How Does Mold Affect The Human Body

Here Are Some Of The Common Symptoms I See In My Patients:

• GENERAL: insomnia, fatigue, hair loss, weight gain or loss, sweet cravings, light sensitivity, poor depth perception, memory loss, intolerant of fragrances and chemicals, nose bleeds

• NEUROLOGIC: headaches of all types, including icepick headaches, brain fog, numbness, tingling, weakness, tremor, nerve pain, dizziness

• MUSCULOSKELETAL: joint and muscle pain, muscle cramps, general weakness, tics, muscle twitches

• PSYCHIATRIC: anxiety, depression, OCD, short fuse

• SKIN: rashes and pruritus

• IMMUNE SYSTEM: recurrent infections, autoimmunity, allergy, asthma

• GASTROINTESTINAL: nausea, bloating, pain, vomiting, diarrhea

• URINARY: urgency and incontinence

• HORMONAL: continuous dehydration , night sweats, poor temperature regulation

What about mold makes it dangerous to our health?

I dont want to minimize the danger mold allergy has on the respiratory system: Allergies and asthma can significantly impact quality of life, and can be deadly.

Mold toxicity, specifically, can have big health consequences, because of the kind of toxins molds make as their biological byproducts. These toxins fall into two main categories: mycotoxins or microbial volatile organic compounds . The fungal MVOCs, produced as mixtures of alcohols, aldehydes, acids, ethers, esters, ketones, terpenes, thiols, and their derivatives, are responsible for the characteristic moldy odors sometimes associated with damp indoor spaces. Mold toxins range from mildly toxic to extremely potent .

Is There More Than One Type Of Aspergillosis

There are several types of aspergillosis.

Pulmonary aspergillosis is most likely to develop in people who have chronic lung disorders or damaged lungs. These people are likely to have abnormal spaces in their lungs where the fungus can grow. The fungus can also rarely infect sinuses and ear canals. The mold spores can colonize inside lung cavities that developed as a result of chronic diseases, such tuberculosis, emphysema, or advanced sarcoidosis. The fibers of fungus might form a lump by combining with white blood cells and blood clots. This lump or ball of fungus is called an aspergilloma or mycetoma. In some cases, a fungus ball may be present in other organs of the body.

Invasive aspergillosis, the most severe type, occurs when the infection travels from the lungs into the bloodstream. Other organs, such as the kidneys, liver, skin or brain, may become infected. This is a very serious condition that may result in death if not treated. People with very weakened immune systems are more susceptible to invasive aspergillosis. Other risk factors include a low white blood cell count, long-term use ofcorticosteroids, or hospitalization.

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.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Bathroom Ceiling Mold

Mold Toxicity Vs Mold Allergies

Often times confusion surrounds the different mold illnesses, specifically mold toxicity and mold allergies. These two separate illnesses illicit different reactions in the body and can affect a person differently.

Mold allergies are caused by mold spores that become inhaled and stimulate symptoms similar to those of hay fever . Mold toxicity, in comparison to mold allergies, is caused by the volatile toxic vapors that are dispersed by mold that in turn elicits a chronic inflammatory response.

Diagnosing this condition is very hard, especially for medical professionals who often misdiagnose it because of the wide variation of possible symptoms. The first step in diagnosing mold toxicity or even mold allergies is identifying mold within your environment, particularly in your home.

Continue Learning About Environmental Allergies

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

You May Like: Removing Mould From Bathroom Ceiling

Testing For Mold Toxicity

If you find mold in your home or workplace, it is important to test for mold toxicity in your body. Oftentimes, people who are struggling to get healthy , are dealing with mold toxicity.

Mold toxins increase the burden on the liver and create chronic inflammation in the body. These toxins are highly indicated in neurological disorders and symptoms like brain fog, depression, and anxiety. One very effective option for testing mold toxins in the body is the GPL-MycoTOX Profile.

How Does Mold Toxicity Affect The Human Body

There are numerous mold poisoning symptoms in humans that can lead to a variety of health issues from sore throats to headaches for acute mold exposures to mold bain and cancer for more chronic long term mold exposures. Failure to immediately address these black mold toxicity symptoms can be fatal, particularly for immunosuppressed individuals. These include patients with cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, or any chronic infection. Long-term effects of black mold exposure can affect health in many ways, to the point that your personality and quality of life are changed, even for relatively healthy individuals.

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Black Mold On Ceiling

How To Get Rid Of Toxic Black Mold

Mold poisoning treatment will be in vain if black mold exposure continues to exist in your home. Even if you are unsure if it is toxic black mold or just another black-pigmented mold, get rid of it right away.

• Wear a respirator or a facemask and rubber gloves to prevent the inhalation of spores. Cover your arms and legs to avoid any contact.
• Determine the extent of mold growth.
• Spray vinegar or baking soda in water if the affected area is porous.
• Rinse the area using clean water.

