Sunday, March 24, 2024

How Does House Mold Affect Your Health

What Disease Can Be Contracted From A Dirty Environment

Does Mold Affect My Health ?

Although the list of possible health problems is extensive, it’s almost all avoidable if your home is regularly cleaned .

While many people think that a dirty or unclean home is not as harmful as smoking cigarettes and driving without seatbelts is dangerous, there are some serious dangers.

The bacteria that can live in any home, even if it’s kept clean, is the biggest health threat. These germs can cause allergies and ear infections as well as make existing conditions worse. Dirty, polluted dust is one of many major sources of allergy problems. It can contain allergens like mites and mold. Unwashed dishes pose a risk because they may contain bacteria that can lead to food poisoning.

Most cases are not severe, but they can lead to serious illnesses. Another condition, toxic mold syndrome , can also be caused by breathing in the spores of some fungi that are present on damp building materials like cement and wood.

A thorough spring cleaning session once a month can help you avoid most health problems. However, if you find your house in an unacceptable state, there are many professional cleaning services that can help.

Addressing Mold Toxicity In The Body

If you find elevated mold toxins in the body, you will want to take measures to improve detoxification systems. In addition to this, you will want to ensure the source of mold is remediated properly. Using an air purification system like The EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Air System is the last step in a comprehensive mold mitigation protocol.

When it comes to getting mold toxins out of the body, the following is my go-to stack:

ThyroLiver Protect: A combination of selenium, milk thistle extract, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine. This combination assists liver detoxification while supporting the production of glutathione. Taking 12 caps, 2 times daily helps your liver neutralize and process the mold spores.

Super Glutathione: For tough cases, extra glutathione can be necessary. This is an acetylated form that is able to be absorbed by the digestive tract. I recommend 12 caps 2 times daily. This is especially important if you are suffering with a lot of symptoms from mold exposure.

Coconut Charcoal: When detoxification systems are upregulated, many toxins are released into the digestive tract. If they are not bound by something like charcoal, they are given the opportunity to reabsorb and cause more problems. Using 12 caps of charcoal between meals and immediately before bed is a great strategy.

Who Is At Risk

Its commonly assumed that mould causes the health problems described above, though the evidence for this is generally weaker than for dampness itself. This may be related to the fact that scientists are still struggling to accurately measure indoor mould exposures.

The WHO estimates that in cold climates, 15% of dwellings have signs of dampness and 5% have signs of mould problems. In warm climates, the estimates are 20% for dampness and 25% for mould.

Since dampness is more likely to occur in houses that are overcrowded and lack appropriate heating, ventilation and insulation, the prevalence of damp indoor problems in low-income communities and rental accommodation can be substantially higher.

Climate change and its effects on the weather are likely to further increase the proportion of buildings with damp problems.

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How Do Molds Get In The Indoor Environment And How Do They Grow

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets can and be carried indoors. When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.

Is Mold Linked To Asthma In Children

Does Your House Have Mold (Important Symptoms ...

The dangers associated with mold exposure and inhaling mold spores have been common knowledge to the public for many years now. Mold releases toxic spores that are damaging to human health when inhaled for a prolonged period of time. For example, they can contribute to or worsen asthma symptoms.

There are thousands of different species of mold, and some are more harmful than others. The most harmful strand of mold is Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mold. Some of the most common symptoms of black mold exposure are shortness of breath, sneezing, coughing, skin irritation, red or itchy eyes, wheezing and respiratory complications and infections .

Recently, a study confirmed a link between mold and childhood onset of asthma. A strong link between mold exposure and asthma in children is a significant cause for concern. Having your home inspected for mold by a professional can determine whether or not its hiding and reduce the chance of future outbreaks. Many times, homeowners are not even aware of existing mold problems in their homes because mold can hide behind walls and ceilings, underneath carpets and in other places that are difficult to reach.

Create a healthy and safe environment for you and your family by helping reduce the chance of black mold growth.

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How To Know If You Have Black Mold In Your House

Mold isnt always visible. If you can see mold, its only a sign of the real potential health risk, which is the harmful types of unhealthy levels of mold in the air of your home or workplace.

Airborne mold is all around us in both the outdoors and indoors. The types and amount of mold is what determines the potential health risk. Most of us are typically accustomed to the varieties and amounts of mold present in our outdoor environments.

Healthy indoor environments will have mold conditions similar to or better than those in the surrounding outdoors. Over time, because of moisture , many indoor spaces develop unhealthy types and/or unhealthy levels of airborne mold that can be harmful to you or your pets.

