What medical testing is recommended for someone exposed to black mold in their air conditioning (AC) unit to assess for potential health effects?

From the Guidelines

If you've been exposed to black mold in your AC unit, recommended medical testing includes a complete blood count to check for immune response, pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity and function, allergen-specific IgE blood tests to identify mold allergies, and chest X-rays if respiratory symptoms are present. Your doctor may also order skin prick tests to confirm allergic reactions and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein to check for systemic inflammation. Testing should be tailored to your specific symptoms, which might include respiratory issues, headaches, fatigue, or skin irritation. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider promptly after exposure, especially if you're experiencing symptoms or have pre-existing respiratory conditions, compromised immunity, or allergies 1. While testing is crucial, you should also address the source of exposure by having the mold professionally removed from your AC system and implementing moisture control measures to prevent recurrence. Some key measures to control moisture include using a dehumidifier to reduce humidity to a target level of less than 50%, venting appliances that produce moisture to the outside, and using a bathroom fan or opening a window when showering or bathing 1. Additionally, it's vital to maintain good ventilation in your home, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as basements and bathrooms, to prevent mold growth and reduce exposure to mold spores 1. By taking these steps, you can minimize your risk of mold-related health effects and ensure a safe and healthy living environment. Some important considerations for mold remediation include:

• Hiring a professional to clean up mold-contaminated areas, especially if the area is larger than 10 ft2 or if the HVAC system is involved 1
• Using a bleach solution to clean nonporous surfaces, but avoiding the use of bleach on porous materials like carpet or drywall 1
• Removing and replacing porous materials that are contaminated with mold 1
• Implementing measures to prevent future mold growth, such as improving ventilation and reducing humidity 1

From the Research

Medical Testing for Mold Exposure

If someone has been exposed to black mold in their air conditioning unit, several medical tests can be recommended to assess potential health effects. These tests include:

• Medical history to identify any pre-existing conditions that may be exacerbated by mold exposure 2
• Physical examination to check for any visible signs of illness or infection 2
• Conventional allergy diagnosis to determine if the individual has an allergic reaction to mold 2
• Provocation tests to assess the individual's response to mold exposure 2

Health Effects of Mold Exposure

Mold exposure can cause a range of health effects, including:

• Allergic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis 3, 2
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the lungs 3, 2
• Infections, such as sinusitis and bronchitis 3, 2
• Neurologic and neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms, such as pain syndromes, movement disorders, and disorders of balance and coordination 4

Limitations of Medical Testing

It is essential to note that there are currently no validated test methods for detecting mycotoxins in clinical diagnostics 2. Additionally, the evidence for associations between mold exposure and certain health effects, such as mucous membrane irritation and atopic eczema, is limited or suspected 2. Therefore, medical testing for mold exposure should be approached with caution, and results should be interpreted in the context of the individual's medical history and physical examination.

Risk Groups

Certain individuals are at higher risk of health effects from mold exposure, including:

• Patients with immunosuppression, who are more susceptible to infections 2
• Individuals with mucoviscidosis (cystic fibrosis), who are at risk of infections and allergies 2
• People with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, who may experience exacerbation of symptoms 3, 2