Taking in certain kinds of black mold through the nasal passages could kill cells needed for the body’s sense of smell, according to a 2006 study at Michigan State University’s Center for Integrative Toxicology.
Researchers used mice for the study, and found that a toxin from the black mold spores caused damage to the nose and the front part of the brain, where the sense of smell registers.
The toxin found in black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, also irritated the nasal passages of the mice, which are similar in cell structure to humans.
Since memory is triggered by the human body’s sense of smell, the potential for memory loss as a result of exposure to black mold logically follows.
Several infants died in Ohioin the mid-1990s from lung damage after they were found to be living in homes with high levels of mold.
Their bleeding lungs were believed to have been damaged by something toxic in the air of their homes.
Mold May Affect Your Mood
A link between the body’s exposure to mold and depression was the topic of a study released in August 2007 by a research team at Brown University and published by the American Journal of Public Health.
While the researchers didn’t establish a direct connection between mold and the onset or risk of depression, they did find that people living in damp, moldy homes were more likely to suffer from depression.
This was likely due to the health issues they faced as a result of their exposure to mold (fatigue, cold symptoms), and a mental health aspect: the perception of a lack of control over their housing environment, according to the study.
Methods for Preventing and Dealing With Mold
The best way to arm yourself against the health dangers of black mold is to do a visual inspection of your home (and then your workplace). Your nose may give you the first sign that there is a problem, however.
Musty odors are a good sign that there is mold living somewhere.
If you do find mold, clean with a bleach solution and make sure the area is properly ventilated. Install fans in the bathrooms, and repair any pipes that leak.
While the researchers didn’t establish a direct connection between mold and the onset or risk of depression, they did find that people living in damp, moldy homes were more likely to suffer from depression.
This was likely due to the health issues they faced as a result of their exposure to mold (fatigue, cold symptoms), and a mental health aspect: the perception of a lack of control over their housing environment, according to the study.
Methods for Preventing and Dealing With Mold
The best way to arm yourself against the health dangers of black mold is to do a visual inspection of your home (and then your workplace). Your nose may give you the first sign that there is a problem, however.
Musty odors are a good sign that there is mold living somewhere.
If you do find mold, clean with a bleach solution and make sure the area is properly ventilated. Install fans in the bathrooms, and repair any pipes that leak.
Windows, especially those in older homes, are notorious for mold build-up; the first sign of a problem may be condensation on the glass.
Clean kitchen areas and bathrooms occasionally with a bleach solution.
Use a humidifier in rooms where the air is moist, especially in the basement. And be sure to change the humidifier’s filter regularly, as mold can build up quickly on a damp surface.
Empty the water between uses to prevent mold from building up on the water’s surface.
Other places where mold is likely to grow: in areas that have flooded, water pipe leaks, leaky roofs, condensation on walls and ceilings (look for discoloration), windows, rust, peeling paint, tile grout, gutters, and warped wood.
Homes with many houseplants could be susceptible to mold growth; be careful not to overwater.
Check the ventilation of home appliances, such as dryers, which should be vented outside.
Air purification and filtration systems, which can range from reasonably priced to expensive depending on how elaborate the system is, are another option for homeowners and business owners. Central air conditioning with air filtration attachments are also available.
Mold tests are available at most home improvement stores, and allow for the testing of both air and tangible mold samples. But they may not give the whole story. There are companies who specialize in air quality diagnosis and rehabilitation.