Mold

1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

What do you do if you discover that your child has eaten a bit of moldy bread left in the pantry? Is mold toxic? As long as you have a fairly healthy immune system, you should be okay. The most you can expect is maybe some nausea or vomiting due to the unpleasant taste. Here’s what else you need to know.

Rarely, people with allergies like hay fever and asthma may be hypersensitive to mold and may experience allergic reactions and breathing problems. A few molds, in the right conditions, produce “mycotoxins.” These are substances that can make a person sick.

If you notice that your child has ingested mold, do not panic. Take the food away from the child and wipe their mouth out with a soft wet cloth. You may give them some water to drink to get the taste out of their mouth. Do not try to induce vomiting.

After you have removed your child from the situation, immediately call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.  Treatment recommendations are often determined by the amount ingested. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions and our team of medical professionals will help to walk you through the next steps.