Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEffectsSymptomsDetectionDetoxWhen to Get Help
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Effects
Symptoms
Detection
Detox
When to Get Help
Black mold symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, fatigue, muscle pain, and difficulty thinking clearly. People with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems may experience more severe reactions. Prolonged mold exposure has also been linked to anxiety, memory problems, or emotional changes.
Some research suggests mold triggers immune responses in the brain, possibly causing cognitive and emotional issues, but this link isn’t fully proven.You may have heard that taking activated charcoal or bentonite clay can detox the body, but there’s no evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of these methods.
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What Does Black Mold Do to You?
Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is one of several types of molds that release mold spores and compounds called mycotoxins, especially under damp, humid conditions. Mycotoxins primarily enter the body through inhalation (breathing them in), but they can also be ingested or absorbed through the skin.
Once inhaled, mycotoxins and mold spores trigger an immune response that causes inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract. The intensity of the reaction depends on various factors, including the individual’s sensitivity and overall health.
Mycotoxins can also enter the bloodstream, where they can affect various organs in the body and disrupt immune system functioning, leading to widespread inflammation and sickness.In people with weakened immune systems, the immune response to mycotoxins can be especially severe, leading to greater symptoms and long-term complications.
Evidence suggests that mycotoxins may cross into the brain, potentially causing neurological changes. However, more research is needed to understand exactly how this happens and to what extent it affects the body.
Side Effects and Symptoms
There are three main ways in which mold can trigger symptoms:
Allergic reactions:Mold spores can trigger an immune response that causes typical allergy (hay fever) symptoms. This is the most common response to black mold exposure, especially in people with asthma or mold allergies.
Common symptoms include:
A severe reaction to black mold might involve:
Toxic reactions:Prolonged exposure to mycotoxins can cause more systemic or widespread symptoms. Mycotoxins can affect many different organs and systems in the body, causing symptoms that can occur without an allergic reaction.
Mold toxicity has been linked to:
Irritation:Mold spores can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, causing inflammation and discomfort, even without allergic reactions or toxicity. Irritation may occur as a result of direct contact with mold or mold spores in the air.
Symptoms of irritation due to direct contact with black mold can include:
Black mold can make you sick right away, particularly if you have a black mold allergy. But in some cases, symptoms of allergy or irritation may be delayed, with symptoms worsening over time or developing hours to days or even months after exposure.
How Do You Know If You’re Sick From Mold?
How to Tell if You Have Black Mold
You can usually see or smell black mold. It is most likely to grow in places that are damp, humid, poorly ventilated, or have a moisture problem. These can include:
At first, black mold might just look like dirt. As it grows, it forms dark green to black dots on the surface that combine into patches. The patches may be flat or fuzzy, slimy or wet. They may spread out across a surface or grow as a thick layer.
If the walls are painted, you may notice the paint bubbling or peeling off.
Black mold has a distinct, earthy or musty smell. It has been described as smelling similar to rotting leaves, wet cardboard, wet socks, or old books. The exact smell it produces depends on the surface where it grows.
If you smell black mold but cannot see it, you may be dealing with hidden mold growth, potentially due to water damage or leaking pipes. If the smell is persistent, contact a mold removal or remediation specialist to inspect and identify the source.
Is It Okay to Be in a House With Black Mold?
Does Mold Detox Work?
No, mold detox is not known to work. There are a few purported methods for detoxing the body from black mold, but none have been proven to be safe or effective. These methods include:
If you are having symptoms of mold exposure, it’s best to see a healthcare provider for advice. Mold toxicity symptoms can be a sign of another underlying problem that may require specialized treatment.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
In general, it’s worth seeing a healthcare provider if you have bothersome symptoms or if allergy symptoms are not under control within three to six months.
It can be difficult to know whether symptoms are due to allergies, asthma, or some other condition, so it’s important to get a medical diagnosis. Your provider can perform anallergy testto see if you’re allergic to mold.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with allergies or asthma, let your provider know that your symptoms are persistent or worsening. Be sure to mention if you’ve been exposed to mold, especially if you’ve touched it or breathed it in.
