The following material provides information on the effects of black mould (also known as toxic black mould), which is a mould belonging to the Stachybotrys chartarum species.
Keep in mind that not all black moulds are the Stachybotrys species, and not all black mould is poisonous.
Types of Toxic Black Mould Symptoms
Not only can black mould kill you, but also it can create a variety of health issues like respiratory problems, mental problems, and internal organ injury. The following are the main categories of health-related symptoms caused by black mould:
- Psychological and Nerve Problems
- Breathing Issues
- Circulation Problems
- Visual Disturbances
- Dermatology Issues
- Immune System Impairment
- Reproductive System Issues
- Fatigue and Irritability
- Other Health Issues
Psychological and Nerve Problems Caused By Toxic Black Mould
Toxic black mould creates trichothecene mycotoxins that are known to destroy brain neurons and debilitate mental function. Not only does the poison of this mould cause tremors, but the mould’s neurotoxin effect on the brain can also cause negative personality traits like irritability and mood swings.
Symptoms:
- Feeling confused or disoriented
- Inability to pay attention and remain focused
- Brain fog
- Delayed reflexes
- Feeling dizzy
- Memory problems (i.e., memory loss)
- Diminished capacity for learning
- Shock
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Shaking
- Aggression
- Altered Personality traits
- Tingling/Numbness
- Trembling
- Convulsions
- Delusional thinking
Circulation Problems Caused By Toxic Black Mould
The mycotoxins caused by toxic black mould by absorbing it into the skin or by inhaling it from the environment through the mouth or nose can affect a person. Once it reaches the bloodstream, it can cause cardiac impairment, blood clotting, and hemorrhaging (internal and/or external).
Symptoms:
- Cardiac Arrhythmia (when a person experiences irregular heartbeats)
- Impaired Cardiac function
- Swelling of the heart
- Low blood pressure
- Malfunctioning bone marrow production
- Hemorrhage – Internal/external bleeding
- Improper blood clotting (or lack because of that)
- Bloody vomit
- Brain and possible another organ bleeding
Visual Disturbances Caused By Toxic Black Mould
When the eyes have absorbed the mycotoxins in toxic black mould, they can suffer inflammation and a host of other ailments because of cytotoxic (cell toxicity) damage to eye cells.
Symptoms:
- Soreness and Inflammation of the eyes
- Red or yellowing (jaundiced) eyes
- Eye injury
- Blurred and impaired vision
Dermatology Issues caused by Toxic Black Mould
As stated earlier, the mycotoxins in toxic black mould can be absorbed easily through the skin. In older times, people would get exposed to toxic black mould mycotoxins through handling hay, and the body would react with rashes and other skin ailments.
Symptoms:
- Jaundice (when the skin yellows)
- Inflamed, itchy, blistery, and rash-like skin (dermatitis)
- Feeling of flesh crawling
Immune System Impairment Caused By Toxic Black Mould
Because toxic black mould emits substances that restrict the immune system’s function, it is often used to produce a lot of immunosuppressive medications. People with suppressed immune systems are highly prone to infections and diseases.
Symptoms:
- Improper immune system function (or immunosuppression)
- Frequently occurring infections
Reproductive System Issues Caused By Toxic Black Moulds
- Miscarriage
- Male and female sterility
- Impaired fetal development
Fatigue and Irritability Caused by Toxic Black Mould
Sometimes, the immune system emits Chloral Hydrate, which is a natural sedative created by the body to diminish the effect of black mould’s mycotoxins.
However, this substance also impairs people by making them feel like they have no energy. It can also make muscles and joints feel tired by making them feel sore.
Symptoms:
- Frequent bowel movements (diarrhoea)
- Cold/flu-like symptoms or frequent colds
- Sleepiness
- Chest pain
- Muscle and Joint soreness/aches/pains
- Irritability
- Abdominal discomfort (including nausea and vomiting)
- Fever
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Constant fatigue
Other Health Issues Caused By Toxic Black Mould
Symptoms:
- Hair, weight, and/or hearing loss
- Coma
- Death
Toxic Black Mould cans Trigger Allergies
Moulds tend to be allergens or substances that cause allergic reactions, and toxic black mould is no exception. Its spores are known to create breathing difficulties, itchy/runny nose, sore throat, and sneezing.
Variations of Toxic Black Mould Symptoms
Not everyone will be affected by toxic black mould the same way. Some people may have more extreme responses to the mycotoxins than others. However, people with suppressed or weak immune systems, older adults, and children tend to be more prone to severe effects of toxic black mould exposure.
Does Toxic Black Mould Cause Cancer?
There is limited research evidence to support scientific claims that toxic black mould promotes the onset of cancer. However, it is widely known that Aspergillus (another type of mould) can cause cancer because it has potent carcinogens known as aflatoxin mycotoxins.
How to Get Rid of All the Symptoms of Toxic Black Mould?
Symptoms of toxic black mould tend to subside when a person is no longer exposed to the mould. Longer lasting effects of toxic black mould will most likely deal with the immune system function. For instance, most people exposed to toxic black mould will have weaker immune systems that make them more prone to negative effects of mycotoxins for as long as they live.