Black mold in the house: what is dangerous to human health, how to deal

The appearance of a black plaque indicates that mold, which is dangerous to humans, has settled in an apartment or house. Such a fungus is difficult to remove on its own, so it is important to start processing when the first signs of infection appear. However, killing microorganisms is not enough - it is worth taking preventive measures to prevent re-attack of harmful spores.

Types of black mold

Myceliums look like fluffy growths or black stains
What is popularly called black mold unites different types of microscopic fungi. They feed on dead organic matter, multiply by spores, and settle on personal hygiene items, food, and furniture. Outwardly, they look like stains or spots of dark shades (black, gray, greenish), on closer inspection they resemble cotton wool or velvety fabric. Pathogens multiply at an incredible rate, making it impossible to control their growth. The growth of black mold is caused by about three hundred strains of fungi, which are classified according to the degree of danger to health.

Aspergillus niger is a strain of fungus that appears most often in living quarters

Table 1. Strains of fungi that cause the growth of black mold.

Attention! It is impossible to distinguish safe fungi from pathogenic ones in appearance, therefore, it is necessary to fight against dark stains on surfaces in any case.

Tea drinking

Black mold is a type of fungus that thrives in humid areas and tends to grow on natural materials. Long-term exposure to black mold can cause symptoms in some people, especially people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Removing mold and keeping rooms clean and dry can help prevent problems from occurring.A number of over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs can help people with allergies or poisoning symptoms.

The causes of mold

Condensation on metal-plastic structures is a factor causing the appearance of fungus

Prices for a ventilation valve for metal-plastic windows

Ventilation supply valve for metal-plastic windows

Black mold easily penetrates the home, but dies under unfavorable conditions. The reasons for the reproduction of the fungus are high temperature and humidity, which are the result of errors made during the construction of buildings, the use of synthetic materials in the decoration of premises, and non-compliance with sanitary standards.

1. Reinforced-plastic structures. Metal-plastic windows are a comfortable solution for living quarters. They are convenient, protect from noise and cold, and do not require serious installation costs. But if used improperly, metal-plastic structures can cause black mold to multiply. The windows are closed hermetically, which disrupts air circulation and the rooms are not ventilated. In addition, if improperly installed, condensation forms on the structures, which increases the humidity in the room.
2. Drywall. The building material used in the construction and decoration of buildings has an adverse effect on the microclimate. The disadvantage of drywall is the ability to absorb moisture, which makes the room damp, which increases the likelihood of the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
3. Poor ventilation. Ventilation systems are often designed in violation of building codes, and old structures become clogged and fail. In bathrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, natural ventilation does not always cope with high humidity, which creates favorable conditions for uninvited guests.
4. Building defects. Designers' miscalculations, mistakes in the construction of residential buildings lead to the fact that during precipitation the walls get wet, and moisture accumulates in the basements. A similar problem arises in the absence of drain pipes or waterproofing at the joints of the panels. Fungal spores grow through cracks in building materials, after which they end up in living quarters.
5. Non-compliance with sanitary standards. Germs that cause black mold to grow often enter your home with spoiled fruit or moldy bread. If such a product is left in the kitchen for a long time, the spores will spread to surfaces that are suitable for their growth.

Bath, bathroom, kitchen - favorite places for black mold

Favorite places for the growth of molds are a bathroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, but if conditions are favorable, they appear in other rooms.

For reference! Favorable conditions for the development of fungi - temperature 18-25 degrees, humidity from 70%. In order to prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, these parameters must be monitored regularly.

A person uses molds when ...

In food biochemistry, mold is considered as an important element that regulates the cyclicity of food fermentation processes. At the initial stage, its enzymes serve as a nutrient medium that accelerates the onset of fermentation. Later, when the yeast has lowered the sugars in the sourdough or in the wort and the process comes to an end, they themselves become the best treat for mold. By absorbing the amino acids of the yeast sediment, the mold produces foul-smelling and toxic excrement that destroys the nutritional value of the product.

Baking bread

Fresh and well-baked bread is safe. However, any type of bakery products stored for more than a day in a closed, unventilated container or plastic bag at room temperature becomes a source of its distribution. Even if the appearance and taste of product spoilage is not detected.

