Signs Of A Mold Illness
Why Is Mold Sickness So Hard To Diagnose
Mold exposure can cause a number of symptoms that range from mild to severe, depending on the type of mold youve been exposed to, the extent of your allergy, or whether or not you have developed Mixed Mold Toxicosis.
While mold allergies are not uncommon in some extreme cases people can develop severe reactions to mold exposure. This can lead to a chronic illness known as Mixed Mold Toxicosis, which can dramatically impact a persons life.
Despite its impact, mold mycotoxin exposure and allergies can be difficult to pinpoint.
The biggest challenge with mold sickness is that often only one person in a home or workplace experiences symptoms. When you are the only person who is sick, many health professionals will not be looking at environmental factors as they arent trained to detect mold-related illnesses.
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.
How To Get Your Home Tested For Mold
Tests to identify mold can only show that mold spores were present at a particular moment. They cant tell you when you may have been exposed, if you inhaled any mold spores, or what your health risks might be.
Large areas of mold are easy to see, and sometimes to smell, so testing isnt generally necessary. Also, all mold is cleaned the same way, so it doesnt matter what type it is.
The CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds. The agency states that reliable sampling can be expensive and there are no established standards for judging acceptable levels of mold.
If you do want to get your home tested for mold or need professional mold removal, there are a few places to find a certified mold inspector in the United States.
finding a professional to remove mold
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How Do You Know If Mold Is Making You Sick
Are you sick and suspect it might be from mold?
Determining whether exposure to mold is making you sick isnt always easy.
Each persons body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression.
Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure. Many people suffering from mold illness struggle to get a proper diagnosis and investigation.
Its common to think my house is clean it cant be mold! However, mold comes in many forms. In this article, well share what toxic mold is, the signs and symptoms, and how it can be treated.
Does Mold Cause Tuberculosis
Despite recent progress and advances in medicine, tuberculosis is still not a disease of the past. In Canada alone around 1 600 new cases of tuberculosis are reported each year.
On March 24 this year, the Ontario Lung Association stated that tuberculosis remains a serious public health concern in Ontario, with one-third of all cases in 2009 occurring primarily in the Greater Toronto Area.
With that in mind, learning more about tuberculosis causes and what you can do to prevent it is the key to keep you and your loved ones safe from this disease. In fact many things we do in our daily routine can be the cause behind the weak immune system and increase risk of tuberculosis. Living with mold is definitely one of those things
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What Causes Mould To Grow Indoors
Mould only grows when there is sufficient moisture on a surface or humidity in the air. Common causes include:
- leaky roofs and walls including and blocked gutters and downpipes
- leaky plumbing
- condensation from cooking, showering, clothes drying and from breathing inareas with poor air circulation eg cupboards and corners and furniture against uninsulated outside walls. Avoid conditions encouraging mould growth, by using heat, insulation and ventilation. The cheapest and easiest way of reducing moisture and humidity levels is by ventilating a room by opening a door or window. Use exhaust fans where available.
How Toxic Mold Affects Your Health
A person can develop symptoms of toxic mold by breathing in the mold spores, ingesting the mold through exposed food, or coming in contact with the mold on their skin. In the beginning, you may be breathing the mold spores without realizing there is a problem, and toxicity begins to cause minor health problems that can eventually develop into serious illnesses.
If anyone in your family has breathing problems such as allergies or asthma, they may be more prone to diseases caused by toxic mold. Also, a person with a suppressed immune system may be at a higher risk, because the medication weakens their immune system. Health conditions that require this type of medication include HIV, organ transplants, or cancer. Their respiratory system is already weakened by the asthma or allergies, and breathing mold spores will cause additional problems.
When you begin the cleanup process, it is critical to protect yourself by wearing a N95 mask and covering your skin with protective clothing. The cleanup process will send additional mold spores into the air, and you need to avoid breathing them as much as possible. Additionally, dont let the mold touch your skin, because it may cause you to develop symptoms of toxic mold.
