Wednesday, March 27, 2024

How To Diagnose Mold Exposure

Testing For Mold Exposure

Mold Toxicity Symptoms| The Symptoms of Mold Exposure

You think you have all these black mold exposure symptoms, but the only way to know for sure is to see a doctor. Yes, a doctor can carry out a blood test for mold exposure, as long as it is done at a time when you are symptomatic. We have explained both the blood test and common allergy testing below.

  • Skin Prick Test: The doctor injects super small diluted amounts of mold allergens into your arm or the back for this test. If your skin reacts, you’re allergic to that mold. A reaction would be redder skin and a slight bump called a hive.
  • Blood Test: This radioallergosorbent test checks the antibodies in your system. These antibodies will be elevated if you are allergic and have been exposed to mold. In order to be effective, the test must be done while you are experiencing symptoms. The laboratory will be able to determine if you are sensitive to specific types of mold.

It would be best to keep in mind that you cannot carry out these tests by yourself. So, see a doctor once you think you’ve been exposed to mold.

A blood test for black mold exposure will help you identify what’s wrong. Once you’ve confirmed that it’s mold, you want to start working on it immediately. How do you treat mold?

A Qualified Environmental Lab Took Samples Of The Mold In My Home And Gave Me The Results Can Cdc Interpret These Results

Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable or normal quantity of mold have not been established. Sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth. If you do decide to pay for environmental sampling for molds, before the work starts, you should ask the consultants who will do the work to establish criteria for interpreting the test results. They should tell you in advance what they will do or what recommendations they will make based on the sampling results. The results of samples taken in your unique situation cannot be interpreted without physical inspection of the contaminated area or without considering the buildings characteristics and the factors that led to the present condition.

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.

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Reasons To Do Mold Clearance Testing

Testing an environment where mold exposure has occurred after cleanup to ensure that levels remain low is necessary to be sure that the remediation process is complete. Even after cleanup is over, it is often necessary to adjust indoor conditions to make it less likely that any spores that remain present will resume growth.

When a residential or commercial property owner is regularly cleaning mold-prone surfaces, contents and materials and maintaining low humidity levels indoors, a clearance test can determine whether these measures are sufficient to keep mold infestations at bay. If spore or mVOC levels remain elevated, additional remediation measures, including tearing out and replacing contaminated building materials or replacing contents, may be necessary to solve a persistent mold problem.

How To Diagnose Mold Toxicity

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Like any disease, you can diagnose mold toxicity from a combination of presenting symptoms, good case history and testing.

If you suspect you may have mold toxicity, then some fundamental questions may give you clues that mold might be a problem.

  • Do you live in a moldy house?
  • Do you live in a building that has had water intrusion, damp basement, or musty smells?
  • Do you get condensation on the windows?
  • Does your house have a flat roof?
  • Did you develop this illness after a move to a new location or got a new job?
  • Do you feel better when youre on vacation?
  • Do you smell a musty odour anywhere in your house or place of work?

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How Can I Prevent An Allergic Reaction To Mold

You can reduce your allergy symptoms by avoiding contact with mold spores. These steps can help:

Reduce your exposure to mold spores outside.

  • Limit your outdoor activities when mold counts are high. This will lessen the amount of mold spores you inhale and your symptoms.
  • Remove leaves and piles of dead plant material or tree clippings as soon as possible.
  • Wear an N95 mask, hat, and sunglasses when caring for your lawn or garden.
  • Have someone without a mold allergy do yard work, if possible.
  • Promote groundwater drainage away from your house.

Reduce your exposure to mold spores inside.

  • If you have houseplants or potted herbs, only water them when the soil is dry. Here are some other ways to prevent mold in houseplants:
  • Plant them in sterile soil
  • Give them more light
  • Use a fan to circulate air around the plant
  • Trim dead leaves often

To reduce mold in your laundry area:

  • Remove clothes from the washing machine right away.
  • If you have a front-loading washing machine, clean and dry the rubber seal and inside of the door often. Leave the door cracked open when the machine is not in use.
  • Dont leave wet, damp clothes sitting around.
  • Make sure your laundry area has good air circulation.

To reduce mold in your bedrooms:

To reduce mold in your basement:

Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure

You may wonder if you are experiencing symptoms of black mold exposure or if youre dealing with ordinary environmental allergies such as hay fever or something else. We cant diagnose you or offer medical advice, but we can tell you about the typical black mold health risks and what to do if you think black mold is making you sick.

But lets start at the beginning.

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What Are The Treatments For Mold Allergy

In some cases, there may be ways to reduce or avoid mold exposure in your environment. This may not always be possible and you may need medicines.