Cheese making

The state and quality of lactic acid bacteria and ferments for sour cream, kefir and cottage cheese depends on how many and what type of fungi they contain. Their presence in milk is considered a poor indicator of the sanitary condition in production and is standardized by GOST and TU.

However, in Europe, a noble blue mold useful for human health has been bred, which is used in the manufacture of refined varieties of cheese. In the old days, it was extracted from bread aged in a cave for a week and added to the cheese mass, creating cheese - a medicine from mold, containing an antibiotic.

Winemaking

In winemaking, mold poisoning is almost impossible. Wine infected with fungus smells bad, becomes viscous and disgusting in taste. The exception is "Jerez" - as a special kind of wine that can remove the fungus from the body. It was received by sailors crossing the equator with wine in their holds. And it turned out that the mold that developed in him saved their lives.

Can mold be poisoned?

Today science has proven that mold in the human body is undesirable in any form. However, it is impossible to achieve such purity. In the acute form, infection is noticeable immediately, for example, when the smell is inhaled and a cough or vomiting appears.

In conclusion, let us pay attention to what is the danger of mold entering the body with fresh food in small quantities? Accumulating in the blood in the respiratory organs, the brain, its colonies grow into mucous formations, without first showing any symptoms of poisoning. And only over time, diseases are discovered that a person does not associate with fungi.

Therefore, you can get poisoned and imperceptibly!

Why is black mold dangerous?

Aspergillosis is a dangerous disease caused by a fungal infection

Microscopic spores and black mold particles do not remain in place, but scatter with air currents through the rooms, penetrating the respiratory organs of people, settling on products, personal hygiene items. After entering the body, they are fixed in the tissues and begin to multiply intensively, causing serious diseases:

• rhinitis, sinusitis;
• meningitis;
• myocarditis;
• aspergillosis;
• bronchial asthma or pneumonia;
• conjunctivitis;
• papillomas, dermatological diseases.

Scientists have proven that the constant presence of fungal spores in the body increases the risk of cancer, and the toxins they release in the process of life cause intoxication and non-critical changes.

Allergic manifestations are one of the signs of fungal diseases

Diseases caused by black mold particles are difficult to recognize. Their symptoms do not differ from those of respiratory, dermatological and other ailments. It is possible to suspect the effect of fungi if the disease is difficult to treat, and it becomes easier for the patient away from home. The second symptom is persistent allergies that are not related to the seasons, food, or other allergens.

In case of manifestation of pathological processes provoked by black mold, you should immediately consult a doctor - they can cause serious complications, and in severe cases, death.

Important! Fungi are especially dangerous for children - the appearance of dark stains on the walls of the nursery is a serious cause for concern for parents. Continuous inhalation of pathogens leads to serious health problems that can last a lifetime.

Video - How Black Mold Kills Us

diagnosing

The main symptoms of mold poisoning are common with other respiratory diseases, which can be difficult to diagnose.

If a doctor suspects that a person's symptoms are caused by inhaling mold toxins, they can order a test to check the level of mold in their home.

The doctor may also recommend an allergy test or blood test if the patient is allergic to mold.

A blood test involves taking a small sample of a person's blood and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. Doctors use these tests to check for specific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to mold toxins. They can also self-check for mold toxins.

Skin prick tests are the standard method of allergy testing and can help determine if a person is allergic to mold.

During this test, a healthcare professional applies a drop of mold-containing fluid to the skin on the patient's arm or back. Then they pierced the skin under the drop with a small needle. If a person is allergic to mold, an itchy, red rash usually develops within a short period of time.

How to deal with black mold

Fighting black mold is a lengthy, difficult process that will require perseverance.

To destroy the spores of the fungus, special drugs or folk remedies are used. The process of dealing with an unwanted neighbor can be lengthy, but you should not retreat, otherwise the mold will grow, spread over surfaces and dig deep into the materials.

Chemicals

Chemicals for black mold contain fungicidal and antiseptic components

Mold control products contain antifungal and antiseptic components. They destroy spores, prevent their appearance, which ensures the prevention of biological formations. The tool is chosen depending on the material of the surface to be treated, the size of the affected area, the strain of the fungus.