Get immediately medical attention if you develop:
Summary
Black mold can cause common allergy symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from contact with mold or inhaling spores. In rarer cases, it may lead to hives, wheezing, or shortness of breath, and long-term exposure has been linked to cognitive issues.
There’s no evidence that detox methods can effectively remove mold from the body. If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider to confirm whether mold exposure is the cause.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harding C, Pytte C, Page K, et al.Mold inhalation causes innate immune activation, neural, cognitive and emotional dysfunction.Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87(1):218-228. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2019.11.006Kraft S, Buchenauer L, Polte T.Mold, mycotoxins, and a dysregulated immune system: A combination of concern?.Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov;22(22):12269. doi:10.3390/ijms222212269Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about stachybotrys chartarum.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Basic facts about mold and dampness.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. New England Chapter.Mold allergy.Ratnaseelan A, Tsilioni I, Theoharides T.Effects of mycotoxins on neuropsychiatric symptoms and immune processes.Clin Therapeutics. 2018 Jun;40(6):903-917. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.05.004Borchers AT, Chang C, Eric Gershwin M.Mold and human health: a reality check.Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol. 2017;52(3):305-322. doi:10.1007/s12016-017-8601-zTuuminen T, Rinne K.Severe sequelae to mold-related illness as demonstrated in two Finnish cohorts.Front Immunol. 2017 Apr;8(1):382. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00382Kuhn DM, Ghannoum MA.Indoor mold, toxigenic fungi, and stachybotrys chartarum: infectious disease perspective.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003;16(1):144-172. doi:10.1128/CMR.16.1.144-172.2003New York State Department of Health.Mold and your home: What you need to know.United States Environmental Protection Agency.Mold cleanup in your home.Zellner T, Prasa D, Färber E, Hoffmann-Walbeck P, Genser D, Eyer F.The use of activated charcoal to treat intoxications.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2019 May;116(18):311-317. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2019.0311Moosavi M.Bentonite clay as a natural remedy: A brief review.Iran J Public Health. 2017 Sep;46(9):1176–1183.Hussain J, Cohen M.Clinical effects of regular dry sauna bathing: A systematic review.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr;2018(1):1857413. doi:10.1155/2018/1857413
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Harding C, Pytte C, Page K, et al.Mold inhalation causes innate immune activation, neural, cognitive and emotional dysfunction.Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87(1):218-228. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2019.11.006Kraft S, Buchenauer L, Polte T.Mold, mycotoxins, and a dysregulated immune system: A combination of concern?.Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov;22(22):12269. doi:10.3390/ijms222212269Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about stachybotrys chartarum.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Basic facts about mold and dampness.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. New England Chapter.Mold allergy.Ratnaseelan A, Tsilioni I, Theoharides T.Effects of mycotoxins on neuropsychiatric symptoms and immune processes.Clin Therapeutics. 2018 Jun;40(6):903-917. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.05.004Borchers AT, Chang C, Eric Gershwin M.Mold and human health: a reality check.Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol. 2017;52(3):305-322. doi:10.1007/s12016-017-8601-zTuuminen T, Rinne K.Severe sequelae to mold-related illness as demonstrated in two Finnish cohorts.Front Immunol. 2017 Apr;8(1):382. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00382Kuhn DM, Ghannoum MA.Indoor mold, toxigenic fungi, and stachybotrys chartarum: infectious disease perspective.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003;16(1):144-172. doi:10.1128/CMR.16.1.144-172.2003New York State Department of Health.Mold and your home: What you need to know.United States Environmental Protection Agency.Mold cleanup in your home.Zellner T, Prasa D, Färber E, Hoffmann-Walbeck P, Genser D, Eyer F.The use of activated charcoal to treat intoxications.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2019 May;116(18):311-317. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2019.0311Moosavi M.Bentonite clay as a natural remedy: A brief review.Iran J Public Health. 2017 Sep;46(9):1176–1183.Hussain J, Cohen M.Clinical effects of regular dry sauna bathing: A systematic review.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr;2018(1):1857413. doi:10.1155/2018/1857413
