10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity

Have you ever heard about the term Mold Toxicity? Wondering to know about 10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity?

There are millions of different types of fungi in the world. A few of them pose no danger. Some of them have positive effects, whereas others have negative impacts. Mold is one of the various harmful varieties. Mold can be lurking in various locations throughout our homes and workplaces. They are like those unexpected visitors that we must unwillingly interact with. These uninvited guests are harmless as long as they stay within a certain threshold of fungal ecology. However, they then begin to provoke concern. Molds can cause anything from a mild cough to a severe infection.

What is Mold Toxicity?

Poisonous or harmful molds produce toxins known as mycotoxins. Human exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can cause serious health and neurological problems. This is called mold toxicity.

Mold Toxicity is not to be confused with mold allergy.

Mold Toxicity vs Mold Allergy

To sum it up, Mold Allergy is a common immune reaction that results in typical symptoms of allergies. When the individual is no longer exposed to mold, their immune system reverts to normal and the symptoms typically disappear
Mold Toxicity occurs when dangerous mycotoxins accumulate in the body. Symptoms can present as allergic reactions, but they may also be unusual.

10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity

Out of several symptoms, 10 warning signs of mold toxicity are mentioned below.

• Respiratory problems (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath)
• Sinus infections or congestion
• Eye irritation (red, watery, itchy eyes)
• Significant fatigue that interferes with daily activities
• Skin irritation (rashes, hives, itching)
• Mood swings (anxiety, depression) or Dizziness
• Cognitive difficulties (brain fog, poor memory, anxiety)
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Pain (especially abdominal pain, but can include muscle pain headaches)
• Digestive issues (especially limited tolerance to food, persistent bloating)

When to See a Doctor

While numerous of the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity may be similar to other health issues, it is important to seek medical attention if your cold or flu symptoms persist for an extended period. A doctor may be able to link your symptoms to CIRS even if you are unaware that mold is the root cause of your issues. The doctor may inquire about more severe side effects of mold exposure that you might have encountered. He might ask you questions about:

• Disorder and confusion
• Persistent lack of energy and tiredness
• Delays and challenges in cognitive capabilities
• Extreme sensitivity to intense lighting
• Dizziness and spinning sensation
• Asthma or long-term respiratory disorders
• Pain in the joints, spasms, muscle soreness, etc.

Based on the information collected, he may suggest specific tests and provide relevant guidance.

Risk Amplifiers

Following are the factors that can increase the vulnerability to mold toxicity.

1. Family history: If there is a history of allergies or asthma in your family, you are at a higher risk of reacting to mold. Airways that are already compromised are more prone to deteriorate when exposed to mold.
2. Exposure in the workplace. Jobs like farming, baking, millwork, carpentry, and greenhouse work could be at a greater risk of mold exposure in the workplace.
3. Residing in an environment with elevated levels of moisture. The chances of mold growth increase when the indoor humidity exceeds 50%.
4. Excessive moisture: Working or residing in a building subjected to excessive moisture.
5. Inadequate air circulation. Moist spaces, such as bathrooms, are susceptible to mold growth. Airtight seals on windows and doors prevent proper ventilation and also trap moisture.

Preventive Measures

1. Regularly make sure to clean your home thoroughly- specifically, locations such as restrooms.
2. Keep your home well-ventilated.
3. Fix water leakage( if any) in your home such as broken taps or ceilings
4. Avoid placing carpets in spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens.
5. The concentration of airborne mold spores is highest at night due to increased moisture and coolness. Close your doors and windows during nighttime to prevent external molds from entering the house.
6. Try to maintain the humidity level below 50% in your home. You may use a dehumidifier for this purpose.
7. Don’t paint over mold. Clean the area and let it dry completely then paint. Also, use mold inhibitor products with paint.
8. Wear a mask when leaving the home.
9. Avoid your outdoor activities immediately following a rainstorm, foggy and damp conditions, or when the published mold count is significantly high.
10. Ensure that the drainage system, rain gutter, etc in your house are well maintained. If your house gets flooded with water, ]dry it within 48 hours to prevent mold from growing.
11. Add insulation to prevent condensation on cold surfaces such as pipes, windows, etc. In this way, the chances of mold growing on these surfaces will be minimized.

If you find or doubt mold presence in your house, getting rid of it quickly is important to protect your health and overall wellness. The EPA recommends that for moldy areas bigger than 10 square feet (bigger than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), it is best to hire a professional mold remediation company for removal. If the area is small, you can take care of it by yourself as long as you adhere to some basic guidelines.

• Ensure that all leaks and water intrusions are repaired. Dry the area completely.
• To prevent inhaling mold or mold spores, wear an N-95 respirator. They will assist in capturing spores within a disposable cartridge, allowing for safe elimination.
• \Wear long gloves, especially when using bleach and water to eliminate mold.
• Use protective eyewear like goggles to prevent bleach or mold spores from entering your eyes.
• Clean mold by scrubbing it with a mixture of detergent and water, then make sure it is fully dried.
• Dispose of moldy porous or absorbent items, such as carpets.
• Always ensure that everything is fully dried after cleaning the mold. Do not paint, caulk, or cover any mold-infested area until completely dry.

Disclaimer

The only purpose of mentioning these 10 warning signs of mold toxicity is to raise awareness. You must understand that this blog post serves informational and educational objectives only. It is not intended to cure any medical condition or to be prescribed for anyone. If you have any medical condition, it is crucial to seek the assistance and supervision of a certified medical professional.