Moldy product is dangerous to eat

Table 2. Chemicals for black mold.

When using chemical antifungal agents, it is recommended to observe personal protective measures. It is necessary to work with gloves, a respirator, glasses, so that caustic drugs do not harm health.

When processing contaminated surfaces, personal protective equipment is used.

The surfaces are treated carefully, preferably with a soft brush or rag, so that the spores of the fungus do not scatter around the room. While the agent is in effect, you need to provide normal ventilation in the room - open the door, windows, or turn on the hood. All small items must be taken out, and the rest must be covered with foil. If the spores have penetrated too deeply, you will have to remove the top layer of material or coating, and then carry out processing.

Attention! Do not use household bleach to fight mold. It is unable to fix the problem permanently and emits harmful fumes that exacerbate health problems.

Prices for different types of Pufas mold protection

Mold protection Pufas

Folk remedies

Vinegar contains acids that kill fungal spores

Many folk remedies contain ingredients that help fight mold. They are not as effective as chemicals, but they are safer and inexpensive.

1. Vinegar. To combat black mold, acid is poured into a container with a spray bottle, sprayed onto the contaminated surface, left for an hour and washed off with water. You need to carry out the procedure for at least 2-3 days in a row, preferably a week.
2. Hydrogen peroxide. The solution does not contain toxic components, does not have a pungent odor. The place where the mold grows is treated with peroxide, left for 1-2 hours and the surface is washed.
3. Ammonia. Alcohol works best on smooth surfaces, but gives a weak result on porous materials. Combine the substance with water in equal proportions, apply, rinse off after a few hours.
4. Baking soda. Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water, treat the moldy place, leave, and then rinse slightly with water. It is recommended to leave a small amount of the solution on the surface so that it protects against secondary growth of the fungus.
5. Copper sulfate. For antifungal surface treatment, a solution of copper sulfate with water in a 1 to 1 ratio is used.

Peroxide is a safe and effective antiseptic

Folk recipes are considered safe for health, but when using it, it is still recommended to use gloves with a respirator. For greater efficiency, the funds are mixed with each other, but in this case they are capable of releasing toxic fumes.

Important! Some products (hydrogen peroxide, chemicals) change the color of the finish of the material, so they are used with caution on painted surfaces.

Treatment

If a person's symptoms are caused by a mold allergy, the following procedures may help:

• Antihistamines. These medicines can be purchased both over the counter and with a prescription. They come in a variety of forms, including tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops. A person can use antihistamines to treat symptoms and prevent allergic reactions.
• Decongestants. A person may use decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafedrine), for short-term relief from blocked nasal passages.
• Steroids. These drugs can help reduce airway inflammation and relieve rashes. Steroid medications are available as sprays, drops, creams, or tablets. However, some of them can only be obtained with a prescription.
• Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, increases a person's tolerance to allergens by exposing them to gradually increasing amounts of allergens. Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that requires regular injections over several months.

How to get rid of black mold forever

Under favorable conditions, black mold can reappear.

Step-by-step instructions for killing mold

For the complete destruction of mold, the use of special means is not enough - measures are needed to combat pathogens, create unfavorable conditions for their reproduction.

Prices for spray protection against mold Mellerud

Mellerud spray mold protection

If you restrict yourself to cleaning infected areas from fungal spores, the mold will reappear over time.

In severe cases, a major overhaul will be required to remove mold.

Attention! If the room is in disrepair, and measures to combat fungi do not work, it is better to turn to experts or make major repairs. It is strictly not recommended to stay in a room where pathogenic microorganisms live for a long time.

Video - Getting rid of black mold in the bathroom

When you need professional help

In most cases, the use of folk recipes and household chemicals does not bring results. Only the visible part of the plaque is removed, the mycelium remains deep inside, therefore, after some time, the colonies of the fungus reappear in the room. It is possible to remove mold permanently only with the help of specialists. Stages of removing the fungus by professionals:

• assessment of the area and the degree of penetration;
• evacuation of fabrics and other undamaged items from the premises;
• destruction of all visible areas with fungus, including plaster;
• microwave processing;
• application of fungicides;
• disinfection.