These signs will help you know if you possibly have unhealthy mold conditions in your house:

  • Allergic symptoms
  • A damp or musty odor in one or more places
  • Frequent headaches
  • The air in the home feels different
  • Your house has been flooded or currently has leaks
  • You previously tried removing mold yourself

Take note of how you feel in and out of the house. If the symptoms disappear or decrease when youre out and about, then you might have a mold problem, yes, even if you cant see mold.

The Impact Of Mold: 5 Steps To Regaining Health

The impact of mold on health is far reaching, and the occurrence of mold might be higher than you might think. Symptoms of mold exposure go beyond an allergic response and can include a vast range from achy joints to dysregulated hormones, cognitive issues or sapping fatigue.

To complicate matters, you could be exposed to it, and simply not know. Mold could be hidden behind walls or be disguised as a fine powder instead of the striking black spots you might expect.

Curious if mold is playing a role in your mysterious symptoms? Have a hunch you need to address it to achieve optimal wellness but overwhelmed with where to start? Here are 5 steps worth investigating if youre concerned about how a moldy environment might be affecting your health and wellbeing.

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What Does Black Mold Exposure Treatment Look Like

Just like the diagnosis, the treatment of mold exposure differs from doctor to doctor. One thing most doctors will advise you to do is to test for and, if needed, remove any unhealthy mold conditions from your home. Even if the treatment will help in the short-term, it wont be effective over the long-term if your indoor environment isnt improved.

To treat the symptoms, doctors may suggest:

  • Over-the-counter medication. Medicine that would decrease the airway inflammation and suppress the allergic reactions.
  • Nasal sprays to deal with a runny or stuffy nose or rinses to clear your nasal passages from inhaled mold spores.
  • Regular allergy medicine

A persons immune system has to be working properly to fight mold symptoms, so changes in a lifestyle or diet might be necessary. In more severe cases of allergies, doctors prescribe immunotherapy to provide relief from symptoms

Follow An Individualized Mold Treatment Plan From A Knowledgeable Practitioner

toxic mold affects your mental health

Most of conventionally trained medical practitioners have a narrow view on the effects of mold on the human body. Its important to work with an integrative practitioner familiar with the latest research regarding mycotoxins and mold.

While the exact components and duration each persons mold protocol can differ, here are some key possible steps for treatment:

  • Use binders: These are used to bind up mycotoxins in the body. Cholestyramine, a prescription binder, may be used as well as natural binders such as charcoal.
  • Address candida overgrowth: These could be yeast infections, thrush and digestive issues
  • Treat colonized molds and bacterial infections: The gut, lungs and sinuses may be affected.
  • Incorporate antifungals if needed.
  • Support detoxification: This includes targeted supplements like glutathione to enhance detox pathways, ozone sauna and sweating through exercise as tolerated.
  • Clean your air: Look for a high quality air purifier that utilizes HEPA, carbon, and zeolite filters. The Healthmate Plus from Austin Air does this and also filters VOCs.
  • Clean your water: Stand alone filers like the countertop Berkey models or whole-house systems such as AquaTru can remove unwanted contaminants.

Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Front Load Washer Seal

Prevent Mold Growth With Routine Maintenance

To prevent mold growth, we suggest using a dehumidifier during the warm months and providing your home or business with the proper ventilation. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Clean surfaces with mold-killing products.

Keep your humidity levels below 50 percent. Humidity levels shift throughout the day. Inspecting your structure for mold growth is an important part of routine building maintenance.

Seek treatment from a doctor soon as you notice any eye irritation, skin irritation or other common symptoms after exposure to mold, especially when symptoms persist. Its better to be safe than sorry. ECOS Environmental is happy to step in and test your home or business for mold and assist with the cleanup and renovation.

Condensation On Windows Window Frames And Sills

  • Promptly repair any leaks.
  • Lower the indoor moisture levels.
  • Use exhaust bathroom fans and a kitchen range hood.
  • Keep window coverings open to move the warm air over the windows .
  • Keep baseboards or heating vents clear of furniture to make sure the heat flows.
  • Dry your window frames and sills daily to keep water from dripping and causing mould to grow.
  • Leave interior doors open for good air and heat flow.
  • Unplug and remove humidifiers.

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Mold Toxicity: The Effects Of Living With Mold

Rapid growth and an overtaking of your environment are a few characteristics that can be used to describe the dreaded but common household issue that we know as mold. Mold is a fungus that can grow on almost anything, with the ability to thrive in many conditions but most specifically in warm temperatures and high moisture environments.

The versatility of mold allows for this fungus to grow in both indoor and outdoor environments, making it an invasive presence in both your outdoor area and most importantly in your indoor areas such as your home. When you are exposed to mold chronically, you can develop mold toxicity symptoms.

