mold exposure

Mold Exposure: Side Effects on Your Health

Mold is a fungus that can cause serious health problems, especially when exposed to it over extended periods of time. Many types of mold are found in indoor and outdoor environments, and all have the potential to cause various symptoms. In some cases, mold exposure can even lead to more severe illnesses like respiratory issues or skin infections.

From clothes to books, mold can easily creep up and ruin your favorite possessions. But mold doesn’t just mess with our belongings; it is also a significant health hazard! If you want to discover why it grows, its effect on people’s physical well-being, and how to end its growth—this article will break everything down for you.

Mold Exposure Illnesses

mold exposure illnesses

Mold exposure can lead to various illnesses, such as:

Asthma and Other Respiratory Problems

Exposure to mold spores can cause breathing difficulties and aggravate existing asthma symptoms. In severe cases, long-term exposure may eventually lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Mold spores are airborne and can easily be inhaled. This leads to an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals, causing the common hay fever symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP)

Also known as “mold lung” or “mold poisoning,” HP is an allergic reaction to inhaled mold spores. Symptoms include a dry cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness.

Skin Infection

Mold can cause skin irritation in some individuals. The most common symptoms are a rash known as “mold dermatitis” or “black mold rash.” It often appears as red bumps with a darker edge around the mold’s contact area.

Mold Toxicity Syndrome

Mold toxicity is a condition that can develop when you are exposed to too much mold, mold that you are sensitive to, or specific varieties of mold that are known to have negative health effects. Mold exposure symptoms can include:

  • Cognitive difficulties (brain fog, poor memory, anxiety)
  • Pain (especially abdominal pain, but can consist of muscle pain similar to fibromyalgia)
  • Unexpected or inexplicable fluctuations in weight
  • An uncomfortable sensation of numbness or pins and needles in the hands, feet, arms, or legs may indicate an underlying medical condition.
  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Vertigo or dizziness
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Digestive issues (especially limited tolerance to food and persistent bloating)
  • Significant fatigue that interferes with daily activities
  • Changes in mood
  • Excessive thirst or dehydration, bed-wetting in children
  • Symptoms that resemble hormone imbalances (hair loss, rashes)

How Much Mold Exposure Is Harmful?

Mold exposure illnesses will depend on the time of the exposure. Short-term exposure to mold, such as during a visit to an old home, is usually not a big health concern. However, when mold spores are present in large quantities and the exposure is for an extended period of time, it can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and other more serious illnesses.

Are Mold Illnesses Difficult to Diagnose?

Diagnosing illnesses related to mold exposure can be difficult because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. For example, many different types of asthma have similar symptoms but require different treatments. Similarly, some doctors may not recognize mold toxicity syndrome as a separate condition until more research is done in this field. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any health concerns you may have if you think you’ve been exposed to mold.

How Can You Treat Mold Illnesses?

mold exposure harmful

Several treatments are available if you think you may have a mold illness. The most common is to reduce exposure to the source of the mold by removing it from your environment. This can be done with specialized cleaning products or professional remediation services. If mold has caused an infection, antibiotics may also be prescribed. For more serious cases, such as HP or mold toxicity syndrome, doctors may recommend medications like steroids and antihistamines to help manage symptoms. Remember that these treatments should always be discussed with your doctor before beginning any treatment.

24/7 Mold Removal and Remediation Services in Orlando, FL

Overall, it’s important to remember that mold can cause serious health problems if left untreated for long periods. Taking steps to reduce exposure and addressing any health concerns early can help to keep you safe and healthy. Working with a knowledgeable doctor or mold remediation specialist can ensure that the problem is handled most effectively. Be sure to stay informed about the potential dangers of mold and what you can do to protect your health.

At Mold Remediation of Orlando, we provide 24/7 emergency mold removal and remediation services to help keep your home or business environment safe and healthy. Our experienced technicians use the most advanced techniques and equipment to identify, test, and remove mold quickly and efficiently without harming your property. We are committed to offering quality service at a fair price with free estimates and consultations. Contact us today for all your mold remediation needs!