Can MOLD get you sick, if it WASSSS on the bottom of a boxspring, but we cut the fabric off and let the wood?

Question

dry. The boxsprings were in plastic but got rained on and soon black spots appeared on the sides of the frame. Anyone know if by sleeping on it, a person will get sick, even though we cleaned and cut the wet fabric off?

Answer 1

Yes Mold can make you sick and can be very hazardous to your health. Mold can secrete toxins, called mycotoxins, depending on the local conditions for growth in the environment the fungus is in. These mycotoxins are designed to stop other microorganisms from growing and competing with the fungus for nutrients and space. Many mycotoxins are also hazardous to humans. If we breathe in mold, the fungus travels into our warm, moist bodies, an ideal environment to grow in and produce mycotoxin. As the toxin begins to affect us, we begin to get ill. Depending on the actual toxin produced and the individuals immune system, such fungal infections can be lethal.

Mold can effect the lungs, the immune system and make people ill depending on the exposure times and health and age of the person exposed to it.

Answer 2

they could and if it was black mold it could kill you , of you breathe in the spores you can get sick

Answer 3

yep its the spores you've got to worry about , if you can remove the mould entirely, which you do with steam I believe, people think bleach kills mould but not certain types.

Answer 4

Mold can be hard to get rid of... Best bet is to replace the box spring, especially since you'll be near it every day.

If getting a new box spring is not an option, you should take more precautions than just drying the frame.  The mold may be in the pores, and as soon as more moisture apears (perspiration, humidity) it can re-apear.

Using Hylex or a simmilar bleach is your best bet.  My basement flooded in 1997, and FEMA reccomended using a Hylex solution on all surfaces.  No mold has re-appeared.

Also, sunlight can help.  After using the Hylex solution, try drying in the sunlight on a clean surface.  Just don't let it get rained on again of course.

Hope this helps and good luck!