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The Silent Killer: Hidden Dangers In Your Home
Roof leaks and dripping pipes are just some of the ways of developing toxic black mold in your home. These mold spores thrive in warm and moist environments and multiply rapidly contaminating your living environment. Most mold infestations are not visible due to living in between walls, cupboards, the roof and hidden corners. Over time causing various health conditions with multiple symptoms that most people blame on allergies. First sign of any of the following symptoms you should seek immediate removal of the mold and treatment from a physician.
From Concise To Confused
Out of nowhere, Kimberlyn went from a highly-effective, busy, working mother, to a disorganized, uninvolved, confused individual who couldnt focus long enough to put together cohesive, coherent thoughts. She was no longer able to make decisions for herself and struggled to even get dressed in the morning. Insomnia, anxiety, and a loss of appetite accompanied the confusion. It was like I lost my personality, says Kimberlyn.
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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.
What Types Of Mold Are Bad For You
6 Types of Harmful Mold That May Be Lurking in Your Home
- Stachybotrys. Commonly referred to as âblack mold,â stachybotrys is one of the most dangerous types of mold and can cause flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, headaches, memory loss and severe respiratory damage.
- Chaetomium.
. Also, are all types of mold harmful?
Types of Mold. Harmful molds can be any of the following classifications: Allergenic: Molds that cause and produce allergies and allergic reactions such as asthma attacks. Pathogenic: Molds that cause health problems in those suffering from an acute illness.
Also, what are the dangers of black mold? The most common black mold symptoms and health effects are associated with a respiratory response. Chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning.
Also question is, what kind of mold can kill you?
The short answer for most healthy people is no, black mold won’t kill you and is unlikely to make you sick. However, black mold can make the following groups sick: very young people.
What color is toxic mold?
Black toxic mold is also known as Stachybotrys chartarum and is dark black or sometimes dark green. It is a highly toxic form of mold commonly found in attics.
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Black Mold Health Issues
Many people are unaware of the myriad of black mold health issues that may occur as a result of black mold exposure in the home. While most people have heard that black mold can make you sick, they often do not realize it can sometimes be deadly, it can cause problems like depression or chronic fatigue, and it can cause health problems that last for a very long time, even a lifetime.
When we talk about black mold, we are talking about stachybotrys chartarum, a slimy black mold known to produce mycotoxins, chemical substances that are harmful or toxic. Many types of mold are black in color, though, so while it is a common strain of mold found in homes, you cant be sure you are dealing with stachybotrys chartarum unless you have the mold in your home tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says all kinds of mold are potentially harmful and need to be removed and therefore does not recommend routine testing to find out what kind of mold you have in your home. However, you can decide to have the mold in your home tested if you want to know for certain what kind of mold it is. Here is more about black mold testing.
Well tell you about the most common health problems caused by black mold as well as some of the less common effects of exposure to black mold. Well also tell you what to do if you think black mold is making you sick.
Types Of Mold Sickness And Symptoms
Mold can be found almost everywhere, though it thrives in warm, humid environments. It spreads by releasing tiny spores that float through the air. Some types of mold also produce mycotoxins, microscopic organic compounds that can attach to mold spores and cause additional health effects when inhaled.
Mold exposure does not always cause adverse reactions, and different types of mold can cause a person to react in distinctly different ways. However, those who are sensitive to mold or have mold allergies may experience the following symptoms after exposure, according to the CDC:
- Nasal stuffiness
- Eye, throat or skin irritation
- Coughing or wheezing
Reactions may be more severe in those with:
- Mold allergies
- Weakened immune systems
- Chronic lung illnesses
If you are in one of the above groups, the CDC recommends staying away from likely sources of mold, such as wooded areas, compost piles and freshly-cut grass.
