4 Symptoms of Mold Exposure to Watch in Your Family
Did you know that people are 40 percent more likely to develop asthma if they live in a damp and moldy environment? Mold is very common in buildings and homes, and most of it is harmless. But large amounts of mold and even certain types can cause serious health problems.
Identifying symptoms of spore exposure can be central to determining and eradicating the mold problem. The information below provides some basic facts about mold, where it comes from, and how it gets into your home.
It also includes four symptoms of mold exposure to look out for. This will help you better assess whether you, your family, and your home may be in danger and require mold remediation.
Mold Basics
Mold is a fungal growth prevalent throughout the world. Like all living things, mold needs food and water to live. When exposed to black mold, individuals may experience a range of symptoms, such as respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even neurological symptoms, making it crucial to be aware of the potential health risks associated with black mold exposure.
If you had a minor flood in your home, or even a burst pipe or leak, mold could move in. Also, areas with high humidity, including basements, crawl spaces, attics, and inside walls are prone to mold infestation.
Mold also lives off of organic matter. For this reason, it can cause serious damage to the structure of your building. It can leave behind warped boards, damaged walls, and even rotten support beams that could weaken the stability of your home’s structure.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
There are lots of different types of mold, and only specific kinds can cause allergies. When you inhale mold spores, your body identifies them as foreign invaders and produces antibodies to fight them. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
Also, symptoms of mold exposure can come and go during certain times of the year. This does not mean the mold has gone away (it most likely will not, on its own), but that the amount of mold spores in the air has changed.
1. Sneezing and Runny Nose
Sneezing and a stuffy nose can be symptoms of the presence of mold. This could be the result of a basic immune response to the mold spores or “allergic fungal sinusitis,” an inflammatory reaction to fungus in the sinuses. In individuals with mold allergies, exposure to mold spores can trigger these symptoms, indicating the need for proper mold remediation to alleviate the health effects and improve indoor air quality. Additionally, persistent or severe symptoms should prompt a consultation with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
2. Scratchy Eyes, Nose, or Throat
Mold spores can cause symptoms like those associated with seasonal allergies. These include scratchiness in your eyes, nose, and throat.
For this reason, it may be difficult to differentiate the causes of these symptoms. One way is if you notice them occurring or becoming more severe when you are at home.
3. Respiratory Problems
Coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness are usually signs of a more serious allergic reaction to the presence of mold. Note that, if you begin experiencing shortness of breath or severe levels of any of the above symptoms, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Infants and older individuals may be more susceptible to mold spores. A recent study showed that exposure to mod during the first year of life can increase the risk of childhood asthma. Also, people with existing respiratory conditions or who have compromised immune systems could experience more severe symptoms from mold spore exposure.
4. Psychological Problems
Mold can cause more than respiratory problems. It can trigger anxiety, depression, and even memory loss. These symptoms of mold poisoning can persist long beyond exposure, so they should be addressed when they first appear. Identifying and addressing the psychological effects of mold exposure is crucial not only for individual well-being but also for creating a healthy living environment, as mold remediation and prevention can help mitigate the risks of such long-term psychological consequences. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent psychological symptoms possibly linked to mold exposure, seeking medical and environmental assistance is advisable.
Get Solutions to Mold in Your Home
Now that you know the symptoms of mold exposure, you can take steps to ensure you, your family, and your home are safe. Remember that allergic reactions to spores can be a sign that you have mold in the home, but the lack of symptoms does not necessarily mean its absence. It’s important to be proactive in preventing and addressing mold issues through regular home inspections, moisture control, and proper ventilation to maintain a healthy and mold-free living environment.
All About Energy Solutions is a veteran-owned company that helps its customers save thousands of dollars by making their homes more energy efficient, not to mention safer. Call us today to schedule a free home assessment or to discuss steps for identifying and eradicating mold problems.
