Signs of Black Mold Symptoms for Kids and How to Address It

The average age of a public school building is 49 years old and with any old building, the chances for mold are high.

Schools are expensive to maintain and often have little budgets to do so. While teachers and school administrators do their best, mold is present in classrooms.

One study from the National Library of Medicine found that in 120 classrooms sampled, they all had mold present.

Two Most Common Types of Mold Found in Classrooms

The National Library of Medicine found many types of mold in the classrooms tested, but two types of mold occurred most often:

1. Cladosporium – this type of mold is found both inside and out but most often found in the presence of moisture from leaky pipes, carpet or walls. While it is black in color, it is not considered a “toxic black mold.”
2. Aspergillus/Penicillium – this type of fast growing mold is often found on a range of organic building materials like wood, drywall backing, carpeting, painted surfaces and spoiled food.

When mold takes hold, it releases spores and mycotoxins into the air, which can lead to mold symptoms and mold sickness.

As a parent, what does this mean?

Your child spends a lot of time at school in various classrooms, and mold sickness is easy to overlook because symptoms look like everyday health issues.

As a parent, it’s natural to feel concerned when your child isn’t feeling their best. Schools should be safe places, but outdated ventilation, leaky roofs, and inconsistent cleaning practices can turn classrooms into moldy hotspots.

Mold is everywhere in our environment, not just the classroom, but you’re not powerless.

If you suspect mold in your child’s classroom—or even at home—this guide will help you spot the signs of mold symptoms and offer practical steps to tackle the problem.

What Is Black Mold?

Not all black molds are created equal. Many molds are black in color, but most often when people refer to black mold they are talking specifically about Stachybotrys Chartarum, a mold notorious for its dark color and ability to produce harmful mycotoxins like trichothecenes.

Stachybotrys Chartarum can cause serious mold symptoms and even lead to mold sickness, particularly with long-term black mold exposure.

This type of mold tends to grow on water-damaged materials like wood, paper, and drywall, making it a concern for homes and schools.

But it’s not the only mold that looks black, and it’s not necessarily the most dangerous. Molds like Chaetomium, Aspergillus niger, and Cladosporium, also appear black and pose health risks, depending on the situation and individual sensitivities.

So why does Stachybotrys get such a bad reputation?

Its notoriety comes from its aggressive nature and the high toxicity of the mycotoxins it releases. Public awareness campaigns and media reports have highlighted this mold, creating a perception that it’s the most dangerous one out there.

But any mold can be harmful under the right conditions, especially to those who are more sensitive.

Recognizing Mold Symptoms

Exposure to mycotoxins released from mold or mold spores creates mold-related illness. Symptoms mirror common health issues making it hard to detect mold as the root cause.

Exposure to toxic black mold like Stachybotrys is associated with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). This is a multi-system, multi-symptom illness.

CIRS develops in those who are genetically predisposed and have difficulty clearing toxins from their bodies. The inability to clear toxins leads to a chronic inflammatory response that hits multiple systems in the body like the digestive, respiratory, nervous and even immune systems.

Top Signs of Mold Symptoms

Below are some of the most common mold symptoms.

At Authentic Health we use Bioenergetic testing to help pinpoint mold exposure and better understand why these symptoms may be occurring.

Disclaimer: Please note we do not diagnose or treat health conditions with bioenergetics. However, we support the body in returning to balance with bioenergetic testing, which can show organ and system stress.

1. Persistent Coughing and Wheezing:
   When mold spores are inhaled, they can irritate the respiratory system, triggering persistent coughing and wheezing as the body tries to eliminate the irritants. Exposure may cause inflammation and increased sensitivity in the airways and lungs.
2. Frequent Respiratory Infections:Children who frequently suffer from colds, sinus infections, or bronchitis, especially after attending school, could be experiencing mold-related illnesses. Exposure to black mold can weaken the immune system, making it less effective at fighting infections.
3. Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose:
   Persistent nasal congestion or a runny nose that worsens after classroom activities may indicate mold exposure, as mold spores can irritate and inflame the nasal passages.
4. Skin Irritations and Rashes:
   Mold exposure can also cause the body’s biggest organ, the skin to react to mold spores and mycotoxins with symptoms like itching, redness, and inflammation.
5. Behavioral Changes:
   The effects of mold exposure extend beyond physical symptoms. Mycotoxins can cross the blood-brain barrier, posing a threat to neurons and impacting the nervous system. This exposure may lead to behavioral changes, including irritability, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.