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Harding C, Pytte C, Page K, et al.Mold inhalation causes innate immune activation, neural, cognitive and emotional dysfunction.Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87(1):218-228. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2019.11.006Kraft S, Buchenauer L, Polte T.Mold, mycotoxins, and a dysregulated immune system: A combination of concern?.Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov;22(22):12269. doi:10.3390/ijms222212269Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about stachybotrys chartarum.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Basic facts about mold and dampness.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. New England Chapter.Mold allergy.Ratnaseelan A, Tsilioni I, Theoharides T.Effects of mycotoxins on neuropsychiatric symptoms and immune processes.Clin Therapeutics. 2018 Jun;40(6):903-917. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.05.004Borchers AT, Chang C, Eric Gershwin M.Mold and human health: a reality check.Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol. 2017;52(3):305-322. doi:10.1007/s12016-017-8601-zTuuminen T, Rinne K.Severe sequelae to mold-related illness as demonstrated in two Finnish cohorts.Front Immunol. 2017 Apr;8(1):382. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00382Kuhn DM, Ghannoum MA.Indoor mold, toxigenic fungi, and stachybotrys chartarum: infectious disease perspective.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003;16(1):144-172. doi:10.1128/CMR.16.1.144-172.2003New York State Department of Health.Mold and your home: What you need to know.United States Environmental Protection Agency.Mold cleanup in your home.Zellner T, Prasa D, Färber E, Hoffmann-Walbeck P, Genser D, Eyer F.The use of activated charcoal to treat intoxications.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2019 May;116(18):311-317. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2019.0311Moosavi M.Bentonite clay as a natural remedy: A brief review.Iran J Public Health. 2017 Sep;46(9):1176–1183.Hussain J, Cohen M.Clinical effects of regular dry sauna bathing: A systematic review.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr;2018(1):1857413. doi:10.1155/2018/1857413
Harding C, Pytte C, Page K, et al.Mold inhalation causes innate immune activation, neural, cognitive and emotional dysfunction.Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87(1):218-228. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2019.11.006
Kraft S, Buchenauer L, Polte T.Mold, mycotoxins, and a dysregulated immune system: A combination of concern?.Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov;22(22):12269. doi:10.3390/ijms222212269
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about stachybotrys chartarum.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Basic facts about mold and dampness.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. New England Chapter.Mold allergy.
Ratnaseelan A, Tsilioni I, Theoharides T.Effects of mycotoxins on neuropsychiatric symptoms and immune processes.Clin Therapeutics. 2018 Jun;40(6):903-917. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.05.004
Borchers AT, Chang C, Eric Gershwin M.Mold and human health: a reality check.Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol. 2017;52(3):305-322. doi:10.1007/s12016-017-8601-z
Tuuminen T, Rinne K.Severe sequelae to mold-related illness as demonstrated in two Finnish cohorts.Front Immunol. 2017 Apr;8(1):382. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00382
Kuhn DM, Ghannoum MA.Indoor mold, toxigenic fungi, and stachybotrys chartarum: infectious disease perspective.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003;16(1):144-172. doi:10.1128/CMR.16.1.144-172.2003
New York State Department of Health.Mold and your home: What you need to know.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.Mold cleanup in your home.
Zellner T, Prasa D, Färber E, Hoffmann-Walbeck P, Genser D, Eyer F.The use of activated charcoal to treat intoxications.Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2019 May;116(18):311-317. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2019.0311
Moosavi M.Bentonite clay as a natural remedy: A brief review.Iran J Public Health. 2017 Sep;46(9):1176–1183.
Hussain J, Cohen M.Clinical effects of regular dry sauna bathing: A systematic review.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr;2018(1):1857413. doi:10.1155/2018/1857413
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