8 Symptoms of Mold ExposureOften we talk about how to spot mold, where to find it, and what it looks like when damage to walls and foul smells are the results of mold creeping through your home.  However, there are times when mold is so well hidden that no damage is apparent to your home.  When mold has taken root into your ventilation system or is hiding out in a corner of the carpet beneath an end table, it’s difficult to realize it’s even there.  But your body also gives off warning signs that something is wrong, and there are a few key reactions to mold and mildew spores in the air.

Symptoms:

Headaches

The source of a headache is always difficult to find.  People with regular migraines or those sensitive to mold can suffer from a headache as a reaction to mold spores in the air.  If you’ve had an increase in headaches recently (and a few other symptoms from this list) it might be due to mold hiding somewhere in your home.

Eye Irritation

While eye irritation is usually associated with dust or allergies, mold spores and mildew can aggravate eyes leading to red-watery eyes.

Runny Nose or Sinuses

Just as with irritated eyes, a constantly runny nose or sinus congestion can be caused by exposure to mold.  Since it shares so many similarities with allergies it can be difficult to discern if the reaction is related to mold (especially during allergy seasons such as ragweed season).  Since many responses to mold are due to allergic reactions to the spores, diagnosis is difficult.  If the response is out-of-season and not a simple head cold, it’s best to look around for mold.

Nose Bleeds

This is a more uncommon symptom of excess mold growth in a home.  People who are more sensitive to mold or suffer from mild allergic reactions to mold spores can suffer damage to nasal membranes, leading to regular bleeding.  An occasional nose bleed is typically not a sign of anything series, but regular nose bleeds should be looked into, and an examination of your home is not a bad use of time.

Sore Throat

Sore throats are also indicative of mold exposure since spores can become lodged inside the trachea or esophagus.  If you experience a raw feeling when swallowing or sound a little hoarse, it could be mold related.  Double check the humidity settings in your home to make sure they’re set to roughly 45%.  Dry air can also lead to these symptoms, but overly humid air will lead to mold growth.

Shortness of Breath

Some people react to mold with respiratory difficulty.  If you’ve been having trouble breathing recently or get winded easily at home, it might be due to mold spreading throughout the air in your home.  If you do not suffer from asthma but have asthma like symptoms, consult a doctor and inspect your home for mold.

Skin Rash

Mold can infect and irritate skin even without direct contact.  Inhalation or indirect contact with airborne mold spores can lead to redness and irritating rashes that have no explained source.

Lethargy (Feeling Tired)

Ongoing lethargy despite regular sleep is a symptom of mold exposure.  If you can’t seem to get rested after several days of regular sleep, consult a physician and inspect your home for mold.

What to Do:

Remember that any one of these symptoms can just as easily be a symptom of mild illness or other issues not related to mold.  The more of these symptoms you suffer at once, the greater the likelihood that it’s due to mold.  If you notice a decrease in allergy-like symptoms when you’re away from home or the office (even when you step out of your car) then there’s a great chance that there’s a mold problem at that location.  Your best solution is to call a mold inspection and remediation professional to deal with the source of the problem.  Most mold symptoms fade away after exposure has been removed.


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