Signs Of Mold In Your House
There are several subtle signs that indicate that your home may have harmful mold.
1. Strange smell from the air conditioner or heater
If you think your heater or air conditioner has an unusual smell, you might want to check it out.
A stand-alone air conditioner is one of the main places where mold starts to grow. These devices are dark, damp, and often exposed to warm temperatures when not in use. If you put your air conditioner in a warm place in winter, this also increases the risk of mold.
Regularly check the condition of the air conditioner and clean it every two years.
2. The seams between the bathroom tiles have become dark
When you take a shower, pay attention to the seams between the tiles. If they are dark, it is most likely mold. Luckily, this type of mold is not that dangerous.
However, if your bathroom has been leaking recently or flooding an adjoining room, you may be dealing with a more toxic type of fungus that will be harder to remove.
3. Wallpaper starts peeling off
While wallpaper may discolor or wear out over time, wallpaper peeling is not normal. If the wallpaper bubbles or cracks, this indicates the presence of moisture on the walls. And moisture is a precursor to mold.
Pay attention to walls and any areas that look damp or warped.
4. Your cold wont go away
Symptoms of a mold reaction may be subtle. It can be a common runny nose or bouts of sneezing. If you feel like your cold has dragged on, this could be a hidden sign of a mold problem.
Different Types Of Bread Mold
Rhizopus Stolonifer
Rhizopus stolonifera is also known as black bread mold. This is the most common type. It may also appear in fruits and vegetables. It will first appear as a fuzzy green or blue patch on a surface. If left alone, the patches will develop a black center. This type of mold is not dangerous but may cause mild indigestion.
Penicillium
Penicillium is actually a group of bread molds, although they are all very similar. This type of mold is used in some cheese products, and some species of it are used to create the antibiotic penicillin.
Penicillium will show up as white, blue, or gray patches. Certain types of Penicillium could produce mycotoxins, which may lead to chronic illnesses over time. The side effects of occasional ingestion tend to be mild.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is a fungus that is most irritating to anyone with allergies. If you continue to be exposed to Cladosporium, you may have sneezing or wheezing.
Cladosporium appears on the surface of the crust as a dark patch that can be green or black. What makes it noticeable is that it has a strong smell. Unless you have allergies, you likely wont be harmed by eating it.
Colour Of Mattress Changing And You Often Getting Sick
You may notice your mattress is changing its color such as green or black.
If you have removed all stains like vomit, urine, poop, blood but still any brown dark spot remains or your mattress is changing its color without cause then its probably molded in your mattress.
If any cleaner or vinegar does not remove the stains or discolored area quickly then its a good chance your mattress has mold.
And if you often get sick after spending time in your bedroom then it may be the mold is triggering all types of allergies, colds,s and ear infections.
If you are consistently getting sick then its happening because of the mold so consider checking your mattress again if you often get sick.
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Who Does Mold Allergy Affect
Molds can irritate everyone, regardless of whether you’re allergic to them. But the effects are generally worse for certain groups of people who have compromised immune systems due to disease or medication.
Risk factors for developing an allergy to mold include:
- Having a family or personal history of allergies.
- Having a respiratory condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
- Being exposed to mold over a long period of time due to your job or to living in a humid house or a building with poor ventilation.
Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure In Adults
Exposure to black molds must be avoided at all times. With or without sensitivities, you can still experience poisoning. The following are the symptoms of black mold exposure in adults:
- Itchy and red eyes
- Respiratory irritations
Those with asthma and other breathing problems must be extra careful. The mold spores are enough to trigger an attack. If you inhaled the mycotoxins, the effect would be much worse.
The same goes for immunocompromised individuals. They are at a higher risk of developing an infection when exposed to black molds for long periods.
Aside from adults, infants and children are also vulnerable when exposed to black molds. Its actually a risk factor for asthma among children.
If you suspect that youre experiencing black mold poisoning, you should seek medical care right away. Youll undergo a blood test and skin prick test to determine if you have an allergic reaction to black molds. The doctor can also provide prescriptions to ease the symptoms. Ultimately, an allergy shot will help reduce your flaring immune system.
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What Happens If I Eat Some Mold
The short answer to the above-mentioned questions is no, you are probably not going to die from eating mould. You will digest it like any other food. As long as you have got a relatively healthy immune system, the most you will experience is some nausea or vomiting due to the taste or idea of what you have just eaten.
Your Mattress Has Foul Smell
The most prominent symptom of mold in a mattress is its foul odor, you can probably smell mold before you even see it.
