Are you uncertain if your home has mold that is negatively impacting you and your family? Or do you worry that something isn’t quite right in the air inside of your house, but are unable to pinpoint what it is? The truth is, lung irritations, respiratory problems, asthma attacks, headaches and more can be caused by the presence of toxic mold spores.
However, too often house owners overlook these warning signs of mold toxicity when an issue arises. To help protect against this possibility and ensure your home remains a safe environment for all who enter it – take the time to understand 18 warning signs of mold toxicity.
What is Mold Toxicity?
Mold toxicity is the accumulation of toxins (mycotoxins) in the body due to exposure to mold and mildew. Mold spores are released into the air we breathe and can easily be inhaled. These mycotoxins cause inflammation, irritation to the skin and respiratory tract, as well as increased risk for developing other health issues such as allergies, asthma, and chronic illnesses.
Mycotoxins are known endocrine disruptors – meaning they interfere with our hormones by mimicking them or blocking receptors so that your cells don’t recognize your natural
when they’re released. Hormones play a vital role in how our bodies function disruption of these hormones can lead to mood issues, weight gain, depression, cognitive impairment and other problems.
Mycotoxins also damage the body through oxidative stress. This occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals (caused by mold spores) and the body’s ability to counteract or detoxify them.
How Do Molds Cause Toxicity?
Molds cause toxicity in humans by releasing a variety of harmful toxins, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs can be breathed in and absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a range of health problems. In some cases, they can also cause neurological damage or infertility.
The most common molds that are found indoors are Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as “black mold”). All three of these molds contain mycotoxins which are powerful toxins released by fungi. Mycotoxins have been linked to a wide range of illnesses from allergies to cancer.
18 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity:
Many health hazards can be caused by mold. Detecting and treating these hazards in time can prevent them from becoming more serious.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of mold toxicity are:
- Fungal arthritis
- Digestive problems
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Intense cough
- Migraine
- Asthma attack
- Watery eyes
- Skin infection
- Changes in vision, hearing or smell
- Cognitive Decline:
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Excessive Thirst or Urination
- Muscle Aches and Pains
- Memory loss
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Headaches
Fungal Arthritis:
Fungal arthritis is an infection of the joints caused by prolonged exposure to indoor mold. Candida, exserohilum and aspergillus are the most common types of molds that cause fungal arthritis, and those with a poor immune system are at greater risk for this condition.
Digestive Problems:
Molds produce harmful substances known as mycotoxins which can irritate the digestive system leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, intestinal cramps, vomiting or nausea when inhaled or ingested through spoiled food. Farmworkers are more likely to be affected by Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus versicolor – two of the most common molds causing digestive issues.
Fatigue:
If you’re suddenly feeling tired all the time, it may be due to mold toxicity particularly from Stachybotrys chart arum (black molds). These molds can grow on carpets, drywalls, or wet floors and consume organic materials found in these items which reduces oxygen intake resulting in frequent fatigue.
Depression:
Prolonged exposure to mycotoxins can cause a malfunction of the nervous system as well as a weakened immune system, reduced memory and problem-solving ability, lack of spontaneity and social life, and sexual dysfunction. Those living in humid environments are more likely to suffer from depression caused by mold toxicity.
Insomnia:
Difficulty sleeping well can also be caused by mold toxicity due to its smell or the depression associated with it. Insomnia is often accompanied by a loss of appetite, cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure.
Intense Cough:
Prolonged exposure to black molds can lead to an intense cough as the body’s antibodies overreact when breathing in mold spores which causes mucus production and histamine release. Those with poor immune systems are more prone to this symptom.
Migraine:
When exposed to a moldy environment for long periods of time, the immune system may try to fight off the spores causing headaches these will subside once you leave the environment and start inhaling fresh air again.
Asthma Attack:
Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium are some of the molds most likely to cause an asthma attack when inhaled – particularly in those with mold allergies or asthmatic patients.
Watery Eyes:
Toxins from mold can enter the body through the eyes, causing them to become watery as well as an itchy throat. People with strong immune systems are better able to resist this symptom than others.
Skin Infection:
Mold spores that come into contact with skin pores may cause itching and other skin infections although those with strong immune systems can often withstand this symptom where weaker individuals might not.
