Mold can have a detrimental effect on your home and health. The symptoms of mold exposure will vary from person to person, depending on the level of mold toxicity and the source of the contamination. It’s important to identify the most common indicators and symptoms of mold pollution in order to respond appropriately. If you believe that you or someone in your family has been exposed to mold, taking immediate action is required, and seeking medical attention may be necessary. In this blog, we will discuss what mold is, how/why it grows, and some common symptoms that may indicate mold exposure.
How Does Mold Impact You?
Mold can be transmitted in a variety of ways, though most commonly through the respiration of tiny spores or fragments of the fungus. Exposure depends mostly on the quantity of mold in the air, which is determined by several factors, including moisture levels and spore size. Once someone has been exposed to mold, they can experience anything from severe symptoms to nothing at all.
Toxic mold exposure can affect everyone, but certain people are more susceptible than others. People with weakened immune systems (seniors, small children, people undergoing cancer treatment, or transplant patients), individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, allergies, or COPD, and anyone in close proximity to an outdoor fungal spore release (i.e., spraying of pesticides) are at an increased risk for more severe symptoms and mold-related illnesses. It’s even possible for someone who is not sensitive to mold specifically to be affected.
Mold exposure can have a detrimental effect on your home and health.
10 Most Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure
- Respiratory problems such as a cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Long-term, untreated exposure can lead to chronic respiratory disease.
- Allergy-like reactions, which can produce mild to severe allergic reactions, including rashes on the skin, hives, itching eyes, runny nose, or sneezing. Mold allergies can feel like regular seasonal allergies, except they occur over an extended period of time.
- Headaches or migraines that occur suddenly or are unusual in severity.
- Memory loss, forgetfulness, or confusion.
- Skin rash with severe itching, hives, or raised bumps.
- Eye irritation such as watery eyes, redness, and blurred vision.
- Fatigue.
- Aches and joint pain.
- Nausea.
- Ear infections.
People have reported experiencing these symptoms after water damage occurred in homes where the damage was not quickly or properly restored, resulting in a mold infestation. Homes that are built on or near certain types of soil may be at risk of indoor mold growth. The most common areas where fungus typically grows indoors are places with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms and kitchens, poorly ventilated rooms, areas of indoor water damage or leaks, basements with high humidity, or damp crawl spaces.
How to Treat Mold Exposure Symptoms
If you have been exposed to toxic mold at home or work, medical treatment is available for your specific symptoms. Discuss your health options with your primary care physician.If you notice mild symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, or itchy, irritated skin after being indoors for a period of time, try opening your windows to increase ventilation. Add an exhaust fan to help circulate the air. Seek immediate medical attention for breathing problems or eye exposure. Closely monitor your progress and contact your doctor regularly. If the condition worsens or you develop new symptoms after beginning treatment for mold exposure or fungal infections, contact your physician right away.