Molds thrive on a damp surface and release the odor that starts out as sweet but eventually that smell turns into a foul smell.
And molds have a pungent and musty odor that can get stronger over time.
In the initial time, it smells sweet but it will become disgusting over time because the mattress has little or no odor at all. So, if your mattress starts smelling foul then you may have a mold infestation.
And if you have a memory foam mattress then the mild chemical odor can stay for weeks.
If your bed smells like urine or sweat then you can treat those stains but when the mattress starts smelling like rotten food then you can certainly have a mold infestation.
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Discoloration And Stains On The Mattress
As mentioned earlier, youll be able to see the molds fruiting bodies after a while. Mold may appear as fuzzy, discolored, or slimy spots that grow in size over time.
However, not all molds will have that tell-tale black color. Molds come in various colors, including pink, off-white, green, purple, and orange.
So, if there are discolorations or stains on your mattress surface for no apparent reason, you may have mold.
Mold On Mattresses: Symptoms Causes And Removal
Everyone enjoys a good nights sleep on a clean and cozy mattress. But what if the mattress was covered in deadly fungus? Would you still be able to sleep soundly then?
Mold on mattresses isnt only disgusting, but it can also be a health hazard for your entire family. Caused by humidity and excess moisture, mold can ruin your mattress. Moreover, if left untreated, it might spread and slowly destroy your house and belongings.
In this article, youll learn everything you need to know about mold on mattresses, from the symptoms of mold on mattresses, what causes mold to grow, to tips on removing mold from a bed.
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How Safe Is It To Eat Moldy Bread
While its never completely safe to eat moldy bread, the risks are fortunately not that high and not that serious in general cases. For those with severe allergies, you can experience more significant health effects, although this is relatively rare.
The greatest danger is with people who frequently eat moldy bread. The toxins produced by mold can increase your risk of developing serious health problems. This is why its best to avoid moldy foods in general.
Black Mold Symptoms And Health Effects
Learn about black mold symptoms and health effects so that you can identify indicators of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning.
A mold infested room of an old building.
Dariusz Majgier
Mold in homes can be a costly and dangerous problem, particularly when infestations of toxic black mold occur. The symptoms and health effects of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning cover a wide range of health problems, but understanding the indicators can help keep you and your family safe.
Toxic black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, as it’s known to scientists, can release spores as it feeds on organic materials in common household materials like drywall, carpet, insulation or sub-flooring that have been exposed to moisture. These spores, if ingested or inhaled, can cause a range of unpleasant and even dangerous symptoms in humans.
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What Are Symptoms And Signs Of Mold Exposure
Molds produce irritating substances that may act as allergy-causing substances in sensitive individuals. Furthermore, some molds produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins, but mold itself is not poisonous or toxic. The term “toxic mold,” therefore, refers to the fact that certain kinds of mold can produce mycotoxins. The conditions under which some molds produce toxins are not understood, and the presence of mold, even a mold that is capable of producing toxins, does not always imply that toxins are being produced or that a health risk or problem is present. Mold may not cause any health problems, or it may lead to allergy or other symptoms in people, including adults and children, who are sensitive to molds.
Allergic reactions to mold are the most common health effects of mold and are therefore the greatest health risk related to mold. Allergic reactions may happen immediately or develop after a period following exposure. Both growing mold and mold spores may lead to allergic reactions. Symptoms and signs of mold allergy may include
Mold or mold spores may cause asthma attacks in people who have asthma and are allergic to mold. Even in some non-allergic individuals, mold can cause symptoms of irritation in the eyes, skin, and airways. For example, the “black mold”Stachybotrys, along with some other types of mold, produces toxins known as mycotoxins that can cause irritation of the skin and airways in susceptible individuals.
Causes Of Damp And Mould
Mould and damp are caused by excess moisture. Moisture in buildings can be caused by leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames.
A newly built home may be damp if the water used when building it is still drying out for example, in the plaster on the walls. Excess moisture indoors can also be caused by condensation.
If you have mould or damp it’s important to find out why you have excess moisture in your home. When you know what’s causing the damp, you can make sure your home is repaired or take steps to limit the moisture in the air. You may need to get a professional to remove mould for you, but if it’s only a small amount you may be able to remove it yourself.
Page last reviewed: 8 August 2018 Next review due: 8 August 2021
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What Are The Symptoms Of Aspergillosis
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of aspergillosis.
Pulmonary aspergillosis might not cause any symptoms, especially in the early stages. If the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- Coughing, sometimes accompanied by mucus or blood.
- Bloody cough or massive bleeding from the lungs.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis may cause:
- Coughing accompanied by mucus or blood.
