Mold can cause a variety of health problems, from allergies to asthma. Learn how to identify the signs of mold-related illness and what you can do to protect yourself.
Introduction: Mold is a type of fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors. It can cause a variety of health problems, from allergies to asthma. In some cases, it can even cause serious illnesses. If you suspect that mold is making you sick, it’s important to take action quickly. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify the signs of mold-related illness and what you can do to protect yourself.
By the way, the houses with flat roofs, such as the one in the picture here, are the worst-designed houses in terms of water getting into the house.
Symptoms of Mold-Related Illness
Mold can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
- Runny nose
- Skin irritation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Nausea
Testing for Mold
If you suspect that mold is making you sick, you may want to consider having your home tested for mold. There are several different types of tests available, including air sampling, surface sampling, and bulk sampling. Air sampling is the most common type of test and involves collecting air samples from different areas of your home. The samples are then analyzed for the presence of mold spores. Air sampling can be very inaccurate.
Surface sampling involves collecting samples from surfaces such as walls, floors, and ceilings. Bulk sampling involves collecting samples from materials such as insulation or carpeting.
If you’re concerned about the presence of mold in your home AND you think mold is affecting your health, it’s important to contact an IEP (Indoor Environmental Professional) and not just a mold inspector. They can help you determine the best type of test for your situation and provide you with the results.
Treating Mold-Related Illness
If you’ve been diagnosed with a mold-related illness, it’s important to take steps to reduce your exposure to mold. This may include removing moldy materials from your home, using air purifiers, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels.
It’s also important to seek medical treatment for your illness. Unfortunately, the conventional medical system does not acknowledge mold illness beyond an allergic or asthmatic reaction or unless the mold is invasive in such a case as Aspergillosis.
FAQs
Q: How do you know if mold is making you sick?
A: If you’re experiencing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing, itchy eyes, nose, and throat, runny nose, skin irritation, headaches, fatigue, memory loss, or nausea, it’s important to see a mold-literate practitioner. They can help you determine if mold is the cause of your illness.
Q: How can I test for mold in my home?
A: If you suspect that mold is making you sick, you may want to consider having your home tested for mold. There are several different types of tests available, including air sampling, surface sampling, and bulk sampling.
Q: How can I treat a mold-related illness?
A: If you’ve been diagnosed with a mold-related illness, it’s important to take steps to reduce your exposure to mold. This may include removing moldy materials from your home, using air purifiers, and using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels. It’s also important to seek medical treatment for your illness.
Conclusion
Mold can cause a variety of health problems, from allergies to asthma. If you suspect that mold is making you sick, it’s important to take action quickly. You can test for mold in your home and take steps to reduce your exposure to mold. It’s also important to seek medical treatment for your illness. With the right steps, you can protect yourself from the health risks associated with mold.
Sources:
- https://www.osha.gov/Publications/preventing_mold.pdf
- https://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/allergies/mold-allergy#1
- https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/mold-allergy
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2018.00060/full
- https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(18)30229-7/pdf
- https://www.survivingmold.com/mold-symptoms/what-is-a-water-damaged-building
- https://www.survivingmold.com/diagnosis
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/5/4/605
- https://www.survivingmold.com/diagnosis/common-misdiagnosis
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24946038
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444319/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19150053
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mold-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790