Molds can be found both indoors and outdoors. They are a special kind of fungi that helps in breaking down natural substances present in our environment like fallen leaves, trees etc. Molds grow mostly in damp environments and indoors especially. Moreover, these molds sometimes cause severe damage to buildings, furniture, clothes, etc. Furthermore, research has found that when these molds turn toxic it can also cause serious health hazards.
Mold toxicity is also known as “toxic mold” or “toxigenic mold”. These molds give birth to mycotoxins which create health issues for humans and may create neurological problems if spread at high levels. There are many symptoms that can predict the spread of such toxins to humans. However, mold illness can be treated easily by just following some easy steps. Moreover, mold illness doesn’t seem to continue for long and does not leave any side-effects once you come out from the toxic environment. In this blog, we will be discussing about 10 warning signs of mold toxicity & ways to prevent mold toxicity.
Here are 10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity:-
1. Digestive problems:-
Digestive problems are one of the most common problems that seem to happen to people who come in contact with toxic mold. The regularly inhaled mycotoxins disrupt the digestion process which further causes problems such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, low nutrition intake, etc.
2. Depression:-
The most affecting health problem that toxic mold has is depression and mood swings. The chemicals such as mycotoxins that are released from toxic molds disturb proper brain functioning by slowing or stopping the release of happy hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, etc. Such disruption in brain programs can cause serious mental issues such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
3. Fatigue:-
Fatigue and weakness is one the most common symptoms seen in people who come in contact with mold toxicity. Mold spores spread in the air and can get mixed with the oxygen we take in. This further gets into our lungs and makes us weak causing pneumonia. Thus if you feel weak or fatigue regularly, mold toxicity might be a reason.
4. Migraine:-
Migraine is another symptom that predicts spread of mold toxicity. Regular exposure to mold affects our immune system and causes problems such as migraines or headaches.
5. Insomnia:-
Another important sign of mold toxicity is lacking sleep. Toxic substances that spread from mold cause sleep disruption and can make you spend many sleepless nights. This further results in insomnia and many other health issues.
6. Joint pain:-
Fungal arthritis spreads when come in contact with fungal infections. Fungal arthritis causes joints and muscle pain. Mold spores that mixed with blood when inhaled get into our bones or joints and cause muscle inflation, swelling, and joint pain. The toxic fungus of mold might also come in contact through surgery or trauma. Hence it might not always be a mere joint pain and can be a reason for mold toxicity around you.
7. Skin infection:-
Skin infection is another common reason or sign to identify mold toxicity. Exposure to a damn environment with spreading toxins can cause serious skin issues. Itchy skin, eczema, allergic fungal, allergic rhinitis etc. can start to grow when come in contact with such an environment. Such skin conditions might get worse if not treated in the first place. Thus if any patient starts to show such symptoms. It’s better to get expert help as soon as possible.
8. Watery eyes:-
Watery eyes or itchy eyes are another sign that happens due to allergic reactions caused due to toxic mold. Such reactions sometimes start to show as soon as they come in contact with mold toxicity. In such a case it’s easy to identify the cause. However, it might take up sometime such as a week or few more days and may become severe with time. It’s good not to take them lightly and get treated as soon as you can.
9. Asthma attack:-
People with respiratory issues might get seriously ill if exposed to toxic mold for a long time. This further may lead to asthma attacks. Mycotoxins increase the tendency of bronchitis and hypersensitivity in patients with respiratory problems. Such issues later lead to lung inflation, according to experts. Thus patients with asthma conditions need to stay away from such an environment.
10. Coughing:-
Severely coughing for a few days can also be another reason for toxic mold allergies.
Ways to prevent mold toxicity:
The main cause of the growth of mold is humidity or the moist environment. When your surroundings or indoor remain damaged due to moist weather or humidity, it becomes the most suitable condition for mold to thrive. However, there are ways to prevent mold growth.
First, try to maintain low humidity around yourself. In case your indoors are always humidated you can use a humidifier to maintain a healthy environment.
Secondly, ventilation is another important factor needed to keep in check to prevent mold growth indoors. Keep your indoor well ventilated and let the air pass in and out of rooms easily. Moreover, allowing sunlight to enter your house prevents a damn environment from being created indoors due to humidity. Give more attention to the bathroom, kitchen and laundry as these places lock a lot of moisture.
Thirdly, try to keep the indoors dry as much as possible by drying wet places as soon as possible. Also don’t allow wet clothes to rest idly for many days. Repair leaked tape or pipes to avoid water clogging.