- Wheezing or worsening of asthma.
- Fever.
- Increased mucus or sputum secretions.
- Inability to tolerate exercise or asthma brought on by exercise.
Many patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis already experience respiratory symptoms similar to those caused by an allergic reaction, so it may be difficult to detect ABPA in these situations. Sometimes, a worsening of symptoms such as coughing and wheezing is the only sign that the person is experiencing an allergic reaction.
If the allergic reaction recurs over time, and the lungs become inflamed repeatedly, damage to the lungs and central airways can occur. Recurrent allergic reactions may cause scarring of lung tissue and widening of the central airways, a condition known as bronchiectasis.
Sneezing And Nasal Congestion
While many things can trigger sneezing, its also a symptom of mold toxicity that should get your attention. If youve never had allergies or hay fever symptoms and youre positive you dont have a cold, those sneezes could be indicative of mold exposure.
Sneezing is the immune systems standard response to allergens. It could also be a warning sign that your home has a mold problem.
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What Happens If You Eat Food With Mold
The thought of eating something moldy likely makes you want to gag. Most of the time, this is the only symptom youd get after eating moldy food. If somethings not right with your immune system and you eat something moldy, you might experience symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- If you had an allergy to mold, then you might have symptoms connected with it as well
If you notice mold on your food that you dont want to throw away, then USDAs guide on handling moldy food will be for you.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Mold Exposure
As you kill the mold and there are less organisms in your body, you will start to feel better. It took my husband six months to become free and clear of mold while it took me a year and a half. Even though I am currently back on my detox regimen due to a new mold exposure, which is another story, I feel good.
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Different Types Of Mold
Allergenic Molds. Allergenic molds are on the low end of the danger scale. They only cause problems for those with asthma and a predisposed allergy to the specific mold. Children are more likely to have mold allergies than adults.
Pathogenic Molds. Pathogenic molds will cause some infection. This is a big problem for those with a suppressed immune system. An acute response resembling bacterial pneumonia is commonly found with those exposed to these types of mold.
Toxigenic Molds. As the name implies, these molds produce mycotoxins that can cause serious health effects. They have been tied to immunosuppression and cancer. The toxic chemicals found in these types of molds can be absorbed into the body when one inhales them, eats them, or even touches them.
How Can I Get Mold Out Of Material
White Distilled Vinegar An excellent mould-killer, diluted vinegar can be worked directly into the stain or you can pre-soak the clothing in a bucket of water mixed with one cup of vinegar. You can also add 1-2 cups of vinegar to your washing machine per cycle to kill any mildew odours and brighten your whites.
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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:
- Depression
Who Gets Aspergillosis
Exposure to Aspergillus is not likely to cause problems in the majority of people whose immune systems are healthy. However, people with chronic lung problems or people with weak immune systems may be at greater risk for developing the infection. People with weakened immune systems include those people taking chemotherapy or those who have had organ transplants.
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Bugs On Your Mattress
Molds are already disgusting on their own, but did you know they can attract bugs as well?
The smell of mold attracts bugs and critters, such as ants, gnats, and mites. Eventually, you may even find spiders on your bed because theyre feeding on the smaller creatures that run around under your mattress.
Thats why any sudden appearance of bugs in your bedroom is a potential sign of mold.
How Does Mould Affect Health
Mould associated with damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, wheeze, respiratory infections and worsen asthma and allergic conditions.
People who are more susceptible to these symptoms and other serious health effects include those with:
- weakened immune systems
- chronic, obstructive, or allergic lung diseases.
You should seek medical advice if you are concerned about the effects of mould.
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What Causes A Moldy Mattress
A moldy mattress is caused by high humidity and excess moisture. Moreover, poor ventilation and minimum light exposure can exacerbate the problem. The underside of a mattress is especially susceptible to mold because that part isnt exposed to much light and rarely gets aerated.
A number of factors can cause moisture build-up on a mattress. For example, the problem usually arises when theres a leak in your bedroom. If the moisture constantly seeps into your mattress, mold can grow in as quickly as three days.
Spills and sweat should be monitored as well. If not cleaned and dried properly, moisture can build up in the mattress, making it easier for mold colonies to develop.
The location of your mattress can play a huge role in mold infestations. Placing your mattress on the ground or close to the ground makes it more vulnerable to mold. This is because doing so limits airflow from reaching the bottom of your mattress.
Lastly, while all mattresses can grow mold, certain types are more susceptible. For example, foam mattresses tend to absorb more moisture and take longer to dry completely, encouraging mold to thrive.
