10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity

Are you feeling a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms in your body? This may be due to your body's inflammatory response to mold exposure. Mold poisoning can affect anyone, and the symptoms are often similar to other medical conditions, making it difficult to recognize.

However, exposure to mold can pose serious health risks that should not be ignored. Below, we'll dive into the 10 warning signs of mold poisoning you need to be aware of, how to recognize them, and what steps to take if you suspect mold is affecting your health.

Related reading: Does A Dehumidifier Cool A Room?

What is Mold Toxicity?

Molds are a variety of fungi that grow in moist environments. Mold spores are airborne and settle in damp areas. Indoor mold is most commonly found in bathrooms, basements and kitchens. Once water damage occurs and nothing is disturbed for 24 hours, mold has the potential to grow and take root.

Mold releases spores and mycotoxins. The toxins released by mold are called mycotoxins and can trigger a systemic inflammatory response. Both of these substances can be inhaled by a person, which can lead to mold poisoning.

The spores trigger an immune response in some people, while the mycotoxins are toxic to everyone, especially to those who may have genetic difficulties in clearing these toxins from their bodies. People who are genetically predisposed usually develop Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).

10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity

The first symptom of mold poisoning is usually an immune response, and common symptoms include a runny nose, itchy skin, or shortness of breath. These allergic reactions occur when the body reacts to mold spores in the environment.

The second key indicator is an inflammatory response, which may manifest as more severe respiratory problems, persistent fatigue, or headaches. There are 10 warning signs that can indicate the presence of mold:

1. If you regularly smell mold or mildew through your nose, especially in damp areas, this is usually a strong sign of hidden mold growth.
2. Look for black rings or spots, especially in areas affected by water damage, such as around ceilings, walls or floors. These are common signs of black mold.
3. Paint blisters, bubbles or peeling walls may indicate moisture buildup behind the surface, which is often a precursor to mold.
4. Check attic insulation for lumps or black spots. Mold collects in poorly ventilated spaces with high humidity, such as attics.
5. Your eyes are often red, itchy, or watery when you are indoors, which can be a problem with mold exposure.
6. Mold can cause burning, itching or rashes on the skin, especially if the exposure is severe.
7. Persistent headaches, brain fog, or unexplained mood swings may indicate that mold toxicity is affecting your neurological health.
8. Mold spores are a trigger for asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. If asthma symptoms are unknowingly aggravated indoors, mold may be contributing to this outcome.
9. Excess moisture under hardwood floors can cause them to buckle, which may also indicate hidden mold growth under the surface.
10. You are experiencing systemic inflammation such as joint pain, muscle aches, or fatigue, then exposure to mold may be causing your body to have an adverse reaction.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms

The most common symptoms following mold exposure include respiratory problems, allergic reactions, skin irritation, cognitive and neurological symptoms, fatigue, weakness and digestive problems. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person and depending on the level of mold exposure. Symptoms of mold poisoning are as follows:

Common signs of mold exposure include

•   Wheezing or difficulty breathing
•   Skin rashes
•   Watery, irritated eyes
•   Runny nose
•   Itchy eyes
•   Persistent cough
•   Red, inflamed eyes

For those with a genetic predisposition to mold toxicity, long-term exposure may lead to more severe neurological and systemic symptoms such as:

•   Joint pain and chronic inflammation
•   Memory lapses, brain fog, and trouble focusing
•   Ongoing fatigue and a sense of weakness
•   Muscle cramps, aches, and discomfort
•   Persistent nerve pain
•   Numbness or tingling sensations
•   Frequent headaches or migraines with light sensitivity
•   Tremors
•   Episodes of dizziness or vertigo
•   Digestive issues like abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or appetite changes
•   Recurrent colds or flu-like symptoms
•   Chronic sinus infections

If these symptoms persist despite efforts to find relief, mold toxicity could be the underlying cause.

How To Deal With Mold Toxicity

Mold toxicity treatments include mold avoidance through environmental and dietary rectification, support for properly cleaned detoxification pathways, supplements, and other therapies depending on the patient's health history.Here are some simple treatment suggestions.

The first step is to identify the source of mold in your home or workplace. Mold usually grows in hidden places such as basements, attics or behind walls, especially in spaces where moisture builds up.

Use a dehumidifier to control the humidity in your home. Indoor humidity should be maintained between 30-50% to inhibit mold growth. Commercial dehumidifiers or basement dehumidifiers with pumps can help manage larger spaces and continuously remove moisture, making them ideal for basements or rooms prone to humidity.

Use an Air Purifier To address mold spores in the air, consider using an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter. These air purifiers trap mold particles and help improve indoor air quality.

Ventilate your home to ensure that high humidity areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms are well ventilated.

Small mold infestations can sometimes be dealt with by using household cleaning solutions such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. However, if you are experiencing large mold spots or toxic black mold, it is best to hire a professional mold remediation service.

If you have been exposed to mold for an extended period of time, it is important to seek treatment for any lingering symptoms.

If you are constantly in humid environments and are a bit worried about mold, then you can choose to avoid mold from the source with a dehumidifier.Aloraircommercial has a number of models of dehumidifiers that are primarily used in commercial and industrial, as well as large-scale restoration scenarios, click here to learn more about Aloraircommercial.

FAQs

How Can I Check If I Have Mold Toxicity?

The best way to test for mold toxicity is to test for mycotoxins in the urine.Both Great Plains Laboratory and RealTime Laboratories offer urine testing services for the presence of mycotoxins in the body.

How To Detox Mold From The Body?

In addition to glutathione, quercetin and N-acetylcysteine also contribute to mold detoxification. If you are recovering from mold exposure, you can ingest high levels of glutathione through supplemental pills, inhalation, or intravenous injection.

What Neurological Symptoms Can Mold Exposure Cause?

Mold exposure can lead to a variety of neurological effects, including headaches and migraines, cognitive impairment, memory loss, confusion, impaired motor skills, depression, and other behavioral changes. Immunocompromised individuals may be more susceptible to neurological symptoms due to mold exposure.

Can Mold Poisoning Cause Fatigue And Weakness?

Yes, mold poisoning can cause persistent fatigue and weakness. If you find yourself feeling tired or lacking energy despite adequate rest, it is important to consider the possibility of mold exposure.