Mold Exposure: Symptom and Health Side Effects

Have you noticed any strange allergies or respiratory symptoms recently? You may be surprised to learn that these symptoms could be the result of mold growth within your home. Even if you don’t suspect mold growth, it’s important to have your home inspected by a reputable mold removal and mold remediation company, as long-term exposure to mold can put you at risk for serious long-term health consequences. Keep reading this guide to learn about the symptoms and health side effects of mold, so you can be aware.

What Is Mold Toxicity?

Mold toxicity describes the various symptoms resulting from mold exposure. These symptoms are caused by mycotoxins found in mold, which cause an inflammatory response within the body. Black mold is the type of mold that causes that contains the most toxins and, in turn, causes the most side effects. A good indicator to tell if you have mold in your home is to pay close attention to any strange, musty smells. Likewise, if your home has experienced any recent water damage, your odds of mold growth are much higher.

What Causes Mold Sickness?

Mold sickness occurs from breathing in these toxic mold spores for prolonged periods of time. The mold spores react with the toxins already present in the body, which may then lead to unpleasant symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.

Toxic Mold Exposure: Symptoms and Reactions

Toxic mold exposure may lead to a variety of flu-like symptoms and reactions. These symptoms vary from person to person, depending on genetic makeup and how quickly the body is able to flush out these harmful toxins. Here are the most common symptoms to look out for that may indicate toxic mold exposure:

Runny/stuffy nose
Wheezing
Coughing
Eye irritation
Sore throat
Skin rashes
Sensitive skin
Headaches
Brain fog
Worsening of asthma
Fever
Shortness of breath

In general, the closer you are to mold, the more likely you are to experience more severe side effects such as fever or shortness of breath. If you are someone with asthma or another pre-existing respiratory condition and have developed any of these mold-related symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care right away.

Mold From Mild to Long-Term Side Effects

While mild side effects of mold are usually consistent with allergies or a common cold, long-term exposure to mold spores may put you at an increased risk of developing severe physical and mental side effects, including:

Insomnia
Memory loss
Muscle cramps
Numbness
Weight gain
Sensitivity to light
Loss of hair
Difficulty concentrating
Anxiety
Depression

In the long term, mold exposure may cause permanent physical damage to the body, especially if you are already prone to allergies, asthma, or have another respiratory condition. If not treated, these symptoms could even be fatal. Therefore, any red flags of mold growth should be taken seriously.

How Long Do Mold Symptoms Last?

Mold symptoms usually begin 2 to 9 hours following exposure, and these symptoms will likely remain on and off until the mold is officially removed. That said, certain variables may affect how long your mold symptoms will last. If you are dealing with small amounts of non-toxic mold, your symptoms may resolve in as little as a couple of days. However, if you are dealing with large amounts of toxic molds like Penicillium, Fusarium, Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium, your mold symptoms may come on fast and it could take several months or years for your symptoms to dissipate.

Do You Have Mold In Your Home? We Can Help

Are you wondering if you are dealing with mold growth in your home? Don’t worry—our licensed technicians at Power Dry have got you covered with our exceptional mold remediation and removal services. We will start by providing you with a free inspection to determine the severity of your mold problem. Then, we will work with you to come up with a plan to safely and effectively remove all traces of mold from your home. When our job is complete, we will ensure that your home is safe and protected against future mold growth. If you’re ready to take advantage of our services, give us a call today at (866) 484-4582 or contact us on our website with other questions and inquiries.

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