Can mold make my baby sick?
Inhaling black mold spores exposes babies to mycotoxins. These are toxic substances produced by the mold. These can have harmful effects on babies including causing pulmonary hemorrhage. Babies that survive the adverse effects of mold in infancy are likely to be followed by the effects of the mycotoxins for a lifetime.
Can babies recover from mold exposure?
First the good news… children often get better a lot faster than adults, sometimes in a few months although sometimes the neuropsychiatric symptoms take longer to resolve. Otherwise, their treatment is very similar. Once we confirm that mold toxins are behind the symptoms, we focus on separating the child from mold.
What kind of birth defects does mold cause?
Repeated and prolonged exposure to black mold can affect the physical development of a fetus. Severe maternal allergies secondary to black mold exposure can lead to serious damages to the growing fetus. This includes brain damage and problems with the respiratory system.
Can you test a baby for mold exposure?
ARE THERE EVIDENCE-BASED TESTS FOR MOLD EXPOSURE? Tests for mold “toxins” are not validated or recommended; children with allergies or asthma, however, may benefit from testing for environmental allergies.
How long does it take for mold to affect health?
These microorganisms can quickly fill the air and spread throughout your home, affecting more and more areas and endangering your health with every passing hour. Mold spores that start to colonize on surfaces within 24 hours become visible in about 18 to 21 days of the flooding.
How do you tell the difference between black mold and regular mold?
While other types of mold may have a fuzzy, light texture, black mold will usually be slimy or wet. Some early forms of black mold have a powdery feel. Rub the mold with a paper towel to determine the texture, but be sure to wear gloves, a face mask, coveralls, and safety goggles when going near mold.
How is mold harmful to infants and children?
Mold Can Cause Death in Infants and Children There are many studies which have shown that infants and children who live in water-damaged buildings with mold will produce potent toxins known as mycotoxins that can compromise a child’s immune system and will make them very sick.
What are the symptoms of black mold in infants?
Black Mold Symptoms in Infants 1 Lung Problems. Because an infant’s respiratory system is immature, his body can’t rid itself of the toxins that molds give off. 2 Gastrointestinal Issues. According to Susan Lillard-Roberts in an article on Mold Survivor, an infant exposed to black mold may suffer from gastrointestinal problems. 3 Rash.
What to do if you have a baby exposed to mold?
What To Do if You Have a Baby Exposed to Mold. The first thing that you should do is get your baby out of the home immediately. Go to a family member’s home, a hotel etc. But if you suspect a contamination problem in your home, it’s imperative that you separate your baby from the situation as soon as possible.
Can a child get a sinus infection from mold?
What people need to understand is that children who are adversely affected from mold exposure are not really having an allergic reaction, they are having an immune reaction to the mold. This is why a 1990 Mayo Clinic Study Shows Mold as the Cause of Nearly All Chronic Sinus Infections.