Tag Archives: Toxic Mold Exposure

What Molds Are Considered Toxic?

Poor Air Quality Due to Mold Could Be Affecting Your Health

Poor Air Quality Due to Mold Could Be Affecting Your Health

“Toxic” is a term commonly applied to a number of diverse things ranging from chemicals to relationships. So what does the word mean when it’s used in reference to mold? Please allow our NYC mold removal experts to separate facts from fiction.

Is Toxic Mold Really Toxic?

In a word, no. Toxicity actually lies in chemicals called mycotoxins that are produced and released by mold. Different mold species may produce one or more varieties of mycotoxins, but the chemicals have no intrinsic value to mold’s reproductive process so scientists are still unclear as to their purpose.

Are “Toxic Mold” and “Black Mold” the Same?

Black mold does produce mycotoxins, but the term is a shorthand name for a specific type of mold called Stachybotrys chartarum. Aspergillus and other forms of toxic mold can appear in colors such as gray, gold and yellow- or blue-green.

Is Toxic Mold a Health Hazard?

“Toxic” is sometimes interpreted as “fatal,” and while exposure to mycotoxins almost never rises to a deadly level, it can adversely affect health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists upper-respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and coughing as possible results from mycotoxin exposure, even in people who have not previously suffered from allergies.

People with asthma, compromised immune systems and similar pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to mycotoxins, as are young children and the elderly.

Stern Mold: The Top NYC Mold Removal Professionals

Toxic or not, indoor mold infestations should be treated immediately. Contact Stern Mold for more information.

Could You Be Suffering From Toxic Mold Exposure?

The Presence of Mold Can Seriously Impact Your Health

Mold Exposure

Your NYC mold removal specialists want you to stay informed about toxic mold, and here is something interesting to think about. Toxic mold exposure.

What is Toxic Mold Exposure Like?

Unfortunately, toxic mold exposure resembles several other respiratory problems like allergies, colds, sinus infections, asthma and others. That’s why it may be one of the more difficult illnesses to diagnose.

Some of the signs might be:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Sinus problems
  • Fatigue
  • Red eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Tears
  • Lightheadedness
  • Headaches
  • Light sensitivity

Those symptoms are some of the most common results of toxic mold exposure, but as you can see, they are also symptoms of various kinds of upper respiratory illnesses as well.

There are other ways to tell, and here are a few:

  • Has your building or home been recently flooded?
  • Are you being exposed to musty air?
  • Is there noticeable water damage in any room, particularly the bathroom and/or laundry room?
  • Do your symptoms worsen on days with rain?
  • Are you getting treatment from a doctor for an upper respiratory illness, but it never seems to go away?
  • Do you have skin rashes for no apparent reason?

Once again, these are potentially common problems with various types of respiratory illnesses, but if you are experiencing symptoms and problems from both of these lists at the same time, you could be suffering from toxic mold exposure.

If you see any black mold in your house, home or apartment, or you are experiencing upper respiratory problems that never seem to go away, call your NYC mold removal specialist, Stern Mold, for a free mold inspection. Serving the NY and NJ areas for nearly 25 years.