Black mold has the potential to trigger allergic reactions and worsen asthma symptoms by activating the immune system.

lack mold is a type of fungus that appears dark green or black. While there are various types of black mold, when most people mention it, they are referring to Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum). It thrives and spreads on materials rich in cellulose, such as paper products, wood products, and drywall. Cellulose is a fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and other plants, forming part of their cell walls.

Black mold requires warm temperatures and moisture to grow and propagate. It commonly emerges in damp or water-damaged areas of homes, such as basements, showers, and windows.

​For the majority of individuals, black mold is unlikely to cause severe illness or be fatal.

Black mold can make you sick if you have mold allergies. Black mold releases spores that can become airborne. Additionally, molds produce microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which emit an unpleasant "moldy" or musty odor. If you have allergies, you may experience symptoms from the spores or mVOCs. Allergy symptoms occur when your immune system becomes hypersensitive to these spores, leading to the release of chemicals that cause inflammation in your nose, eyes, and lungs. Even if you don't have allergies, you may still experience irritation from mVOCs.

If your immune system is weakened or compromised, such as due to immunodeficiency disorders or immune-suppressing medications, exposure to black mold can also result in a fungal infection (mycosis) in your airways or other parts of your body.

All types of mold can affect individuals with mold allergies. However, black mold is not inherently more dangerous than other types of mold.

The speed at which black mold affects you depends on whether you have any allergies or sensitivities to it. Each person's body is unique, and their reaction to black mold may differ from others.

If you are allergic to black mold, you may experience symptoms immediately after coming into contact with the spores.

​If you are not allergic to black mold, you may not experience any symptoms, or they may not manifest for a significant period of time.

Black mold can cause irritation in anyone, regardless of whether they have mold allergies or not. However, the symptoms tend to be more severe if you:

- Have a personal or family history of allergies.

- Have respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

- Spend a significant amount of time around black mold, either due to work or living in a damp, poorly ventilated home.

- Have a compromised immune system.

Breathing in black mold spores can trigger an allergic reaction if you have black mold allergies. An allergic reaction is your body's response to an allergen.

If you have black mold allergies, your body reacts to the first exposure to black mold spores by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE are antibodies created by your immune system. Your body produces different types of IgE that target specific allergens, including black mold. IgE antibodies attach to mast cells (cells containing histamine) in your mucus membranes, skin, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and airways. After the initial exposure, the mast cells become sensitive to black mold allergens.

When the mast cells encounter black mold spores again, they release histamine and other chemicals. Histamine is responsible for your immediate allergy symptoms. These symptoms develop rapidly, usually within seconds or minutes. The other chemicals can cause ongoing inflammation.

The most common symptoms of exposure to black mold include:

- Sneezing

- Coughing

- Nasal congestion

- Postnasal drip

- Red eyes

Exposure to black mold can also trigger or worsen asthma symptoms, such as:

- Wheezing

- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

- Dry cough and chest tightness

No, there is no evidence that exposure to black mold causes acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage (AIPH) in infants. AIPH is a type of hemorrhage in which blood leaks from a blood vessel around the airways into the lungs.

There is also no evidence that exposure to black mold causes other serious health issues, such as memory loss, nosebleeds, body aches, or mood disorders.

Black mold naturally grows in the environment and can be found in most places in nature. It can also be found in areas of your home that have the right conditions for its growth, such as bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, or areas with water leaks. In order to grow and spread, black mold needs:

- Moisture

- Oxygen

- A temperature between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 and 38 degrees Celsius)

- A food source that contains cellulose, such as drywall or paper

Microscopic black mold spores are present everywhere in our environment. They can enter your home through open windows, doors, and vents. They can also attach to your clothing or pets when you go outdoors. Once they find an area with the right conditions, they grow and spread on surfaces until they become visible to the naked eye.

An allergist, a healthcare provider specializing in allergies, can assist in diagnosing a black mold allergy through various tests.

A healthcare provider may employ different allergy tests to diagnose your black mold allergy based on your symptoms and suspected allergens. These tests may include:

Skin prick (scratch) test
This test exposes your body to small amounts of black mold allergens.

First, your healthcare provider will clean a test area of your skin with alcohol, typically on your forearm or upper back.

Using a thin needle (lancet), your allergist will prick your skin with black mold allergens. The lancet won't penetrate deep into your skin, causing only a slight pinch without bleeding.

Allergic reactions usually occur within 15 minutes of exposure to potential black mold allergens. Reactions may include skin discoloration (red, gray, or white) or raised, round spots known as wheals, resembling mosquito bites.

Your allergist will measure the size of your wheal.

A skin prick test takes less than an hour.

Blood (IgE) test

During a blood test, your healthcare provider will use a thin needle (slightly smaller than a standard earring post) to draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a laboratory, where the lab test measures the amount of IgE in your blood that binds to black mold.

It may take a week or longer to receive the results from a blood test sent to a lab.

​Blood tests can yield a higher rate of false-positive results, meaning the test indicates a specific allergy that you don't actually have.

While you can't eliminate black mold allergies, you can alleviate your symptoms.

The first step in treating a black mold allergy is to avoid exposure. If you have a water leak, ensure it is promptly repaired. If you have contaminated materials, dispose of them.

The next step is to rinse your sinuses or use medications to alleviate your symptoms. These treatments may include:

- Nasal irrigation

- Antihistamine medications

- Nasal corticosteroids

- Decongestants

- Montelukast tablets

- Asthma inhalers

If your symptoms persist despite medication, a healthcare provider may recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy)

Yes and no. Air purifiers can help remove black mold spores from the air, but they cannot eliminate mold actively growing on surfaces.​

Removing mold from your home can be challenging. Attempting to remove it yourself can cause it to spread through the air and affect other areas of your home. It is advisable to first fix any water leaks, then use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove spores from the air and seal off the affected room. Finally, contact professionals specializing in mold removal

There is no evidence that mold toxins cause diseases in people, so there is no need to detox after mold exposure. The best way to feel better if you experience black mold allergy symptoms is to leave the moldy environment and avoid further exposure. You can also take prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications to alleviate your symptoms.

Unfortunately, it's not possible to prevent a black mold allergy. However, you can take the following steps to prevent black mold from growing:

- Maintain humidity levels in your home between 30% and 50% to discourage black mold growth.

- Promptly repair any water leaks in your home's plumbing, walls, or roof.

- Dispose of carpets, rugs, textiles, drywall, or ceiling tiles that have become wet and haven't properly dried.

- Use exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen.

​- Install a high-quality air filter in your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Regularly service the HVAC system and ensure there are no leaks.

Since mold spores are present everywhere, it's impossible to completely avoid them. If you spend time in moldy areas, you will experience symptoms of a black mold allergy. However, you can minimize your exposure to high levels of mold spores by ensuring your home doesn't have conditions that promote black mold growth. Medications can help reduce your symptoms. In some cases, immunotherapy can even eliminate allergic reactions after exposure to black mold, resulting in an asymptomatic state.

If you suspect you have an allergy to black mold, it's important to consult your healthcare provider or an allergist for a proper diagnosis.

If you experience symptoms of a black mold allergy that significantly impact your quality of life, it's advisable to seek medical attention.

What questions should I ask a healthcare provider?

- How can you determine if I have an allergy to black mold?

- What allergy medications do you recommend?

- What are the potential side effects of the recommended medications?

- Should I take black mold allergy medications daily or only when symptoms arise?

- If I have another health condition, how should I manage it alongside my black mold allergy?

What is the difference between black mold and mildew?

The term "mildew" is imprecise and can refer to surface stains caused by molds or specific types of mold.