Black Mold Cause Cancer: Totally A Fact

How does mold affect the human body has been studied for years, and it was discovered that exposure to black mold causes two types of cancer, Astrocytoma, and Glioblastoma, by destroying brain tissues through lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.

The stress triggers an abnormal proliferation of tissues, which, together with the immunosuppressive effect of mycotoxins, causes tumor formation.

• Astrocytoma originates in a specific kind of glial cells in the cerebrum called astrocytes. Typically, this type of tumor is contained in the central nervous system and does not affect other organs.
• Glioblastoma is the most belligerent type of cancer that starts in the brain. The signs and symptoms are initially non-specific and may include nausea, headaches, and personality changes.

Don’t Miss: Cleaning Mold Bathroom Ceiling

Testing For Mould In Your Home

Where mould is visible, it is generally not considered necessary to test for it in the home. However, not all mould is visible, as contamination may be in cavities or the ceiling. Generally, if you can see or smell mould, you need to clean up and remove the mould immediately, as mould can damage surfaces it grows on.

If you suspect mould contamination but cannot find the source of the problem, or if you have already taken measures to prevent mould from growing and you are still having problems, you could employ an occupational hygienist or environmental health and safety professional. For a fee, these professionals can provide specialist mould testing and consultancy services.

How Can I Be Exposed To Mold

People are exposed to molds every day, usually by touching or breathingthem. Because molds naturally exist outdoors and indoors, living in a totallymold-free environment is practically impossible. As molds grow, spores can bereleased into the air where they can be easily inhaled. People who inhale largenumbers of spores may get sick. Possible health concerns are an importantreason to prevent mold growth and to clean up molds in indoor environments.

You May Like: How To Fix Mold On Bathroom Ceiling

Seek Social Support Restorative Resources And Adjunct Therapies

Recovering from illness caused by mold exposure can be exhausting, isolating and incredibly stressful. Social support is essential for your overall wellbeing and for a return to optimal health. Additionally, specific tools may also be beneficial in bringing your body back into balance after an overactive stress response.

When Should You Test Your Home For Mold Exposure

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , if visible mold is present on inspection, testing is usually unnecessary. There are no Environmental Protection Agency or government standards that have been established for mold or mold spore levels, so it is impossible to prove that a building or room complies with any health regulations concerning mold exposure. Likewise, the CDC does not recommend routine sampling and testing of mold in the home. Health officials haven’t defined tolerable or acceptable limits of mold exposure for humans, and since individuals vary in their susceptibility to mold, testing cannot reliably predict the degree of health risks from any occurrence of mold.

When mold has previously been identified and cleanup procedures have been undertaken, sampling and testing may be carried out if necessary by qualified professionals to determine that adequate cleaning of a building has occurred.

Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold Off Ceiling In Bathroom

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.

It Worsens Asthma Attacks

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 1 out of 12 adults and 1 out of 11 children in the United States are asthmatic. More than 50% of them are allergic to molds. If your family member has sensitive asthma, he/she might experience re-occurring attacks if there is continuous exposure to black mold.

Read Also: How To Clean Bathroom Mold On Ceiling

Is There A Test To Determine If I Have Been Exposed To Mold

Some physicians have recommended testing for mold-specific antibodies. Thepresence of antibodies only indicates that you have been exposed to a substanceat some time. It does not tell you when you were exposed, where the exposuretook place, or how much of the mold you were exposed to. Having a positive testfor mold-specific antibodies alone is generally considered insufficient toprove that health effects reported by individuals in moisture-damaged buildingsare caused by exposure to mold.

Its Like Somebodys Smoking At Home

The Harvard University Six Cities Study, 4,600 children, were examined to find out if there is a relationship between respiratory health and indoor mold and dampness. The result pointed out that the harmful effects of indoor mold and dampness were comparable to parental smoking. Even if no ones smoking at home, it would still be like a smoking area if theres exposure to black mold!

The Long-Range Transport of Air Pollutants Program of Health Canada has similar findings after examining 15,000 children and another of 18,000 adults.It Can Make Lungs Bleed

Stachybotrys atra, a toxic black mold species, is now regarded as the causative agent of pulmonary hemosiderosis in infants, which in some cases is fatal. The S. atra produces the most powerful mycotoxins of the group trichothecenes. It also produces cyclosporine and phenylspirodrimanes, that when combined with trichothecenes at high doses, can cause life-threatening toxic black mold symptoms.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Mold In Shower Ceiling

Signs Of Mold Infestation

Most people dont notice smalls amounts of mold growth or just ignore it. The tiniest patches of mold can spread rapidly and require immediate attention. Visible mold is a sign that you have a much bigger problem hidden

away from view. The spores appear in spots or thread like and can be black, grayish, brown, green, or even white, sometimes even appear orange, pink or purple.

