While all molds can be toxic, this is highly unlikely for shower mold. The conditions usually are not right for molds to produce mycotoxins, and there are few cases where there is enough exposure to cause long term health problems.
Although the dangers of black mold have been exaggerated, mold can cause health problems in people who are sensitive to it. Mold in your shower can cause annoying symptoms and health problems in people who are sensitive to it. The color of the mold doesn't have any connection to how dangerous it is.
Bottom Line: How To Stop Mold Growth In A Pipe And Drain
Chronic mold exposure is a health risk. It is notably dangerous for allergic and immunocompromised people. As such, it is better not to delay remediation measures when you discover mold in your home.
The Danger Of Black Mold Exposure
As mentioned, it may even lead to death. Thus, exposure to the toxicity of black mold can cause harm to our physical health. Cleaning it yourself risks a greatly increased chance of acquiring damaging health conditions by unsettling the toxins into the air.
Can I clean up black mold myself? Although you can get rid of mild black mold problems yourself, we recommend leaving it to a professional because some species are toxic and cause severe health problems.
Black mold is quite prevalent in bathrooms in general, particular in showers and can be especially pervasive. Mold can be found on bathroom walls, around drains, and in tile grout.
Treat the Area. For a natural solution to getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.
A disease like pneumonia may also develop after exposure to mold, but this is uncommon. Infectious diseases from molds can occur in people with weakened immune systems, such as those who are immune-compromised or immune-suppressed from drug treatment.
Toxic black mold growth has a more potent and identifiable smell, like the smell of decay, wet soil, or rot. Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew.
According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.
Visual signs of mold attacks on the bathroom wall include discoloration, peeling wallpaper and crumbling plaster. Mold often grows behind wall tiles, causing these materials to crack or become loose. Plus, gaps in the grout or caulk suggest mold spores have infiltrated the spaces behind the wall.
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.
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.
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.
Can black mold make you sick? If you have mold allergies, black mold can make you sick. Black mold produces spores, which can enter the air. Molds also produce microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which create an unpleasant “moldy” or musty smell.
Black mold contained to a limited area, such as a stain on the bathroom ceiling or wall, you can attempt to remove it on your own. However, if the mold has spread to large surfaces or the infestation is severe, you should seek professional assistance to ensure safe and effective mold removal.
Black mold often appears slimy or wet in texture. Its characteristic sliminess can set it apart from other molds, which might have a different, dryer texture. Regular molds vary widely in appearance, presenting different textures such as fuzzy, velvety, or powdery, and can appear in various colors.
If you're not wearing any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you're inviting all of those mold spores to settle on your clothing, the area you're cleaning, your shoes (allowing mold to travel to other areas in your home), in your eyes, and up your nose into your upper respiratory system.
Quality mold remediation professionals may use brushes or sponges and specialized cleaning solutions to remove mold colonies alongside vacuums to extract spores. It is necessary to ensure that every part of a structure is free of mold before restoration starts.
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.