The Effects of Black Mold on Infants

According to a study by the Mayo Clinic in 1999, nearly all chronic sinus infections are the result of mold. Mold is a tenacious substance that takes root in the presence of moisture. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "There is always a little mold everywhere -- in the air and on many surfaces." If you have mold in your home, your respiratory health and that of any small children or infants might be at risk.

If you have mold in your home, your health and that of any small children or infants is at risk. (Image: Frida Marquez/Blend Images/Getty Images)

Black Mold

Molds themselves aren't toxic. Instead, certain toxigenic molds produce toxins (specifically, mycotoxins). However, these molds aren't any more hazardous than other common molds which can grow indoors, according to the CDC. Stachybotrys atra, or black mold, is toxigenic. It's greenish-black and can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, including fiberboard, paper and dust. Black mold thrives on moisture and needs it constantly in order to grow.

Pulmonary Hemosiderosis

Pulmonary hemosiderosis is the medical term for the bleeding of the lungs of infants, which a few studies have linked black mold exposure. According to Dearborn, symptoms include coughing up blood and nose bleeds, particularly in infants under 6 months of age, as well as chronic cough, congestion and anemia. The disorder requires immediate medical attention. But don't panic just yet -- the CDC asserts that reports linking pulmonary hemosiderosis to black mold are rare and haven't proven that there's a causal relationship. "To date, a possible association between acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants and Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra) has not been proved," the CDC reports. "Further studies are needed to determine what causes idiopathic hemorrhage."

Common Effects of Mold

According to the CDC, one 2004 study found that, "There was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people," including children. Furthermore, indoor exposure to molds can exasperate asthma symptoms. Another study linked molds to the development in asthma in children, "particularly children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development," although more research is needed. Severe reactions, such as fever and shortness of breath, may occur for workers who are exposed to large amounts of mold. People with allergies, immune suppression disease or underlying lung disease may be more susceptible to respiratory problems caused by mold.

Prevention and Solution

According to the CDC's Healthy Housing Assessment Manual, the most important way to prevent mold growth is to control moisture. The CDC recommends indoor humidity to be between 40 percent and 60 percent. Fix all leaks, check all ventilation, use exhaust fans, limit the amount of indoor plants and use dehumidifiers to keep moisture out of your house. Nonporous materials can be cleaned with solutions of one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. However, carpets, fabrics and books exposed to mold will likely have to be removed. If you have persistent symptoms, visit a health care provider.

What Do YOU Think?

Did you know that black mold isn't any more harmful than other molds? How do you usually deal with mold in your household? Has mold every affected your health? Let us know in the comments section!