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How Long Does Mold And Toxins Usually Last?

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Posted on Tue, 17 Jun 2014
Question: Hi there,
My daughter had gotten sick about a month ago and I cleaned it with a towel. The towel got thrown into a laundry basket that, unfortunately, had not been washed right away. I went to do the wash last night and I noticed the vomit on the towel. It seemed dry and I did not notice any mold that had grown on it. I was just wondering if this would be a good source for mold to grow on and if I should be worried about contaminating other things that I might have touched. I was cleaning my bedroom and getting supper ready at the same time and touched my bed and bedding and served supper before I noticed what was on the towel moments later. Basically I want to know, A, would there still be dangerous mold spores or toxins that I should be worried about and whether I should take my family and I to the doctor and, B, how long do the mold and toxins usually last?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Do not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for writing to health care magic.
A) I personally feel that there would be harm by the dried vomitus. If there had been plenty of food particles then it could be a bed for fungus to grow.
But unless anyone of your family members have symptoms like vomiting or loose stools, no need to worry.
B ) The molds can last for even a week. But unlikely to be present because gastric juice is acidic.
Relax. Mostly they are harmless
Regards
Dr Arun



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Arun (30 minutes later)
so even though it could be dangerous if there were lots of food in the vomit we should just wait and see? how long do I wait? when do I know im in the clear and no longer need to keep an eye on my children for sickness? Can the mold be transfered to other clothing items from my hands and start growing again?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
see below

Detailed Answer:
As already said the chances are very less for getting sick.
There is no need to take any preventive medicines nor there are any. Doesn't mean you should wait for your family to get sick, seek medical attention if they develop early symptoms as already explained.
Again transmission to other clothes wouldn't happen .
Washing all the clothes well should settle your anxiety.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Arun (2 hours later)
So doing a regular wash without vinegar or bleach, I don't have any, will be fine.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
sure

Detailed Answer:
Sure
That should be fine.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Arun

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1966 Questions

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How Long Does Mold And Toxins Usually Last?

Brief Answer: Do not worry Detailed Answer: Hi Thank you for writing to health care magic. A) I personally feel that there would be harm by the dried vomitus. If there had been plenty of food particles then it could be a bed for fungus to grow. But unless anyone of your family members have symptoms like vomiting or loose stools, no need to worry. B ) The molds can last for even a week. But unlikely to be present because gastric juice is acidic. Relax. Mostly they are harmless Regards Dr Arun