Mold is a big problem in almost every home, but few people are aware of any problem. Everyone looks in the obvious places: the shower curtain, under the sink, etc. But mold can grow just about anywhere. To know for sure if your home has mold, you should have your home tested by an experienced mold remediation specialist.
Did you know that mold can be found in drywall? in your roof? and even in your Christmas tree? Christmas trees can breed mold, quietly releasing millions of mold spores into the room, creating problems with winter allergies and asthma attacks. Actual studies have discovered that indoor air quality decreases 6 times during the 14 days a Christmas tree is typically decorating a room.
There are over 1,000 different types of mold that can be found growing in the modern American home. These molds are classified based on the harmful effects on human beings and other living things.
11 Signs of Sickness from Mold
It’s not always the food we eat, but it can be the air that we breathe that makes us sick.
If you experience sickness from mold, you may have a variety of symptoms that may overlap with other conditions. You should see a doctor immediately if you have any of these conditions associated with mold and mold toxicity. It is also a good idea to have your home tested for mold.
- Memory Problems, Trouble Focusing, Brain Fog, Headaches
- Weakness and Fatigue
- Aches and Pains in the Joints, Persistent Nerve Pain and Muscle Cramping
- Numbness or Tingling
- Red Eyes or Light Sensitivity
- Chronic Asthma and Sinus Problems
- Cough or Shortness of Breath
- Vertigo and Tremors
- Changes in Appetite, Nausea, Abdominal Pain or Diarrhea
- Metallic Taste in the Mouth
- Night Sweats and Difficulty Regulating Temperature
- Excessive Thirst and Increased Urination
Mold illness includes a variety of health issues that result from exposure to mold. Mold allergy is the most common problem related to mold exposure. However, mold can cause illness without an allergy to mold. Mold can also cause infections or irritants and even toxic reactions. Infections caused by mold can lead to a variety of problems from flu-like symptoms to skin infections and even pneumonia. (Mayo Clinic)
Mold toxicity is a serious issue, and it is considered a Chronic Inflammatory Response!
Exposure to the interior of a water-damaged structure with resident toxigenic organisms, including, but not limited to fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, and Mycobacterium can result in an acute and chronic inflammatory response. These inflammogens keep your body in a state of inflammation resulting in chronic pain and a whole host of potential health problems. Mold testing for your home is available though OneRestore.
Different Types of Mold
Allergenic Molds. These are the least dangerous. However, they can still cause problems for those with asthma or an allergy to mold. Children are far more likely to have an allergy to mold than most adults.
Pathogenic Molds. Pathogenic molds will cause infection. This is particularly bad for people with a suppressed immune system. Exposure to this type of mold can result in symptoms resembling bacterial pneumonia.
Toxigenic Molds. As the name implies, these molds produce toxins that can cause very serious health problems. Exposure to these molds has been linked to immunosuppression and cancer. The toxic chemicals produced by toxigenic molds can be absorbed into the body by inhaling, eating or touching the mold.
Five of the Most Common Indoor Molds
- Alternaria: A mold commonly found in the nose, mouth, and upper respiratory tract, which may cause allergic symptoms.
- Aspergillus:Usually found in warm, extremely damp climates (like Florida), and usually is found in house dust! It produces mycotoxins and can result in serious lung infections.
- Cladosporium: This is a very common outdoor fungus when it gets indoors may grow on textiles, wood, and other damp, porous materials. It is a trigger for hay fever and asthma symptoms.
- Penicillium:This is a very common mold species found on decaying fabrics, wallpaper, carpet, duct insulation. It is a major culprit of allergies and asthma. Some penicillium species produce mycotoxins – one is the antibiotic drug, penicillin.
- Stachybotrys:This is the extremely toxic “black mold” that produces mycotoxins that can cause serious lung problems including bleeding of the lungs, as well as other serious health problems. It is less common the previous four molds, but not rare. It can be found on wood or paper, but NOT on concrete, tile or linoleum.
If you believe that your home may have a mold problem, have your home tested and inspected by OneRestore’s Mold Remediation team of experts.
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