Depending on the amount of spores and mold fragments, mold exposure symptoms can go from extremely mild and passing to severe and long lasting. Health problems related to molds vary from one person to another.
Aside from inhalation, there are also other ways wherein people can get exposed to molds. These include eating mold infested foods and skin contact.
There are types of molds such as those that are toxic capable of producing chemicals such as mycotoxins. This type of substances affects people’s health in many ways and can lead to poisoning in the long run.
Their chemicals can be found in mold spores and similar mold fragments. What makes them even more dangerous is that these materials can be airborne and can move easily from one place to another.
In extreme concentrations, mold spores and fragments can even trigger mold exposure symptoms in individuals who don’t have allergies. Further, research studies reveal the following on mold exposure symptoms:
- Over the last two decades, there has been rapid increase in the rate of asthma related to mold exposure.
- It has also been revealed that majority of chronic sinusitis cases in America are linked to fungal exposure. Additionally, an estimated 37 million people have been affected.
- Exposure to toxic molds can increase a person’s vulnerability to other diseases.
The implications of mold exposure can be very alarming if not taken seriously. The results only emphasize the growing importance of knowing and understanding different mold exposure symptoms.
Mold Mechanism
Before learning the different kinds of mold exposure symptoms, it’s important to note how molds spread in the first place. Learning how this works can help people significantly lower down their chances of developing mold exposure symptoms.
The mold reproduction process mainly involves the release and spreading of microscopic spores. Since they can be airborne, mold spores can go in and out of spaces and locations without difficulty. Once mold spores lands on a moist or damp surface or organic materials, it’s highly likely that they begin developing there.
Some of the more common objects that mold grow onto include: cellulose, wood, feathers, hair, paper, rubber, carpet and other petroleum products. Depending on their classification, some mold spores can thrive in room temperature whereas others grow best below freezing point.
Additionally, mold growth is encouraged when relative humidity level reaches more than 60%. There’s no easy way to get rid of molds but controlling and limiting moisture can significantly reduce the chances of developing mold exposure symptoms. Nonetheless, if no measures are initiated then the following mold exposure symptoms can come up:
- Allergies
- Irritant effects
- Opportunistic infections
- Hypersensitivity pneumoniti
Allergic mold exposure symptoms include:
- Respiratory complications like wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and breathing difficulties.
- Throat irritation
- Nose irritation
- Sinus or nasal congestion
- Burning, reddened or watery eyes
- Red eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Runny nose
- Skin irritation or rash
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Asthma attacks
Irritant Effects and Opportunistic Infections
Mold exposure symptoms can also affect people who are non-sensitized or non-allergic. Since molds are generally considered as irritants they can also cause the following effects: nose and throat irritation, eyes sore and lung problems. As for opportunistic infections, mold exposure can also be detrimental to people with weak immune systems.
It’s crucial for people to understand the mold exposure symptoms. Being knowledgeable can help encourage preventive measures. Further, these measures may be initiated earlier if mold exposure symptoms are identified properly. If a mold infestation is detected or assumed you must get rid of these fungi as fast as possible. The most secure and convenient measures you can take in this case is to call a professional mold testing and mold removal service
But of course – as the old adage goes, prevention is always better than cure. The same goes for molds and mold exposure symptoms.