Exposure to indoor molds may pose health problems, especially to sensitive and asthmatic individuals. Molds are a type of fungi that thrive in humid, warm, moist, and damp environments causing several types of symptoms of mold exposure.
These fungi spread through spores and they can enter your house through open doors and windows and land on wet surfaces. Symptoms of mold exposure may seem like any other allergic reactions, such that when a person is ill, mold is the least likely reason to consider.
Studies have shown that molds can cause serious health problems. Familiarizing yourself with symptoms of mold exposure is your first line of defense against the dangers associated with molds. Here are the top 7 signs that you should not ignore:
- 1. Skin rashes. Even if you do not come in direct contact with the molds, you can still develop redness in your skin when you inhale the fumes from the mold.
- 2. Eye irritation. Itchy, watery, and red eyes are also common symptoms of being exposed to molds. Some people attribute these irritations with seasonal allergies but if your environment contains molds, the latter may be the obvious reason for these allergic reactions.
- 3. Headache. This is considered as a severe reaction to molds. Those who are prone to headaches caused by molds include individuals suffering from migraines.
- 4. Fatigue. If you have been getting adequate sleep but still feel wearisome for several days in a row, it can be a sign that you have been exposed to molds.
- 5. Soreness of throat. When you breathe in spores, they may settle in your throat and irritate its membranes, causing hoarseness when speaking or difficulty when swallowing.
- 6. Breathing difficulties. According to research, mold exposure often affects a person’s upper respiratory tract. If you breathe in molds, you may suffer respiratory difficulties especially if you are very sensitive to allergens. Increased exposure may lead to development of asthma or may trigger asthma attacks.
- 7. Runny nose. Nose irritations are definitely irksome, since you need to constantly reach out for a tissue to catch your runny nose or to wipe your nose because of endless sneezing. Mold spores can trigger these allergic reactions when they reach your nose membranes.
When you suffer symptoms of mold exposure, it may be a combination of these reactions and not just merely one of these. Looking closely, these symptoms are similar to many other allergic reactions that it may be difficult to pinpoint whether the reactions of your body are brought about by molds or not. As such, it is best that if you experience any of these symptoms, determine what cause these allergic reactions.
If you suspect that these are symptoms of mold exposure, determine where these molds are growing. Extensive indoor mold growth should not be treated lightly. It should be removed immediately since extensive mold growth may cause not just these symptoms but other, more serious health problems.
For instance, if your home is infested with what is known as black molds, exposure to these fungi may cause chronic sinus infection. As a result of the sinus infection, you may experience sinus headache and drainage, runny nose, and sinus cough.
There may also be development of hives on skin, feelings of nausea, memory loss, and in rare cases, bleeding of the lungs. Increased exposure may also lead to dizziness, lack of concentration, and asthma.
To prevent these symptoms of mold exposure, examine your areas for visible signs of mold growth. Normally, if molds are growing indoors, you may see your surfaces appearing as slightly furry, or there may be slimy patches and discoloration. Mold problems can also be identifies because of their musty odor.
Check out areas that are susceptible to mold growth and make sure to clean them regularly. These areas are usually moist, damp, and receive little ventilation and sunlight, such as shower curtains, bathroom tiles, and window molding.
Make sure thet you have no more mold in your home because it can indeed end deadly. If the symptoms of mold exposure persist you definitely need to call a professional mold remediation service to address the problem.