Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity

Mold in your house isn’t just an eyesore; it is a serious issue that can severely affect your health without you even realizing it. You could be dealing with the symptoms of mold toxicity for weeks or months and not even realize it. Signs of mold exposure often appear similar to other common health conditions, making it difficult to realize that mold is the cause. This makes it even more important to understand the warning signs of mold toxicity. This blog breaks down the red flags you should be aware of and actions you can take before mold takes root in your home.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp, humid environments indoors and outdoors. It grows by producing tiny, airborne spores that spread through the air. When these spores land on wet surfaces, they multiply quickly. Mold appears as green, black, or grey fuzzy patches and shows up in places in your home that are usually damp, like the basement, crawl space, attic, bathrooms, and kitchen. Mold is a toxic substance that can mess with your respiratory system and overall health after prolonged exposure.

What Causes Mold?

The main things mold needs to survive are moisture, a suitable temperature, and organic materials to feed on. Poor ventilation can help generate these conditions by trapping moisture. Mold can grow on damp surfaces, like walls, floors, carpets, and furniture, that have been damaged by leaks or condensation, as well as objects like books and wet clothes.

10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity

These are some of the common symptoms you may notice when mold exposure makes you sick:

Allergic Reactions

When you inhale mold spores, they trigger your immune system. This can cause allergic reactions, such as coughing, a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy throat, watery eyes, and skin rashes. This can also trigger asthma attacks if you have asthma. These allergic symptoms often manifest right away and get worse if you are consistently exposed to mold spores.

Headache

Most people dealing with mold exposure report headaches, ranging from mild to severe. These mold-related headaches may be associated with inhalation of mycotoxins released by mold. Many people exposed to mold report feeling pressure in their head and migraines.

Unexplained Fatigue

Have you been feeling unexplained fatigue despite sleeping and eating well? Mold may be the silent culprit. People often mistake this symptom for regular fatigue from a busy day, but mold can leave you completely drained, no matter how much sleep you get. This may result from a chronic inflammatory response to toxins released by mold.

Sinus Problems

Mold exposure can cause sinus problems that resemble a common cold or seasonal allergy symptoms. You may feel like you have a cold that never really goes away. The sinus inflammation can also cause pain around your cheekbones, forehead, or between your eyes and may affect your sense of smell.

Muscle and Joint Pain

Mold toxicity can cause inflammation throughout your body, which often shows up as unexplained aches in your muscles and joints. You might wake up with stiff, sore muscles or joints, even though you did not engage in anything physically demanding.

Brain Fog and Cognitive Issues

Many studies suggest mold exposure can cause cognitive issues and brain fog. You might struggle to think clearly, remember simple things, and focus. This may be a result of the inflammation that mold exposure can cause.

Cough or Wheezing

Your respiratory system is directly affected by prolonged exposure to mold spores. You might develop a persistent cough that won’t go away. Wheezing or feeling short of breath is another common symptom among individuals exposed to mold toxins. For people who already have asthma, mold triggers these symptoms even more severely.

Anxiety

Mold toxicity can mess with your mental health. The toxins may affect the neurotransmitter function of your brain, leading to feelings of anxiety and sudden changes in mood. The anxiety can range from mild restlessness to severe emotional distress and nervousness.

Dizziness

Feeling lightheaded or having balance and coordination problems is another sign of mold toxicity. Some people may experience occasional dizziness, while others may feel constant dizziness. This may occur due to a weakened immune system, inflammation in your inner ear, or other effects of mold exposure on your body.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Many people develop digestive issues like nausea, stomach pain, bloating, food sensitivity, diarrhea, and loss of appetite due to mold exposure. You might notice that your stomach gets upset more often. This type of symptom is often linked to inflammation and disruption of the gut microbiome caused by mold toxins.

How to Prevent Mold Infestation

Mold is preventable, and you don’t have to live in a mold-infested environment. Take these steps to keep mold from becoming a problem in your home:

• Fix leaks immediately: Repair leaky pipes or appliances without delay. Even a small leak can lead to mold growth, so fix leaks as soon as you notice them.
• Control indoor humidity: Keep your indoor humidity below 50%. This makes it harder for mold to survive. Use a humidity monitor to keep track of the humidity levels in your home.
• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas: Areas like the basement or crawl space are prone to dampness and high humidity levels. Installing dehumidifiers in these areas pulls excess moisture from the air and keeps humidity levels in check.
• Professional mold remediation: If your home already has a mold problem, trying to handle it on your own is usually not a good idea. Call professionals for mold remediation. They will make sure the mold is gone completely.
• Maintain proper ventilation: Good airflow helps moisture escape, keeping indoor air fresh and less humid. Install a proper ventilation system in your home, especially in damp areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Use air purifiers: Install air purifiers with HEPA filters. They can trap mold spores floating in the air and reduce your exposure to mold.

Should You See a Doctor?

It is highly recommended that you see a doctor as soon as you notice the signs of mold exposure. Not taking immediate action can lead to even more serious health issues. If you are more sensitive to mold or have other health conditions, mold toxicity can further weaken your immune system, making you vulnerable to infections. So, don’t delay and visit a doctor right away if you suspect mold-related symptoms.

Contact OKC Restorations for Professional Mold Remediation

Mold can spread quickly and cause all kinds of issues, from health problems to structural damage. OKC Restorations specializes in removing mold using industry-grade mold remediation equipment and techniques. We are here to make your home a safe, healthy space for you and your family. If you are dealing with mold or suspect you might have a mold problem, call us right away for an inspection.

Summary

Mold toxicity causes a number of signs and symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, gut issues, and allergies. The symptoms are wide-ranging and may be hard to identify. So, it is important to pay attention to your body and get medical help if you suspect that you are suffering from mold exposure. Remember to take the necessary preventive measures to keep your home safe from mold. If you find mold in your home, call for professional help to address the mold issue immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)