Changes in vision, hearing or smell:
Exposure to mold can have a direct impact on vision, hearing and smell. Inhaled mycotoxins from mold can lead to inflammation of the eyes resulting in blurry vision or decreased acuity. It can also cause itching, burning or stinging in the eyes.
The irritation caused by these toxins can eventually damage sensory cells within the eye leading to permanent vision changes. In terms of hearing, prolonged exposure to certain molds such as Stachybotrys Chartarum (black mold) has been linked with tinnitus and balance disorders.
Cognitive Decline:
Exposure to indoor dampness has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, allergies, and other respiratory symptoms.
Mold spores produce mycotoxins which can make breathing more difficult and cause inflammation of tissue in the lungs. In some cases, this can lead to an impaired ability to perform daily activities due to airway obstruction or irritation.
In addition, research suggests that living in a home with high levels of mold may increase the risk for neurological disorders such as cognitive impairment or dementia.
Autoimmune Diseases:
Autoimmune diseases develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs in the body. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms depending on which tissue or organ is affected.
Exposure to moldy environments and toxic substances has been linked to an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Excessive Thirst or Urination:
Excessive thirst and urination can be a sign of mold toxicity. When the body is exposed to mold toxins, it triggers an inflammatory response that affects the kidneys and other organs involved in regulating water balance. As a result, thirst increases as more fluid is lost through increased urination.
Dehydration caused by excessive urination can cause added stress on the heart and can lead to serious cardiovascular complications over time.
The excessive drinking and urinating due to exposure to moldy environments should be addressed promptly by seeking medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment options. Once the underlying issue is identified, appropriate treatments can be implemented to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and improve overall health.
Muscle Aches and Pains:
Muscle aches and pains due to moldy toxicity is usually a sign of an inflammatory response in the body. Exposure to mold toxins can cause the immune system to react and release inflammatory chemicals, causing pain in muscles and joints.
These symptoms are often accompanied by additional signs such as fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and digestive issues.
Memory loss:
Memory loss due to moldy toxicity is the result of increased levels of inflammation in the body. This inflammation can affect the brain, leading to a higher risk of cognitive impairment and memory problems.
Mold toxins can cause nerve damage that impairs signal transmission between the brain and other parts of the body, resulting in difficulties with concentration and focus. These toxins may also impede neurotransmitter function, which leads to difficulty retaining information or forming new memories.
Excessive exposure to mold has been associated with an increased risk for anxiety, depression, and mood swings- all of which can contribute to memory issues.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity:
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is an environmental illness characterized by the body’s reaction to low levels of chemicals found in everyday products such as cleaning supplies, perfumes, dyes, and fumes from gasoline or paints.
Exposure to these chemicals can cause a range of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, coughing and wheezing, skin reactions such as rashes or hives, and digestive upset. People with MCS are particularly sensitive to mold toxins released from moldy environments.
If exposed to these toxins for long periods of time or at higher concentrations than normal, they may experience more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, disorientation, tremors and seizures.
Headaches:
Headaches caused by moldy toxicity often result from an inflammatory response in the body. When mold toxins are present in the air, they can be inhaled and enter the bloodstream, triggering a release of inflammatory chemicals.
This inflammatory response can affect both the brain and nerves and cause headaches, as well as other symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness. In addition to causing headaches, exposure to mold toxins can also lead to fatigue, nausea, respiratory issues, skin rashes, digestive upset, and neurological issues.
People who have been exposed to high levels of mold for extended periods may experience more severe symptoms such as confusion or disorientation.
What Are The Signs of Molds In Your House?
Mold is an ever present and unwelcome guest in many homes. It can spread quickly, causing damage to your home, health concerns for your family, and it can be difficult to eliminate if not caught early.
This makes it important to understand the signs of mold in your house so that you can take action as soon as possible. The most common sign of mold in the home is a musty smell or odor. If you notice a stale or damp smell even when there are no wet areas visible, this could indicate hidden mold somewhere in the home.
Other signs of potential water damage include discoloration on walls or ceilings and peeling paint or wallpaper. Water stains on furniture and other items also point towards potential water damage and mold growth.