It is very difficult to defeat black mold, but it is possible

It is important to provide conditions in the premises that prevent the appearance and reproduction of the fungus. If mold does appear, it is necessary to remove it as soon as possible using professional or improvised means.

Preventing black mold

Myceliums meet behind the rubber seal of the washing machine

To prevent the appearance of myceliums in the home, you need to follow simple sanitary and hygienic rules.

1. Regularly check ventilation, clean the duct from dirt, debris, dust, ventilate the premises even in winter (mold is "afraid" of dry air and low temperatures). It is recommended to keep the curtains open during the summer so that as much sunlight as possible gets into the room.
2. Control the humidity level in the apartment. To do this, you can purchase a special device - the humidity level should remain within 70-80%. If the indicators are too high, it is necessary to determine and eliminate their cause.
3. Check your plumbing fixtures. Inspect the plumbing equipment (toilet bowl, taps, mixers), identify leaks, troubleshoot. Mold often starts inside old pipes, so it is best to replace them.
4. Rearrange the apartment.It is recommended to move cabinets, sofas and other pieces of furniture slightly away from the walls so that air can circulate normally and the surfaces do not get damp.
5. Monitor the quality of your products. Do not keep spoiled food in the house, much less eat - moldy bread or fruits should be put in a plastic bag and disposed of.
6. Clean regularly with an antiseptic. Organic residues remaining on surfaces are food for molds. To prevent the appearance of mold, you need to regularly wet the apartment with antiseptic agents. It is especially important to clean in the kitchen, bathroom, bathroom. You need to process all corners, even the most distant ones, as well as a washing machine. To prevent the appearance of mold, it is enough to use a soda solution once a month - a tablespoon in a glass of water.

Mold is a dangerous neighbor that can cause serious health problems. You can cope with it with the help of special antiseptic agents, and if preventive measures are taken, the fungi will leave the house forever.

We recommend reading our article on how to remove fungus in the bathroom: on the walls between the tiles, on the sealant - step-by-step instructions and folk advice.

My story

For many years we lived in an apartment, the walls of which were covered with black fungus everywhere. In the first years, this problem did not seem so global to us, and we did not particularly try to solve it. Of course, even a good repair quickly ceased to please the eye, the wallpaper just fell off, all this blackness did not look aesthetically pleasing, but bearable.

The things put in the closet were completely saturated with an unpleasant putrid smell, which could not be eliminated either with washing powder, or with the help of perfume and cologne. Time passed, and living side by side with such an unpleasant neighbor made itself felt.

What to do with a fungal infection?

If the fungus has entered the human body, then getting rid of it is a serious and large-scale task.

The first thing to do is to stop the additional intake of fungi into the body, stop eating yeast bread, cheeses, sweets, flour products and other products that can be a source of infection. Anything that is yeast poses a certain mold hazard to us. At the same time, the yeast is very tenacious, and can withstand both very low and very high temperatures. So, if you throw overcooked crackers into kvass, it will start to boil, a reaction with the participation of yeast will take place ...

Thus, if we want our body to be free of fungi, we must stop giving it food.

The second is to weaken the fungus with special foods. So, most antiparasitic agents are also antifungal. The following products can be especially highlighted:

