http://www.householdmoldguide.com/black-mold-symptoms - "Black mold is an extremely toxic type of mold. Black mold appears as a powdery or downy-like substance on everything from walls, food, carpeting, showers, wood, fabrics (including clothing), and baseboards, to name a few. Black mold wreaks the worst havoc when it gets into the heating and air conditioning systems. There are a variety of household mold symptoms that could appear from black mold if you have been exposed to this toxic type of fungi.
At first, symptoms indicating black mold poisoning can mimic flu or cold symptoms, such as a cough, red and watery eyes, and runny nose. However, if left untreated, our bodies can absorb high levels of what are called mycotoxins, which are toxic to human beings and animals. Molecular compounds called mycotoxins are sometimes produced by black mold. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, black mold may be present in your home or workplace.
Black Mold Symptoms
· Respiratory difficulties – hard to breathe, itchy nose, frequent drainage from the nose, asthma-like symptoms
· Skin irritation – hives or rashes on the skin
· Red eyes
· Intense headaches for seemingly no reason
· Consistent cough
· Feelings of nausea and dizziness
· Difficulty recalling details or general fogginess resulting in lack of concentration
· Lethargic behavior
· Blood pressure levels are irregular
Prolonged exposure to black mold has even been known to cause bleeding in the lungs, internal pain of the organs, urinary tract infections, and in some severe cases, infertility. Research has shown that both elderly people and infants are especially sensitive to the presence of mold in a home. It is vital that a physician checks you if you are experiencing any of these symptoms for no apparent reason.
A home that has mold and is primarily closed up can be an especially dangerous environment, causing black mold poisoning more quickly due to no fresh air entering the space. Black mold can hide behind walls and not actually be seen for several months before it is discovered. If you happen to notice stains on walls that appear in colors of yellow, black, green, or even brown, and the walls are damp, you may already have mold in the process of growing on or behind the walls. Black mold could be a result of a water leak or consistently high levels of moisture in an area such as a basement, enclosed shower, or even an office.
Trust your nose! If you seem to notice a musty or mildew smell in your home or office, mold may be in the early stages. Keep your eyes open for more noticeable signs of the mold. Look in corners of rooms, around the baseboards, and around ceiling areas for stains or what appears to be dirt (and may actually be mold).
Some people are very sensitive to mold and may experience respiratory problems before they ever see visible signs of mold. If symptoms are experienced inside a house or office, but not outside of those areas, there may be mold present. For some people, an allergic reaction to black mold can mimic asthma.
Black mold symptoms are an indication that you have black mold poisoning. It is vital a physician examines you as soon as possible. He will be able to determine if your household mold symptoms are a result of mold or something else in the environment."
http://www.afhh.org/hhe/hhe_cockroaches.htm - "Cockroaches in homes are a health hazard to many children and families because of the risks cockroach antigens pose to asthma sufferers. Traditionally, cockroaches were controlled because they are offensive, leave behind an awful smell, and cause gastrointestinal and respiratory illness. However, research shows that cockroach debris (old shells, saliva, body parts, and droppings) triggers asthma attacks in people who are sensitized to cockroach antigen (proteins found in the debris). In homes where several allergens are present, including dust mites, mold, furry pets, tobacco smoke, and certain chemicals, children may experience severe and frequent asthma attacks from high airborne concentrations of these allergens.
Any home with food or moisture can have cockroaches. Kitchens and bathrooms typically have the highest number of cockroaches due to the presence of food products and moisture from plumbing fixtures. Apartment buildings often have the worst infestations. The goal is to keep cockroaches out of the home and to eliminate existing pests. Reaching this goal is not always easy, especially in multi-unit housing that is already infested. For most apartment buildings, the landlord must take a building-wide approach to controlling these pests. Moreover, a coordinated effort by the landlord and all tenants is required to eliminate cockroaches.
Integrated pest management techniques that control cockroaches through moisture control and other interventions can also help to minimize exposure to other environmental hazards, including lead and mold. Moisture from leaky roofs, plumbing fixtures, spills, damp areas in the kitchen and bathroom, and other sources should be minimized, along with access to food, accumulation of trash, and holes and cracks in the walls. Safe and effective pest management techniques must be utilized, as some chemicals used to treat pests are toxic, may exacerbate asthma symptoms, and are not successful at ridding homes of cockroaches.
Because children spend more time indoors, allergens found in homes and other buildings pose a significant health risk for asthma sufferers. With asthma rates growing at a startling rate, the hazard posed by the presence of any cockroaches must be addressed. "
I've had issues with Black Mold before. Where I work. I was sick for days with only a FEW HOURS of exposure without knowledge. I simply looked up my symptoms and BAM! There it was... My answer... Black Mold. It is EXTREMELY serious!