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Mold Illness Is Everywhere: What It Is And 11 Signs You Have It
Mold is a big problem in most homes, but many people are unaware of the problem. Of course, everyone looks at the shower curtain, under the sink, or in the basement when he or she think about mold issues, but mold can grow anywhere.
Mold can be found in drywall, in the roof if leaks are present, and even in ones Christmas tree. One study found that even Christmas trees can breed mold, quietly releasing millions of spores into the room and causing winter allergies and asthma attacks. The study found that indoor air quality dropped six-fold over the 14 days a Christmas tree typically decorates a room.
Who Is Most At Risk For Health Problems Associated With Exposure To Mold
People with allergies may be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections. Individuals with chronic respiratory disease may experience difficulty breathing. Individuals with immune suppression are at increased risk for infection from molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a qualified medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
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Actions You Can Take To Reduce Mould
The most important actions you can take to prevent mould in your home are those that minimise moisture.
- Fix leaky plumbing and roofs and other building faults
- Ensure gutters are cleared and maintained
- Reduce condensation by using exhaust fans, or open windows in the bathroom and kitchen when showering, cooking or using the dishwasher
- Wipe up excess water caused by condensation such as on single glazed windows and on shower glazing
- Air the home regularly by opening windows and doors on warmer days
- Vent clothes dryers to the outside and clean lint filters according to the manufacturers instructions.
Refer to information about cleaning up mould: refer to the information on the Better Health Channel website.
Mold Could Thrive In Your Home
It is estimated that half of the buildings in the United States may be WDB, meaning water-damaged buildings. Construction techniques in the U.S. turn out to be a feast and buffet for mold and fungal organisms. Our homes here are often built of wood and drywall rather than stone or brick as in Europe. Mold and fungi thrive on drywall, wood, and other soft materials.
Mold thrives in dark and moist environments and doesnt take much water to get the process going. A small drip from a leaky toilet, shower, or sink is all it takes. Small roof leaks are also common causes. If you see a stain on the ceiling or the wall there is very likely an associated hidden mold growth. This is not the type of mold that you see on the shower wall, but rather it is lurking behind the walls and in air ducts, crawl spaces, attics, and other areas.
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Cmo Ingresa El Moho A Los Ambientes Interiores Y Cmo Crece
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.
Who Is At Risk
Some people are at greater risk for mold-related health problems than others, although even healthy young adults can be affected. Doctors dont always know why some people become ill when exposed to mold but others dont. Those at greatest risk for mold-related health problems include:
- Infants, especially premature infants
- Elderly people
- Those with known allergies to mold or other environmental allergies, such as hay fever
- Those with pre-existing respiratory disorders, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
- Those with disorders affecting the immune system, like HIV, AIDS, or autoimmune disorders
- Others with compromised immune systems, such as people undergoing chemotherapy, taking certain medications, or who have had an organ transplant
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Mold Toxicity Is Also An Issue And It Is Considered A Chronic Inflammatory Response
An acute and chronic, systemic inflammatory response acquired following exposure to the interior environment of a water-damaged building with resident toxigenic organisms, including, but not limited to fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, and Mycobacterium serve as inflammogens! Inflammogens keep your body in a state of inflammation.
Mold Allergies Asthma And Other Respiratory Symptoms
Whether you already experience allergy symptoms or not, touching or inhaling mold spores may cause you to become allergic to mold. If you are sensitized to mold as an allergen, exposure may cause a range of allergy symptoms, including sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, and eye, nose and throat irritation, according to the CDC. However, you do not need to be sensitized to mold for it to cause medical symptoms.
Exposure to mold and damp indoor environments has been linked to a wide range of health effects. According to the Institute of Medicine , both mold and damp indoor environments have been found to cause coughing, wheezing and other respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals. Those with asthma may experience more severe asthma symptoms when exposed to mold or indoor dampness, including tightness, swelling and mucus in the airways. The CDC also notes that workplace exposure to mold in damp buildings has been associated with new-onset asthma.
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