Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants.
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
What are the symptoms of mold and mildew exposure?
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as
stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin
. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
How long does it take for mold to cause health problems?
These symptoms usually first appear
2 to 9 hours after exposure
and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. Work-relatedness may only become apparent over long holidays if symptoms resolve and then recur on return to work.
Can breathing mold and mildew make you sick?
For people sensitive to mold,
inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash
. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath.
How can I test myself for mold exposure?
Urine testing for mold
is one of the most popular ways to test for mold exposure, as elevated levels of uric acid and other organic acids may indicate exposure to mycotoxins. These tests should be performed in a sterile lab testing facility and the results analyzed by a trusted medical lab.
How do you know if your house is toxic?
Toxic mold can also have a grayish, soot-like texture, or a slimy, wet surface
. In some cases, you may even notice furry orange or brown spots. If you find mold with any of these qualities in your home, don’t get too close, and call a professional right away.
How do you detox your body from mold?
Sweating. Some people recommend
sweating, or using a sauna
, to support the process of mold detoxification. No research confirms that sweating can specifically help address the effects of mold. But a 2020 review suggests sweating does play an important role in your body’s natural detoxification process.
What are the three most common toxins for which homes are tested?
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) …
- Pesticides. …
- Mold and Other Fungal Toxins. …
- Phthalates and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) …
- Dioxins. …
- Heavy Metals. …
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) …
- Chloroform.
How can I tell if my house is making me sick?
The “immediate” symptoms of poor indoor air quality can often resemble a cold or allergies.
You can feel fatigue or dizziness and may frequently get headaches and experience eye, nose, or throat irritation
.
How can you tell if you have mold behind drywall?
- Odor – you smell something but just can’t see anything.
- You don’t feel good when your home and you feel better when your away.
- Constantly itchy nose, red eyes and sneezing.
- Staining on interior wall and base molding.
- Wall appears to be wet and damp.
Can mold affect your brain?
Inflammation: Mold spores act as irritants, which can trigger the body to mount an immune response. This can lead to inflammation throughout the body.
Inflammation in the brain can impair cognitive function, and in the case of chronic inflammation, this can lead to long-lasting cognitive impairment
.
Can mold cause stomach problems?
A:
Mold can cause diarrhea because it produces toxins that irritate the intestines
. The symptoms of mold poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, fever, and fatigue. If you suspect that you have been exposed to mold, contact your doctor immediately.
Can mold affect your thyroid?
As noted,
mold is also a thyroid disruptor, which can destroy this vital gland
. Additionally, those who already have a thyroid condition may be more sensitive to a mold exposure. We specialize in working with patients who have had mold exposure and those living with thyroid conditions.
How can I test the air in my room?
- Purchase an indoor air quality monitor.
- Evaluate health symptoms.
- Monitor carbon monoxide and radon levels.
- Get an air purifier.
- Call an air quality professional.
How do I get the toxins out of my house?
- Choose Green Cleaners. …
- Kick Your Shoes Off. …
- Use Houseplants. …
- Change or Clean Your Furnace and A/C Filters. …
- Avoid Synthetic Air Fresheners. …
- Remodel and Refurnish the Green Way. …
- Open Your Windows. …
- Clean Regularly.
What can be toxic in your home?
- Asbestos. A mineral that is resistant to heat and chemical corrosion and can be mixed with other materials to strengthen them. …
- Benzyl benzoate. …
- Bisphenol-A (BPA)and Bisphenol-S (BPS) …
- DEHP. …
- Endocrine disruptors. …
- Formaldehyde. …
- Lead. …
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