Mold Impacts Everyone Differently

Not everyone exposed to mold will experience symptoms or develop mold sickness. Sensitivity varies greatly among individuals due to factors such as pre-existing health conditions and the type of mold involved.

Allergic Reactions: For some, mold exposure triggers an allergic response. The immune system identifies mold spores as harmful and releases histamines, causing symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and skin rashes. Children with allergies or asthma are particularly at risk, as their immune systems are already more reactive.

Preventing and Addressing Mold in Schools and Homes

You won’t be able to eliminate mold entirely, especially in humid environments and older buildings. But these four strategies can help reduce mold growth:

1. Control Moisture Levels
   • Use dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity between 30-50%.
   • Ensure proper ventilation with exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
   • Repair leaks in roofs, windows, or plumbing immediately.
   • Insulate pipes and windows to minimize condensation.
2. Improve Airflow
   • Open windows when possible to circulate fresh air.
   • Use fans and maintain HVAC systems to prevent moisture buildup.
3. Educate and Raise Awareness
   • Train school staff to recognize mold risks and address moisture issues promptly.
   • Report any visible mold or signs of water damage.
4. Address Existing Mold
   • Professional mold removal is essential and should not be handled casually.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Classroom Black Mold Exposure

1. Track Symptoms
   • Document when symptoms occur and how they correlate with time spent in the classroom. This information can assist healthcare professionals and school staff.
2. Discuss with a Healthcare Provider
   • Seek medical advice if mold-related health issues are suspected.
3. Encourage School Action
   • Advocate for better ventilation, prompt leak repairs, and regular cleaning of classroom spaces.
4. Keep a Healthy Home Environment
   • Keep your home mold-free with good ventilation, air purifiers, and dehumidifiers.
   • Reduce electromagnetic field (EMF) levels to support overall health.
5. Support Immune Health
   • Focus on a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
   • Reduce sugar intake and increase fiber to limit mold and fungal growth in the body.
   • Healthy Habits: Encourage regular exercise, proper hydration, and adequate sleep to strengthen overall resilience.
   • Bioenergetic Scan to pinpoint the exact mold exposure.

Detox and Drainage

Binders are substances that “bind” to toxins, chemicals or harmful substances in the body. The binders help eliminate toxins through natural pathways like the digestive system.

Binders are a safe and natural way to help clear mold out of your or your child’s system.

How Binders Work:

Binders have chemical properties that allow them to attach to specific toxins such as:

• Mycotoxins from old exposure
• Heavy Metals like mercury or lead
• Environmental Pollutants like pesticides or plastic residues

Once bound, the toxins are rendered less harmful and are removed from the body through stool or urine.

Common Types of Binders

• Activated Charcoal:
  • A highly absorbent substance that traps toxins in the digestive tract.
  • Commonly used for poison ingestion and general detoxification.
• Bentonite Clay:
  • A natural clay with negatively charged particles that attract and bind to positively charged toxins.
  • Often used to support gut health and reduce toxic load.
• Chlorella:
  • A type of algae known for its ability to bind heavy metals.
  • Also provides nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants.
• Zeolite:
  • A volcanic mineral with a cage-like structure that traps toxins.
  • Used for heavy metals and general detox.
• Pectin (Citrus Pectin or Modified Citrus Pectin):
  • A soluble fiber that can bind heavy metals and improve gut health.
• Silica-Based Binders (e.g., Enterosgel):
  • Effective in absorbing toxins while being gentle on the digestive system.
• Cholestyramine:
  • A prescription medication often used for mold-related illnesses, as it binds mycotoxins in the gut.

The effects of black mold exposure can be subtle yet harmful and addressing them early can make a significant difference.

Consider a Bioenergetic Cellular Test that reveals which body systems are under stress and the cause of that stress. We test food sensitivities, environmental toxins, bacteria, viruses, mold, heavy metals, chemicals, parasites, nutritional imbalances, and hormone imbalances.

Let’s work together to keep your child and family as toxin-free as possible so you all can enjoy a healthy life.