Mold requires moisture to grow and will therefore thrive in wet or humid environments. If you have experienced a water leak, flooding, or high levels of humidity in your home, then this could be a sign that mold is present.
Getting a Diagnosis For Mold Sickness:
Getting a proper diagnosis for mold sickness can be difficult, as many physicians are not familiar with the symptoms and signs associated with exposure. This means that people suffering from mold exposure may be misdiagnosed with conditions such as depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia or even Lyme disease.
In order to properly diagnose mold sickness, health professionals need to conduct an in-depth lifestyle and environmental assessment of the individual. They will then use urine and blood tests to confirm their suspicions.
It is important to find a health professional who understands the symptoms associated with mold exposure so that they can accurately identify its presence in an individual’s environment or home. Once diagnosed with mold sickness, patients should consider the source of the mold, such as a leaky roof or damp basement.
They should also seek professional advice to identify the best way to remove it from their environment and minimize its impact on their health. In many cases, this may involve hiring a certified Mold Remediation Specialist or using specialized products and solutions to safely rid homes and other spaces of mold.
Mold Exposure Treatment:
Mold exposure treatment includes identifying and eliminating the sources of moisture that lead to mold growth. It is important to get a professional to take care of this, as it must be done correctly or else the mold will quickly return.
The next step in effective mold exposure treatment is reducing any existing toxins in the body from being exposed to the mold. This can be done through an overhaul of both diet and environment, cleansing specifically for mold, using IV nutrient therapy and colonics, as well as supporting detoxification by taking natural medicines and supplements.
Taking these steps can help reduce Total Body Burden and support recovery from illnesses related to mold exposure. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding activities that increase susceptibility to mold-related illnesses like stress reduction, adequate sleep and avoiding saturated environments are important for recovery.
How Long Do Mold Symptoms Last?
The severity and duration of mold exposure symptoms largely depends on the type of mold a person is exposed to, how long they have been exposed, and their individual ability to eliminate toxins.
Different people will process toxins differently, which can lead to varying levels of illness with the same amount of exposure. Depending on the level of toxin production associated with their particular mold exposure, some individuals may experience symptoms for only a few days while others may be ill for months or even years after the source of mold has been removed from their environment.
In cases where mold is present in an indoor environment such as a home or office building, removal of the source often requires professional remediation. Professional testing is also important in order to ensure that all sources are eliminated.
Even after the source is removed, it’s important to keep an eye on symptoms as they can linger or worsen in some people. It’s also a good idea to have periodic mold testing done on a regular basis, even after remediation has occurred.
Complications of Mold Toxicity:
Mold toxicity can lead to a number of serious health complications, including those involving the lungs, heart, and brain. In addition to the allergy-like symptoms mentioned previously, mold toxicity can cause inflammation in the lungs (pneumonitis) and even lead to long-term respiratory problems.
It has been linked to increased incidences of asthma and chronic bronchitis. Memory loss is another common complication associated with mold toxicity as it can damage parts of the brain responsible for memory formation and recall.
People who suffer from mold exposure may also experience headaches or migraines due to inflammation in the brain caused by mycotoxins. Other potential complications include neurological damage, immune system suppression, cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive disorders, neurotoxicity, and liver damage.
It is important to note that the severity and type of health complications experienced by an individual can vary greatly depending on the length, degree, and type of exposure to mold.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, mold exposure can be a serious health concern that can lead to many various symptoms ranging from respiratory problems and headaches to fatigue and neurological issues. If you think you may have been exposed to mold, it is important to take steps immediately to reduce the toxins in your body as well as remove any potential sources of mold in your environment. With the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes, recovery from mold exposure is possible. It is also wise to have regular testing done on your home or office space, in order to ensure no further exposures occur.
Related FAQ.
How can I test myself for mold exposure?
If you think you may have been exposed to mold, it’s important to be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Your doctor can use tests like skin or blood tests, chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests to help diagnose an allergy-related disorder caused by mold exposure. If your symptoms are severe or prolonged, they may also recommend further testing such as a lung biopsy or CT scan.
Do air purifiers help with mold?
Air purifiers can help reduce mold spores in the air and create a healthier environment. They do this by trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander and more. Some air purifiers trap airborne mold spores directly while others trap allergens that could promote mold growth if left unchecked.