Mold spores can grow on wood, drywall, fiberboard, paper, dust, and lint, particularly in areas that may have recently flooded or suffered other types of water damage.

Why Lyme Disease Is Difficult To Treat

The Sponaugle Wellness Institute, after successfully treating chronic Lyme disease patients from different parts of the world, found that Lyme disease is widely misunderstood. This is due to the fact that it mimics the symptoms of other diseases.

Signs of mold sickness are similar to those of Lyme Disease, making it difficult to come up with a precise diagnosis. The Sponaugle Wellness Institute uses the Brain Imaging database and correlation of 6,000 mold mycotoxin levels with changes seen in neurotransmitter patterns and infectious biomarkers for Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections to formulate effective treatment plans.

Furthermore, Lyme disease cannot be treated effectively if there are mold toxins in the bloodstream because these toxins suppress the immune system.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Are Not Safe From Lyme Disease!

Yolanda Hadid, star of how The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and mother of three fashion models, was diagnosed with Lyme disease. She received antibiotics and did not fully recover until mold toxins were eradicated from her body.

Don’t Miss: How To Remove Mold From A Ceiling

Mold Reactions: Who’s At Risk

For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath. In people with asthma who are allergic to mold, breathing in spores can also cause asthma attacks.

In addition to people with allergies and asthma, others who may be more sensitive to the effects of mold include:

• Infants and children
• People whose immune systems are compromised due to HIV infection, cancer, liver disease, or chemotherapy
• People with chronic lung disease

What Do I Do If I Feel I Or My Family Members Exhibit Toxic Mold Symptoms

Get the affected person in to see a doctor as soon as possible and convey your concerns. The doctor can then evaluate the patient for symptoms of toxic mold and advise you on how to proceed. You really cant be too careful with your health and it always pays to ask a professional when matters as important as ones health are concerned.

This is also the case when it comes to your home. You should conduct a thorough, but cautious check of your home for signs of mold. If you have reason to believe youve found evidence of an infestation, it is possible to deal with the problem yourself. However, it is highly advisable that you call in a professional mold specialist to evaluate the situation as well.

Reputable mold detection and removal specialists will come in and evaluate your home for free so that you know beyond the shadow of any doubt where you stand. Plus, should you decide youd prefer to deal with the problem yourself, the specialist can advise you on safe, effective ways to do this. Safety is important when were talking about something as toxic as mold.

You can follow this link to get a list of Qualified Mold Removal Specialists in your area.

You can follow this link to read more about what mold is, how to know if you have a mold problem, and a list of the common mold exposure symptoms.

Don’t Miss: Best Mold Remover For Bathroom Ceiling

Health Symptoms Of Prolonged Mold Exposure

Health Check Certified By: Dr. Gerald Morris

Mold is literally everywhere in our homes, outside, and even in our food. However, while it sometimes goes unnoticed to many, some Americans might be exposed to higher amounts of mold or have a sensitivity to it.

Your home is a prime place for mold to grow, especially if you have a damp basement. You should also try avoiding certain foods, if its determined you have mold sensitivity. Here are 13 health effects that prolonged mold exposure can have on you

Humidity Hampers The Bodys Cool

Though we do not often think of it, we are inherently fragile creatures. Something as seemingly small as a five degree drop in body temperature can cause severe health consequences, including hypothermia. Five degrees higher and the human body begins to experience hyperthermia. So on either end of the spectrum, when the core body temperature begins to deviate from the norm, problems can occur.

When outside temperatures approach the temperature of the human body the body undergoes a series of changes to help maintain a cool temperature. Sweating, altering the rate and depth of blood circulation, and increased respiration are all measures the body will take in an effort to cool itself down and shed excess heat. Cool mist humidifiers, like the Crane Blue Drop Humidifier, can help regulate temperatures and provide relief during the hot summer months.

Recommended Reading: Removing Mold From Canvas

How Can Mold Affect My Health

Many molds can cause health effects. Molds produce allergens, irritants and,sometimes, toxins that may cause adverse reactions in humans. A reaction tomold depends on how much a person is exposed to, the age of the person and thepersons sensitivities or allergies. The same amount of mold may causehealth effects in one person, but not in another.

Exposure to mold can cause a variety of symptoms. Sensitive people who havetouched or inhaled mold or mold spores may have allergic reactions such as arunny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, skin rash and itching. Molds can trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic tomolds, causing wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. A diseaselike pneumonia may also develop after exposure to mold, but this is uncommon.

Infectious diseases from molds can occur in people with weakened immunesystems, such as those who are immune-compromised or immune-suppressed fromdrug treatment. Some types of mold are known to cause infections inimmune-compromised people. Such infections can affect the skin, eyes, lungs orother organs. These are considered opportunistic infections that usually do notaffect healthy people.