The truth about mold is that it can make humans and their pets very ill. Since I have a family full of asthmatics, my senses are keenly aware of toxic and dangerous conditions for people with asthma. Currently, my two sons have asthma. My oldest needs to take daily meds such as Singulair, Zyrtec, Qvar, and Flonase, as well as albuterol, on an as-needed basis.
My younger son’s asthma is more prevalent when he is not feeling well or if there are unhealthy breathing conditions. Should these conditions become prevalent, he needs a breathing treatment with albuterol in a nebulizer.
A nebulizer machine transforms the albuterol into a fine mist, where it is inhaled directly into the lungs, treating respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis.
Here are some early signs of mold sickness:
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Throat irritation
- Skin irritation, such as a rash
- Headache
Molds that grow inside our homes and buildings prefer dark and damp places. Molds are harmful to people with compromised immune systems. Some people, like me, are allergic to mold the way others are to pollen, where my immune system overreacts to the spores, causing itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, or other common symptoms such as rashes.
With two sons, a family full of people with asthma, and close friends, I am always on the lookout for mold. The type of mold found in homes could be hard to remove permanently and even more challenging to identify.
Below are some easy-to-identify signs of common household molds and some suggested steps to consider in preventing health issues for your family if you spot one.
- Seeing mold is obvious, but you must act immediately as the spores spread fast, specifically in conditions that allow it to thrive. Nipping it in the bud will promote positive health in your home and save a significant amount of money during the mold remediation and restoration process.
- Musty odor – mold produces gases called microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC). While many MVOCs are odorless, some have a musty odor, a telltale sign of mold. If you smell mold, it means you are also potentially inhaling mold spores, so be sure to prevent a negative impact on your family’s health by swiftly responding.
- Allergic reactions – if you’re experiencing common allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and/or sore eyes, and you don’t have allergies, there is a good chance that there is mold somewhere in your home.
- Psychiatric symptoms – toxic mold causes various symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, brain fog, and insomnia. Should people in your household exhibit any of these conditions, contact a medical professional immediately.
Should you suspect mold may be present in your home, or if you’re unsure whether mold is present, get a professional opinion. Reputable mold remediation companies will help identify and remediate mold. They can also guide you through the complex insurance claims and restoration process to rehabilitate your home.
People with asthma, like my family members, could also experience asthma attacks or intense breathing troubles, so I must be sure to keep our home clear of mold spores so we can all breathe healthily.
Note that the information within this article is meant for educational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional contractor advice or medical support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you deem it necessary.
10 warning signs of mold toxicity
Even those without respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or COPD will have trouble with mold or, at the very least, side effects of a toxic mold condition. Below are a few warning signs to consider:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Headaches
- Wheezing or asthma attacks
- Frequent coughing
- Hives or rashes
- Episodes of vertigo
- Diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain
- A metallic taste in your mouth
- ” Brain Fog” or trouble concentrating
- Joint pain, aches, or muscle cramps
Ok, so clearly, these symptoms could be related to half of a dozen other things; it is exactly why one needs to contact a professional to receive a proper inspection.
The term “metallic taste in your mouth” refers to a sensation. Some people express it tastes like they have a metallic substance in their mouth with a bitter or unpleasant flavor.
Certain species of mold will produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gases, or vapors released into the air, which could be inhaled or ingested, potentially leading to detrimental effects on one’s health.
Additionally, mold exposure leads to inflammation and irritation in the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract, contributing to the metallic taste. The toxins could potentially impact the central nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as an altered perception of taste.
Recently, I went out to my backyard to clean my camper for the season. After many ice storms and several bouts of heavy snowfalls, the roof above the bathroom became compromised and leaked without my knowing. That is until that day. I noticed it smelled odd, but that’s not so unusual in a camper after being shut up all winter.
So, I continued my plan to clean the camper. Later that day, I felt as though I was suffering from pneumonia! Turns out, there was mold growing, and I became very ill from the exposure and was sick for more than three weeks.
When spring comes around again, I will go into the camper prepared! I bought a hazmat suit with goggles, an N90 mask, gloves, and shoe covers. We will set all our gear out on the lawn and hang bedding on the fence to air out while washing all other items with bleach. Hopefully, we’ll be able to salvage our camping gear.
Signs of sickness from mold in house
In conclusion, mold infestations in homes can pose serious health risks, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma. Early detection and swift action are crucial in preventing mold-related illnesses. If any of the warning signs of mold toxicity are present, it is crucial to seek professional help for inspection and remediation.