  • Avoid contact with mold.
  • Take medicine for nasal or other allergic symptoms. Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroid sprays are available without a prescription. If you have allergic asthma, talk with your doctor about which medicines may be best for you. You may also be a candidate for immunotherapy . Immunotherapy may help reduce symptoms and medicines and provide more effective long-term control of your symptoms. Learn more about allergy treatments.

How Do You Test For Mold In Your Home

Symptoms of Mold Exposure and Mold Illness from Toxic Black Mold Exposure

Do a home mold test or arrange to have an environmental hygienist or mold specialist take samples from an HVAC system, contents or patch of visible mold growth. Lab analysis can determine which species of mold are growing and the severity of an infestation. Professional tests may take place before and after remediation.

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What Is Toxic Mold Syndrome

According to the CDC,certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins .

Mycotoxins, as defined by the World Health Organization, are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain fungi they are commonly found growing on certain types of food, including cereal, nuts, spices, dried fruit, apples, and coffee beans.

Though mycotoxins are commonly found in food, they can be found in other parts of the home where mold is present, which is why remediation is so important. But according to the CDC, 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. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.

The bottom line: If you have any mold, no matter its color or prevalence, removal is strongly recommended. And if you have any medical issues that you think may be related to mold, its best to contact your doctor.

How Can I Treat My Mold

Dont worry if your test results show that you have mold toxicity. The professionals at The Metabolic Institute have extensive experience treating people who are dealing with the harmful consequences of mold exposure.

A Variety of Options

We will work with you to develop a custom treatment plan to address your mold-related health conditions. Although everyones treatment plan will be different, many people benefit from receiving binding agents and anti-fungal medications. We may also treat your conditions by asking you to take nutrients that will help you detoxify and heal.

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Treating Toxic Mold Symptoms

There are generally two steps to treating the symptoms of toxic mold. Your doctor will prescribe treatment to relieve symptoms and resolve any infections, such a bronchitis or pneumonia, but youll also need to have all traces of mold removed from your home so that you dont suffer further exposure.

As part of your treatment, you may be prescribed medications, such as:

  • Antibiotics to treat infections like sinusitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia
  • Corticosteriods to help with asthma or other breathing problems
  • Broncodilators to help with asthma or other breathing problems
  • Antihistamines to help with allergy-like symptoms, skin rashes or hives
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help with inflammation, joint pain, and headaches
  • Pain medication to help with muscle or joint pain, headaches, and migraines
  • Medication to prevent migraines
  • A cough suppressant or expectorant

If order to fully recover, though, youll need to have your home thoroughly cleansed of mold. If any trace of mold remains in your home, the mold will just grow and spread, and while symptoms may abate temporarily with medical treatment, they will almost certainly return and begin to worsen in time.

How Common Is Mold Allergy

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According to some statistics, about 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with environmental allergies. About two-thirds of people with asthma also have environmental allergies. Many days of work are lost and more than 50% of people who have such allergies consider them to play a part in their quality of life.

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What Are Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds

Another source of irritation from mold exposure comes from substances knownas microbial volatile organic compounds . These compounds are producedthrough fungal metabolism and are released directly into the air, often givingoff strong or unpleasant odors. Exposure to mVOCs from molds can irritate theeyes and respiratory system and has been linked to symptoms such as headaches,dizziness, fatigue, nasal irritation and nausea. The effects of mVOCs are notcompletely understood and research is still in the early stages.

Are There Different Types Of Mold Allergies

You can be allergic to molds in the air, and you can be allergic to molds in foods. Some food allergies related to mold include mushrooms, certain types of cheese, fermented foods, some wines and food products that contain vinegar.

There are also many different types of mold that can cause allergies. Some common ones include _Alternaria, Aspergillus, _Cladosporium and Penicillium. There are also toxic molds that can cause very serious illnesses. An example of a toxic mold is Stachybotrys, which is known as black mold. In addition to allergies, aspergillus can cause infections known as aspergillosis.

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Getting A Diagnosis For Mold Sickness

While symptoms to mold exposure are not uncommon , many health care professionals struggle to pinpoint the cause behind these symptoms.

Often only a few people or one person and not everyone, in a home or workplace experience symptoms. This is frustrating and confusing for the sick person. When their doctors cant find any reason for the illness, they can start to feel like the sickness is all in their mind.

People suffering from mold exposure can often be misdiagnosed with disorders such as:

Is Black Mold Dangerous

Diagnosing and treating mold exposure in schools

Many people wonder if black mold is dangerous. While there are many different types of mold, black mold is often considered to be one of the most dangerous. This is because black mold can release toxins into the air that can be harmful to humans and animals. In some cases, black mold exposure can even lead to death. If you suspect that you have black mold in your home, it is important to contact a professional mold removal company immediately.

