What Are The Symptoms Of Mold Exposure In Your House?

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You’ve just moved into a new home and can’t help but notice that there’s some sort of musty smell lingering in the air. Mold growth can cause respiratory illness, and it can also lead to long-term health effects if left unchecked. 

Understanding what mold exposure is and its symptoms can help you protect your health from potential long-term effects. 

This article will provide an overview of mold exposure and the symptoms associated with it.

Overview of Mold Exposure

Mold exposure is when a person breathes in mold spores or is exposed to moldy material, such as walls, wallpaper, carpets, furniture and fabrics. Mold can also be found on shower curtains, books and other items that are exposed to moisture. 

Exposure to mold can cause a number of physical symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion and wheezing. According to CDC, in some cases, it can also cause more serious symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, skin rashes and even fever. Mold spores can also cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them.

Symptoms Of Breathing Mold

Symptoms of breathing mold can include coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, eye irritation or redness, sore throat and skin rashes. More serious effects may include fever, difficulty in breathing and headaches. Mold spores can travel through the air in tiny particles which makes it difficult to avoid exposure completely. People with asthma or allergies are at greater risk of having more severe symptoms when exposed to mold.

symptoms of mold sickness

Mold sickness is a term used to describe the effects of prolonged exposure to mold, which can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea. People with mold sickness may also experience difficulty breathing, coughing up phlegm, skin irritation, dizziness, and memory problems.

Mold Poisoning Symptoms In Humans

Mold exposure is a common problem that can lead to serious health issues if not addressed. The most common symptoms associated with mold exposure include:

  • Nasal Congestion
  • Coughing 
  • Wheezing 
  • Blurred Vision
  • Sneezing 
  • Itchy Eyes 
  • Itchy Skin
  • Diarrhea 
  • Muscle Aches
  • Joint Pain
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Runny Nose
  • Asthma Attacks/Chest Tightness
  • Headaches  
  • Fatigue 
  • Skin Rashes  

Asthma sufferers may experience an increase in asthma attacks or chest tightness when exposed to mold. 

Mold Illness Symptoms in Infants, Children, and Adults

Mold exposure can affect people of all ages, including babies, children and adults. Babies and kids may have stuffy noses, coughing, sneezing and skin rashes. Adults may have headaches, fatigue, or trouble breathing. 

Symptoms in Infants

Infants may have difficulty breathing, itchy throat, coughing, sneezing, and itchy skin as a result of exposure to mold. They may also experience a loss of appetite, vomiting, red eyes, weight loss, frequent crying, or irritability. If your baby is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.

Symptoms in Children

Children may also experience coughing, watery eyes, chills, sneezing, wheezing and skin rashes as a result of mold exposure. They may also have difficulty breathing or suffer from headaches or fatigue. It is important to get your child checked by a doctor if they are exhibiting any of these symptoms.

Long-term Effects Of Mold Poisoning Symptoms

The long-term effects of mold poisoning symptoms can be very serious and even life-threatening. Prolonged exposure to mold can cause a range of symptoms and illnesses, including chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. It is important to be aware of the potential long-term health risks associated with mold exposure, as well as the symptoms that can help you identify it.

Chronic Respiratory Illness

  1. Asthma –  Long-term exposure to mold can cause asthma and other chronic respiratory illnesses. Symptoms of these conditions include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. 
  2. Emphysema –  Mold exposure can worsen pre-existing emphysema or cause new symptoms in people without the condition. Symptoms of emphysema include breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
  3. Bronchitis –   Mold exposure can also make bronchitis worse or cause new symptoms. Signs and symptoms of bronchitis include a persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Pulmonary Inflammation and Infection

Symptoms of pulmonary inflammation and infection include fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing with mucus or blood. 

Immune System Suppression 

Long-term exposure to mold can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off illnesses and infections. This can lead to increased susceptibility to colds and other minor illnesses.

Diagnosing Mold Exposure

Diagnosing mold exposure is essential in order to properly treat and prevent long-term health effects associated with it. It is important to determine if your home or workplace has elevated levels of mold and what type of mold it is, as different molds can cause varying mold exposure symptoms. The diagnosis process typically involves a physical exam, laboratory tests, imaging tests, and environmental tests. 

Physical Examination 

A physical examination can help to identify any signs of mold exposure, such as skin rashes or difficulty breathing. 

Laboratory Tests 

A blood test can also be used to detect mold toxins in the body, which are released into the bloodstream when a person is exposed to high levels of toxic mold. A urine test may also be used to measure the presence of mold toxins in the body. 

Imaging Tests 

X-rays and CT scans can be used to identify any signs of infection or inflammation in the lungs caused by exposure to mold. 

Environmental Tests 

Environmental tests such as air sampling, surface sampling, and bulk sampling are used to measure the level of mold in the air and on surfaces. This can help to determine if the environment is safe or if mold remediation is necessary.

Treating Mold Toxicity Exposure

Mold exposure should be treated as a serious health hazard and should be addressed immediately. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you think you may have been exposed to mold.

When treating mold exposure, the most effective method is to remove and remediate the source of the mold. A professional mold removal service can help to identify, test for, and safely remove any sources of mold in your home or workplace. In addition, a healthcare professional may prescribe medications such as antihistamines or steroids to reduce inflammation caused by mold exposure. 

Preventing Mold Exposures

The best way to prevent mold exposure is to keep your home or workplace free from moisture and humidity. This includes ensuring that any leaks or water damage are repaired quickly, regularly checking for signs of mold growth, and using a dehumidifier if necessary. It is also important to ventilate rooms with poor air circulation, such as bathrooms and basements, to reduce the risk of mold growth.

Common Types of Mold 

Molds come in various shapes and sizes, but some of the most common types are Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Alternaria and Stachybotrys (also known as black mold). Each type of mold can cause different health effects, so it is important to identify the specific type of mold in your home or workplace.

  • Aspergillus – Aspergillus is a type of mold that is commonly found outdoors and indoors. It can cause allergic reactions such as hay fever, asthma, and skin rashes.
  • Penicillium – Penicillium is a type of mold that is commonly found in damp environments.
  • Cladosporium – Cladosporium is a type of mold that is commonly found in wood, textiles and paper. 
  • Alternaria –  Alternaria is a type of mold that is commonly found in soil, plants and food.
  • Stachybotrys –   Stachybotrys, also known as black mold, is a type of mold that can produce toxins and cause severe respiratory problems.

Testing If Your Home Exposed To Mold

It is important to test your home to see if it has been exposed to mold. Mold can cause health problems, so you should check for signs of it in your home.

Testing your home for mold exposure is important in order to identify any sources of mold that may be present. The process typically involves a physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging tests, and environmental tests. Professional mold removal services can help you to identify any sources of mold in your home and provide solutions to safely remove them. 

Mold Remediation

Mold remediation is a crucial step in addressing and preventing the health risks associated with mold exposure. It involves removing or managing the sources of mold growth in the home or workplace, as well as any areas of contamination. The Duct Kings Of Dallas professional mold removal services can help to identify and remediate any sources of mold in your home or office.

Mold remediation can prevent a wide range of adverse health effects caused by exposure to mold. 

FAQ 

what are the side effects of breathing mold?

The side effects of breathing mold can vary depending on the type and amount of mold present. Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, headaches and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, exposure to certain types of mold can cause serious health complications such as lung damage or respiratory infections. 

Can I remove the mold myself?

Mold can be difficult to identify and remove, so it is best to hire a professional mold removal service. Professional mold removal services will have the necessary tools, knowledge, and experience to safely identify sources of mold growth in your home or office and remediate them.