Symptoms of mold exposure may include headache, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and fatigue. In those with asthma, asthma attacks can occur. In those with impaired immune systems, serious infection can occur.
Any mold should be removed and the moisture source that helped it grow should be removed. There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss.
A blood test, sometimes called the radioallergosorbent test, can measure your immune system's response to mold by measuring the amount of certain antibodies in your bloodstream known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
Is there a damp, musty odor reminiscent of the smell of old books emanating from your floors or walls? This stench could be caused by "mold volatile organic compounds" (MVOCs), or chemicals released during the mold life cycle. It's a surefire sign that there may be a mold issue in your humble abode.
To check for mold, look for discoloration on surfaces with a slimy, fuzzy, or powdery texture. Mold can sometimes grow in hard-to-spot places, such as behind wallpaper, inside vents, or in an attic or basement. Start by inspecting your house or apartment for leaky pipes or any other signs or sources of moisture.
Bleach solutions can work on nonporous surfaces, but most materials in your house are porous. As such, a vinegar solution is a better option, or you can contact a remediation company to demolish and replace the affected areas. The EPA agrees that bleach should not be used as a routine practice during mold cleanup.
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause a person to become allergic to mold. Molds can trigger asthma symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough in people with known allergies. People who do not have allergies can also become irritated.
Each person's body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression. Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure.
In some cases, people may experience symptoms of mold sickness immediately after exposure, while others may not notice any effects for weeks or even months.
To test for mould allergies, you can talk to your doctor to do one of the following tests: Skin Prick test. This test uses diluted amounts of common or suspected allergens, such as moulds found in the local area. During the test, these substances are applied to the skin in your arm or back with tiny punctures.
While a variable mold test can tell you if mold spores are present in a specific room, you'll need to use additional kits if you want to test other rooms in your house. It may be worthwhile to look into who to call for a mold inspection and hire a professional if you suspect that the problem is extensive.
In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Whether or not you're allergic to molds, mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs.
Consider Purchasing An Indoor Air Quality Monitor
Indoor air quality monitors test for various particles in the air, and you can find options that test for any or all of the following: Chemical Pollutants. Humidity. Carbon Monoxide.
Do air purifiers help with mold? Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.
Perfectly healthy individuals with no history of respiratory issues have been reported to suffer prolonged coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. This combined with a weakened immune system that long-term mould exposure can cause may lead to even worse conditions like bronchitis.
When mold is ignored, it will spread throughout the surrounding area and into the rest of your home. The longer mold continues to grow on your walls, insulation, or fixtures, the more damage it can cause. Mold can eat away at your drywall or wallpaper, causing it to crack or become irreparably damaged.
By breathing in a lot of these mould spores you can develop a variety of health conditions for your lungs such as Hay fever, Sleep apnea, severe coughing, Asthma, and various pulmonary infections. The area where mould is found is very important for minimizing the risk of developing these health issues.
The Color and Consistency
Some toxic mold is gray, and may even have an ash-like texture. Contrastingly, it may have a slimy or wet surface. You may even notice colorful spots, especially with orange or brown hues. The more colorful varieties can be especially toxic.
You'll likely use a mold test kit with tape strips to lift a sample for surface testing. Or, you might use a swab to send a sample into a lab or spread a sample on a petri dish for evaluation.
Mold Poisoning Test
The best testing methods to utilize are our urine mycotoxin test and our home environment test the EMMA. Mold testing will give you a comprehensive mold and mycotoxin look into your body and home.
Mould toxicity, sometimes referred to as 'sick building syndrome', is a commonly unrecognised cause of chronic illness and can be a reason for unexplained anxiety along with fatigue, lack of ability to think clearly and gut dysfunction.