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Mold Allergy

Mold spores get into your nose and cause rhinitis symptoms. They also can reach the lungs and trigger asthma.

Symptoms can include:

  • Mucus in the throat
  • Asthma symptoms if you have allergic asthma cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness

Mold allergy can cause an allergic reaction right away. But in some cases, it may cause delayed symptoms. This can cause a stuffy nose or asthma symptoms that get worse over time. If your symptoms often get worse in a damp, humid, or moldy room like a basement, this may mean you have a mold allergy.

Outdoor molds often cause allergy symptoms in summer and fall. But they may be year-round in warmer, humid climates. Indoor molds may cause allergy symptoms year-round.

Rarely, some people can have a more serious illness called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. In this condition, there is both an allergic and an inflammatory response in the lungs to the mold or fungus. Symptoms may include severe wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, much like asthma.

Food fungi, like mushrooms, dried fruit, or foods containing yeast, vinegar, or soy sauce usually dont cause allergy symptoms in the nose, eyes, and lungs. Reactions to food fungi are often caused by the foods direct effect on blood vessels.

For Help With Mold Removal

If you need to hire someone to remove black mold from your home, we suggest scheduling a free consultation with a mold removal professional. Even if you are planning to do the work yourself, you can benefit from some free expert advice from an experienced professional, including information on the safe handling of materials that may be contaminated with mold. For a list of qualified mold removal professionals offering free in-home consultations in your area, just follow the link.

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What Are The Symptoms That Youve Been Exposed To Mold

Symptoms range from person to person and may be related to your genetics. For example, 25% of Americans have the HLA-DR gene which makes them susceptible to toxic mold they experience more severe symptoms compared to the rest of the population.

Some symptoms that indicate toxic mold exposure include:

  • Respiratory problems including sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, sinus congestion, chronic cough, and chronic respiratory tract problems
  • Chronic fatigue and weakness
  • Neurological symptoms and cognitive problems such as anxiety, depression, sensitivity to light, headaches, vertigo, poor memory, and difficulty concentrating
  • Digestive problems including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Morning stiffness and joint pain
  • Tingling and numbness

Others may be highly sensitive to mold toxins and have Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome a term coined by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker. CIRS is a condition thats caused by exposure to biotoxins, including mold.

The symptoms above are not specific to only mold toxicity and could be caused by something else. Mold tests will help rule out mold as the cause of your symptoms. Here are ways that you can test for mold in your home.

Popular Home Mold Tests

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Many home or do-it-yourself mold test kits are available to consumers. The design, function and results of each test vary. Viable mold tests are the most popular type of DIY assessments. These tests identify whether high levels of fungus spores are present in air or on surfaces. Any of the following types of samples can be submitted for lab testing:

  • Air sampling pump and cassettes
  • Petri dishes or screening plates

An air sampling pump draws in and captures air samples in cassettes that can then be sent in for analysis at a lab approved by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Kits containing petri dishes or settling plates are intended for taking surface samples but may be prone to cross-contamination. Home mold tests based on bulk samples allow property owners to submit material samples such as pieces of drywall or insulation for testing.

There are no home mold tests that indicate personal exposure. Medical lab analysis is necessary to determine whether an individuals blood or urine shows indications of exposure to harmful spores, mVOCs or mycotoxins. The home testing methods covered above cannot indicate anything beyond the relative risk level of certain species of mold identified as being present at elevated levels in a structure.

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Mold Inspection & Mold Testing

There is a difference between a mold inspection and mold testing.

A mold inspection is a visual assessment of an area to determine whether mold is present.

Mold testing is when a certified mold inspector conducts scientific air sampling and collects samples that will be analyzed in a lab. This typically takes place when you cant see the mold but suspect it may be present.

Black Mold Exposure Mold Poisoning:

These are molds that are green or black in appearance. The most common species of the black mold isStachybotrys chartarum. It has been speculated that many black molds are toxigenic, which means they release mycotoxins that are particularly harmful to people with preexisting conditions.

When these mycotoxins begin to accumulate in the body, it may lead to a condition known as mold poisoning which affects the upper respiratory system adversely.

Common mold poisoning symptoms are the same as that of mold allergies. People who are suffering from asthma or any other chronic lung disease, these mycotoxins will make their condition miserable. They will exhibit severe symptoms such as:

  • Headache or migraine
  • Hand and feet numbness
  • After becoming conversant with the health issues caused by molds, its high time to discuss how doctors test for mold exposure.

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