From the Guidelines
Black mold exposure can cause severe respiratory and allergic symptoms. The health effects of exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) include upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and hay fever, as well as asthma symptoms in sensitized persons 1.
Key Health Effects
- Respiratory symptoms: wheezing, coughing, and hay fever
- Allergic symptoms: allergic sensitization and exacerbation of underlying mold allergy
- Other health risks: associated with living in damp indoor environments, such as neuropsychiatric symptoms, skin rashes, and rheumatologic illnesses, although the evidence is insufficient to determine a causal association 1
Prevention and Remediation
Prevention of mold exposure is key, and this can be achieved through moisture control and remediation of water-damaged items 1.
- Keep water-prone areas, such as bathrooms and basements, dry and well-ventilated
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity to less than 50%
- Remove water-damaged items promptly, within 24 hours of flooding or water damage
- Avoid exposure to mold-contaminated foods, especially grains, which can contain harmful amounts of mycotoxins 1
Treatment
Treatment for black mold exposure may involve antifungal medications and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, although the evidence for specific treatments is limited 1.
- Antifungal medications: itraconazole or voriconazole
- Corticosteroids: prednisone In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
From the Research
Health Effects of Stachybotrys chartarum Exposure
The health effects of exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mold, have been studied in various research papers. Some of the key findings include:
- Respiratory symptoms such as rhinitis, asthma, and sinusitis may occur due to exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum 2, 3, 4
- Dermatological symptoms such as dermatitis may also occur 3, 4
- Eye symptoms and constitutional symptoms have been associated with heavy and prolonged exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum 4
- Idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants has been potentially implicated as a rare cause of exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum 3, 4
- Ingestion of food heavily contaminated with toxin-producing molds, including Stachybotrys chartarum, can cause bone marrow suppression and immunotoxicity 4
Mechanisms of Action
The mechanisms of action of Stachybotrys chartarum include:
- Production of macrocyclic trichothecene mycotoxins, which are potent translational inhibitors and stress kinase activators 3, 5
- Formation of covalent protein adducts in vitro and in vivo, which can cause neurotoxicity and inflammation in the nose and brain of the mouse 5
- Production of other biologically active products such as proteinases, hemolysins, beta-glucan, and spirocyclic drimanes, which may contribute to pathophysiologic effects 5
Exposure Limits and Remediation
There are no established exposure limits for Stachybotrys chartarum, but high indoor exposures are associated with infrequent ventilation or vacuuming, pets, visible mold, and old carpets 3. Remediation of Stachybotrys chartarum contamination involves removal of all contaminated material, cleaning accessible heating, ventilation, and air conditioning parts and filters, and preventive maintenance 3, 4. Avoidance of exposure is the most effective mode of therapy, and buildings found to be heavily contaminated with molds, particularly Stachybotrys chartarum, should undergo thorough cleaning and repair to remove the offending agent(s) and prevent further water damage and mold overgrowth 4.