Mold has the ability to spread far and wide, as tiny microscopic spores are released from the source in an effort to allow additional mold to grow. As mold begins to reproduce, its effect on humans who have been exposed could be significant.

Sensitivities can plague some individuals when contact occurs between mold, with symptoms spurring into overdrive in some cases. The type of mold present can lead to variations of symptoms, with a rough estimate of 1,000 species of mold currently in the United States . The level of hazard existing to human health can significantly reflect based upon on the specific type of mold in the environment and can thus lead to a scary health effect called mold toxicity.

Cmo Ingresa El Moho A Los Ambientes Interiores Y Cmo Crece

How Mold Affects Your Health

El moho se encuentra tanto en interiores como al aire libre. El moho puede entrar a su casa a través de puertas o ventanas abiertas, rejillas de ventilación, y sistemas de calefacción y aire acondicionado. El moho en el aire exterior también puede adherirse a la ropa, los zapatos y las mascotas, y llevarse a los ambientes interiores. Las esporas de moho crecen cuando se depositan en lugares donde hay humedad excesiva, como en aquellos donde hubo filtraciones en techos, tuberías, paredes o macetas, o donde hubo una inundación. Muchos materiales de construcción proveen los nutrientes adecuados para estimular el crecimiento del moho. Los materiales de celulosa húmedos, como el papel y los productos de papel, el cartón, los paneles del cielo raso, la madera y los productos de madera, son especialmente propicios para el crecimiento de algunos tipos de moho. Otros materiales, como el polvo, las pinturas, los empapelados, los materiales aislantes, los paneles de yeso, las alfombras, las telas y los tapizados, generalmente favorecen el crecimiento de moho.

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How Does A Dirty Apartment Affect Your Physical And Mental Health

Dirty homes can impact your physical health. It can cause allergic reactions, skin irritations, and breathing problems. Also, a messy house can lead to headaches, fatigue, general irritability, and even depression. It can even result in infections.

A common misconception is that you can only feel sick if you live in a dirty environment. Dirty dwellings can cause other health problems like skin conditions and respiratory illnesses as well as developmental delays for children.

Pediatrics published an article stating that children who live with five or more pets have a 28 percent greater risk of developing allergies. There is also the possibility of household mold, which can lead to respiratory infections, nausea, and skin conditions such as dermatitis, headaches, and even asthma.

The allergens found in indoor spaces such as dust mites can cause serious health problems. A second household item that can be harmful to your health is bacteria. This thrives on moisture and lack of ventilation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends ventilating areas with water damage using fans or opening windows cleaning bathtubs and sinks with disinfectant at minimum once a week cleaning bathrooms surfaces daily, and keeping humidity levels below 50% in your home with air conditioners or humidifiers.

How Does A Dirty Apartment Affect Your Mental Wellbeing

A dirty house can negatively impact your mental well-being. The first thing that you feel when you walk into an unclean room is stress and overwhelm. If it isn’t taken care of, this can lead you to depression or anxiety disorders. It is vital to do the job right and not become overwhelmed with all the tasks in life. When our home becomes overwhelming, we often look to work or social media for help. Our bodies are less able to handle daily tasks such as washing clothes and cooking. Taking care of ourselves through healthy eating and exercise. This can lead you to lose motivation, weight gain and fatigue.

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Pulmonary Hemorrhage/hemosiderosis Among Infants

On this page you can find five reports concerning acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants.

Report of the CDC Working Group on Pulmonary Hemorrhage/Hemosiderosis pdf iconReport of the CDC Working Group on Pulmonary Hemorrhage/Hemosiderosis 1999.

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You May Have A Severe Reaction

Do You Need to Detox? How Mold Interferes with health and fitness

“Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions,” reports the CDC. “Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.”

“A link between other adverse health effects, such as acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants, memory loss, or lethargy, and molds, including the mold Stachybotrys chartarum has not been proven. Further studies are needed to find out what causes acute idiopathic hemorrhage and other adverse health effects,” adds the agency.

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What Are The Signs Of Mold In Your House

Musty smells are a tell-tale sign of mold. Another common indicator is visible signs of water damage.

As mentioned earlier, mold grows fast. Within 24 hours of a water leak, or a flood, mold will begin to take hold. This mold can grow on anything thats humid walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and even wet laundry.

When there is a chance of mold, its important to have a professional in to test. Professionals qualified to do environmental investigations can:

  • Check the surfaces of your house for mold
  • Test the air for spores
  • Help you to identify sources of moisture
  • Identify where the mold is growing and help you decontaminate your house
  • Use natural enzymes to kill mold spores

If you dont get rid of all sources of mold, you risk getting sick from it.

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