The presence of mold and fungal particulates in your environment can cause a variety of health related symptoms and concerns. Severity of symptoms can depend on sensitivity levels and pre-existing conditions that can heighten symptomatic responses. Individuals with pre-existing allergies, asthma, weakened or compromised immune systems are most at risk while the length of exposure can also increase sensitivity levels.
Allergenic mold symptoms can include some or many of the symptoms noted below:
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Cold or flu like symptoms
- Blocked nose
- Sinus headaches and/or congestion
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breathe
- Wheezing
- Watery eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Hay fever symptoms
- Red, bloodshot eyes
- Skin rash/hives
- Hair loss
Exposure to toxigenic molds can result in the allergenic symptoms noted above, in addition to a variety of other issues if Mycotoxins are being released. Exposure to the toxins can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin exposure and they eventually find their way into the bloodstream. The Mycotoxins present in toxigenic molds are neurotoxic, meaning they can kill neurons in the brain and impair mental ability. Toxic mold can even put out chemicals which suppress the immune system. Individuals who are immuno compromised as a result of toxic mold exposure will more easily get infections and illnesses. Expose to toxic mold can even damage internal organs and can sometimes even lead to death. Additional symptoms of exposure to toxigenic mold can include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Brain fog
- Inability to focus
- Shaking
- Seizure
- Tingling & numbness
- Memory problems
- Disorientation
- Impaired learning
- Shaking
- Anxiety
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low Blood pressure
- Bleeding issues
- Heart inflammation
- Blurry vision
- Infertility
- Impotence
- Miscarriage
Exposure to toxigenic mold can affect each individual differently and severity of symptoms can range widely depending on sensitivities. Those with weak immune systems, children and the elderly are usually most impacted by exposure.
The best form of prevention is to know and minimize your risks. If you are experiencing mold exposure symptoms and suspect you have a problem, professional mold inspection and air quality testing can help. It’s important to always remember, before handling or attempting to remove or handle a mold problem on your own, consult a mold testing professional to minimize your risks.
Related articles