their aromatic and medicinal qualities. There are several essential oils that you can utilize when trying to kill mold.
Molds are ubiquitous, the most common form of fungus on earth, and may grow at high levels indoors, in a home or building, if the right environmental conditions exist. Factors that influence the distribution of molds are most importantly a source of moisture, proper nutrients, temperature, and light.

Toxic Black Mold

 

Carbon containing materials that are abundant both indoors and outdoors may provide the essential nutrients for growth. Sources of moisture, which are usually the limiting and most important factor. They can come from high humidity levels, condensation, and water intrusion due to a number of events such as indoor leaks and floods. Temperature and light may affect fungal growth, but are usually not a limiting factor since most fungi can grow in light and total darkness.

Excessive exposure to molds can lead to adverse health issues for humans. The affects of human exposure to mold is not a new, emerging problem but has been manifested for many years.

As much as fungi and molds are everywhere and an essential part of the ecological system, having them in your house is gross and unhealthy. Certain types of fungi can release mycotoxins into the air causing mild to severe reactions, especially in children or anyone with a compromised immune system.
Check with your health-care provider if you suspect your child is having a reaction to something. Some of the more common effects of black mold are:

Black mold inside a bathroom window

Allergic Effects

Allergic reactions to household fungi include symptoms commonly associated with allergies, such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose and post-nasal drip. These are the same allergic reactions to pet dander and outdoor sources. Take note of where you or your child is and what he is coming into contact with when the symptoms appear.

Toxic Effects

Stachybotrys is colloquially referred to as "black mold" or "toxic mold." The mycotoxins produced by certain fungi may cause toxic effects when inhaled or absorbed by the body. A 2003 article, "Stachybotrys chartarum: cause of human disease or media darling?" published in "Medical Mycology," suggests that the link between stachybotrys and neurological problems is not well-supported and remains controversial while a study conducted at Brown University in 2007 claims to have found a possible link between household mold and depression.

Irritant Effects

Some irritant effects from inhalation of what are called microbial volatile organic compounds or MVOC, can lead to irritation and inflammation of the body's air passages. According to a report from the New York Health Department, the levels of MVOCs and fungal glucans indoors are usually low and not enough to cause health problems.

Hypersensitivity Effects

A study conducted in Boston examined in-home high-fungal concentrations and the possible link to childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis in the first five years of life. Another study published in the February 2009 "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology" journal suggested that some levels of dust and fungal glucans may help children avoid asthma and other allergies, saying that smoking around children was more likely to cause childhood asthma.

This is what we do in my home. I have a Anti-Bac/Viral blend that I dilute in a solution of water/vinegar (50/50), then I add 15-20 drops of the blend shake well and treat the area of mold, allow it to air dry. Sometimes when you treat an area you can actually watch as the mold disappears. I use this to treat small areas, windows, floor boards and the like. I strongly encourage you if you have a big mold problem please please please consult a professional, black mold is a serious problem and can be a serious hazard to you and your family's health

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil (botanical name: melaleuca alternifolia) is a highly medicinal essential oil with a wide range of uses. You can dilute this essential oil with water (1 tsp. in 2 cups of water), and use a spray bottle to apply it to affected areas. Tea tree oil has a strong odor, but it subsides within a couple days.

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit seed oil has a high citric acid content that is aggressive against mold spores. Placing 20 drops inside of 2 cups of water makes an essentially odorless alternative for killing mold in the home. You can use it as a spray to saturate the mold; wipe it off after you allow the solution some time to dry.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

This medicinal essential oil has a fresh aroma and also has many uses. When using eucalyptus to defeat mold, you should pair it with methylated spirits (a mixture that is 95 percent ethyl alcohol and 5 percent methyl alcohol). Place 1 tbsp. of each in 2 cups of water to make a solution for mold. You can spray the solution on the mold, and leave it to dry.