• All types of pepper, radish, horseradish, onion, garlic (garlic is an absolutely amazing product, which is the best in the fight against viruses and bacteria, parasites, in addition, it also promotes the elimination of heavy metals).
• All spices: ginger, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, bay leaf, coriander, nutmeg, etc.
• All sour berries: currants, gooseberries, viburnum, mountain ash, lingonberries, cranberries, sea buckthorn, blueberries, blackberries, blueberries.
• Sap. Gum is a sticky thick mass that stands out from cuts or cracks in the bark of coniferous trees (cedar, pine, fir, spruce). This substance, flowing out, gradually solidifies and turns into resin. The resin contains phytoncides, essential oils and resin acids, which are able to resist the fungus.
• Pine nut oil, sesame oil, linseed oil. The shock approach during the period of antimycotic measures is taking 1 teaspoon of oil half an hour before meals, 3 times a day. And if the oil is taken simply for prophylaxis, then it is possible once a day, but for a longer period.In addition, for prevention, you can add 1 teaspoon of such oil to the salad.
• Propolis. You can drink propolis tincture, put propolis in honey, or just chew it, keep it in your mouth.
• Clove (spice). It is ground into powder on a coffee grinder (you should not buy already ground cloves) and take a teaspoon with top 2-3 times a day, washed down with warm water, on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes before meals). The course is 2 weeks.
• Tea tree oil. If there is a strong fungal infection, you can take one drop of this oil, dissolved in any fat, for about two months.
• Fermented milk drink kurunga. Kefir can be obtained both under the influence of a fungus and with the help of acidophilic lactic acid bacteria. Such kefir is medicinal. If, for example, you take 10 tablets of kurunga and put them in a liter of natural milk, you will get an excellent product with an antifungal effect, because lactic acid bacteria are able to restore the balance of intestinal microflora and reduce the population of fungi.

Include alkaline treatments. Consistent alkaline body care with general baths and regular foot baths, regular use of "alkaline socks" have a very strong effect on all pathogenic organisms in the human body. You can read more about these procedures on Alexey's website.

Also, with mycoses, it is important to drink alkaline and daily use up to 1.5 liters of water. It is important not to get hung up on the fight against specific symptoms of the manifestation of fungi, but to approach this issue holistically. And this means, first of all, to understand that without changing the general environment in the body, the situation cannot be changed.

It is important not to get hung up on the fight against specific symptoms of the manifestation of fungi, but to approach this issue holistically. And this means, first of all, to understand that without changing the general environment in the body, the situation cannot be changed. If we look inside ourselves, we will see and understand that the internal abilities of our body are very great.

It is in our power to help strengthen the body and support it in the task of maintaining health. This requires our energy, determination, knowledge, a lot of faith, a correct lifestyle that we will lead every day.

If we look inside ourselves, we will see and understand that the internal abilities of our body are very great. It is in our power to help strengthen the body and support it in the task of maintaining health. This requires our energy, determination, knowledge, a lot of faith, a correct lifestyle that we will lead every day. Published.

P.S. And remember, just by changing your consumption - together we are changing the world! econet

Modes of infection of the body: through food, air in the room and direct contact

Mold can penetrate into the human body and cause various problems there in various ways:

1. Air way. Mold spores are suspended in the air. They easily enter the human respiratory tract and then "travel" throughout the body. At the same time, spores are powerful allergens.
2. Eating moldy foods. Of course, if mold has gotten in the product, it immediately becomes clear by the characteristic smell. However, some people are in no hurry to throw away such food, but simply remove the spoiled layer from the bread or cut off the green pulp from the fruit. This cannot be done, because the mold fibers go deep inside, although this is not visible externally. As a result, a person gets food poisoning, sometimes very strong (intoxication of the body occurs).
3. Touching mold. When human skin comes into contact with mold, mycoses (a type of skin disease) can occur, this is especially likely with reduced immunity. Not only the upper layers of the epidermis are affected, but also the subcutaneous fat. Fungi can go further, provoking diseases of muscles, bones, penetrating into internal organs.

Other means

If home methods are not credible, then you can purchase special tools. But, you need to remember that chemicals can harm health. Therefore, they are used only in full accordance with the instructions.

When buying a drug, you should pay attention to the expiration dates, as well as carefully read the label to make sure that the drug is suitable for the area that needs processing.

The best chemicals are:

• Universal antiseptic.
• Fongifluid.
• Stop mold is very harmful to any biological substance.
• Biotol spray.

If a large area of ​​the room is affected, then it is worth contacting specialists. In case of severe damage, you need to remove the coating (wallpaper, plaster), and treat it with an antiseptic primer. There is no need to put it off for later, because after a year, moldiness can hit brick or concrete. If the ceiling is damaged, it is necessary to clean off the whitewash layer. The remains of the affected material must be discarded immediately. This is the only way not only to remove dark spots, but also to avoid its recurrence.