Mold plays an important role in local ecosystems by breaking down decaying material to release its nutrients but when it grows in indoor environments it can be incredibly damaging to human health. Most types of mold only grow in areas with high humidity and low light, such as basements, attics, or even the inside of the walls. Homeowners often assume that if the mold is out of sight it’s safe to keep it out of mind, but that’s just not the case. Read on to find out about four of the most concerning health effects of mold exposure and learn why it’s important to deal with mold even if it isn’t visible.
1. Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms
When exposed to mold, many people experience upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath even in otherwise healthy people. Mold exposure is also known to exacerbate asthma symptoms and even bring on the onset of asthma in patients who are already genetically susceptible to the disorder. Children, people with autoimmune disorders, and the elderly tend to be more prone to these respiratory problems.
The fact that not everyone experiences the same upper respiratory tract symptoms when exposed to mold sometimes leads people to take mold growth less seriously than they should. Even if only one person is experiencing worrisome symptoms, homeowners should contact Air Quest Environmental Inc to schedule air quality testing and determine whether mold may be to blame.
2. Allergic Reactions
Some residents or guests may experience allergic reactions to certain types of mold. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include wheezing, coughing, runny noses, sinus pressure, watery or red eyes, itchy eyes, nose, and throat, sneezing, and dry, scaly skin. Treating these symptoms requires finding the source of the mold and removing it then taking steps to reduce moisture in the home so that the mold cannot grow back.
3. Neurological Issues
Some types of mold, including the notorious black mold, produce what are known as mycotoxins. These toxins can impair brain function and cause nervous disorders. Common neurological issues associated with mold exposure include confusion, disorientation, dizziness, headaches, memory loss, anxiety, depression, trembling or shaking, numbness, and slowed reflexes. Take action immediately if residents are experiencing these extremely worrying symptoms because severe neurological dysfunction can continue well after the mold has been removed.
4. Symptoms in Children
Children often experience more severe health effects than adults when exposed to mold. They may include chronic fatigue, immunosuppression, muscle, joint, abdominal, or chest pain, recurring flu-like symptoms, ear infections, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and even hair loss. The longer children are exposed to mold, the more severe their symptoms will become, so make sure to take action as soon as the problem arises to avoid serious and potentially permanent health problems.
The Bottom Line
Most homeowners don’t immediately think of mold when they and their families start to experience worrying health problems but maybe they should. Indoor mold growth is more common than most people think and it can be difficult to detect since it often occurs behind walls, beneath floors, in damp closets, and in other hidden areas. The best way to ensure that households do not experience potentially serious allergic reactions or exposure to mycotoxins is to hire a mold remediation specialist to perform extensive testing, determine what is causing the mold growth, and eradicate it at its source.
