How bad is it to live with black mold?

Author: Isadore Brown PhD  |  Last update: Monday, March 24, 2025

How harmful is black mold? Evidence suggests that black mold is no more dangerous than other types of mold. However, exposure to black mold can cause some people to experience allergy symptoms. Black mold exposure may lead to more serious complications in people with underlying health conditions.

What happens if you live in a house with black mold?

Black mold is a fungus that may cause your immune system to react. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, congestion and eye irritation. It rarely causes serious illness or death but may worsen asthma symptoms.

Can I clean black mold myself?

To effectively kill black toxic mold, use a cleaning solution that combines water with mild detergent, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using bleach, as it may not penetrate porous materials where mold can grow. Thoroughly scrub the mold-infested surface, ensuring that all visible mold is removed.

Do you have to throw everything away with mold in the house?

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.

What are the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

What are the symptoms of a mold allergy or reaction to exposure?

Is it okay to stay in a house with mold?

Because of the risks that come with mold exposure, it can be unsafe to sleep in a house with mold, particularly in the affected areas because you put yourself at risk of mold allergies. This becomes especially concerning if you are sensitive to the mold.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

What does black mold smell like?

Black mold has a distinct smell. It's often described as musty and earthy and may even smell like rotting vegetables, plants, or paper. Some think it smells like cedar.

Should I go to the ER for black mold exposure?

Those who need to see a doctor right away when exposed to toxic mold include people who are allergic to mold, have asthma or another pre-existing lung condition, or have a compromised immune system. However, otherwise healthy individuals can also suffer the effects of mold toxicity.

How much does it cost to remove black mold?

Exposure to molds, especially black molds (Stachybotrys chartarum) poses health risks. Prolonged exposure to this type of fungus can induce allergic reactions, particularly in people with respiratory problems. Mold remediation cost for black molds ranges from $1,100 to $4,700.

Is it bad to sleep in a house with black mold?

A: It's not advisable to sleep in a mouldy room. Mould spores can affect your respiratory system, allergies and sleep quality. Over time, it can lead to more severe health issues, making it a bad choice for a sleep environment.

Would you buy a house with black mold?

Purchasing a House with Mold: Understanding the Problems

Black mold can be some of the most dangerous type since it releases toxins that can cause severe respiratory issues and even death in extreme cases. Many types of mold are harmless, but black mold can pose a severe danger.

Does black mold have to be removed professionally?

Professional mold removal is also the right choice if you think the mold might be toxic black mold. Many people also select professional mold remediation if they do not have the time or tools to handle mold themselves. Overall, most homeowners find that getting professional help works better for their situation.

How do I permanently get rid of mold in my house?

Spray the area with a mixture of water and vinegar - half water, half vinegar. Next, scrub to remove all traces of the mold. For removal of black and white mold, spray the area with the half water and half vinegar solution.

Who pays for mold remediation?

If there is a covered condition that the homeowner's insurance policy covers that causes mold, then the insurance company will cover mold remediation. Excess water from a natural cause like a roof leaking after a rain storm is usually covered by a homeowners insurance policy.

Will insurance pay to replace the entire floor?

Dwelling coverage, on your condo or homeowners policy, may pay to repair or replace your floors and carpet if they're damaged by a covered peril. For instance, if your home's floors are damaged in a fire, your home insurance may pay for new flooring, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.

What are signs of mold sickness?

If you have a mold allergy, your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. A mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes and other symptoms that make you miserable. In some people, a mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.

What eats away at mold?

Vinegar is natural and safe mild acid that can kill 82% of mold species. Plus it doesn't give off dangerous fumes like bleach. If you want to use vinegar to prevent mold growth on surfaces, spray vinegar on the surface and leave it. Repeat every few days to keep the surface mold-free.

What degrees kills mold?

Most yeasts and molds are heat-sensitive and destroyed by heat treatments at temperatures of 140-160°F (60-71°C). Some molds make heat-resistant spores, however, and can survive heat treatments in pickled vegetable products. These molds, however, require oxygen to grow.

Can you live in a house that had black mold?

Is it okay to be in house with black mold? Black mold can cause health problems. As such, it is not advisable to be in a house with black mold. If a person must stay in a house with black mold, they should try to seal off any areas where black mold is present to reduce contact with it.

How to test if your house is making you sick?

If you want to monitor your indoor air quality proactively, you can invest in an air quality monitor. This will help you test if your house is making you sick. These devices constantly check the indoor air quality and provide feedback about the levels of different pollutants.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

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