Black mold can be present on any surface affected by water damage, or exposed to excessive moisture. It may cause problems in healthy adults, but particularly harmful to women who are pregnant.
Black mold can produce mycotoxins that may cause health issues in the expectant mother and unborn baby. Women who are pregnant should avoid being exposed to black mold.
Stachybotrys chartarum, also referred to as black mold or toxic mold, can cause negative effects in both expectant mom and fetus. This particular mold produces harmful toxins to humans.
Mold can be found in the air and any surface. It is common in areas that have high humidity levels, condensation and water damage due to flooding or leaking pipes.
The effects of mold on the mother and unborn child will vary depending upon the length of exposure and the amount of mold spores inhaled.
Pregnant women exposed to mold may experience upper respiratory infections and wheezing. Women who have asthma may have an increase with asthma-related symptoms. Skin or eye irritation and nasal stuffiness may also occur.
In severe cases of exposure, women may experience difficulty breathing and have a fever. Studies have not conclusively proven black mold effects on a fetus, however, there is a correlation between toxic mold exposure and an increased risk of miscarriage.
Animal studies have shown a disruption of fetal development when subjected to toxic mold while in the womb.
There is also speculation that black mold exposure in a fetus or newborn can be linked to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and a child in the womb exposed to black mold may also develop asthma or allergies later in life.
Women who suspect they are being contaminated with toxic or black mold should contact a certified mold inspector to evaluate the conditions. If samples prove that Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold, is present in the home or office she should evacuate until the house has been disinfected properly and mold is no longer a threat.
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