The Health Consequences of Mold
Did you know that some molds have been proven to be more toxic for you and your body than pesticides are? Many are shocked to know this! Studies have shown that many homes in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples have mold presence; up to 25% of households! However, it doesn’t matter where you live. Everyone is at risk for mold poisoning when mold is present. Regardless of age, gender, or the climate you live in – mold may be unsuspectingly lurking. To determine what type of mold is effecting you, examination by a professional inspection is in order.
Mold causes a plethora of different health issues from the sniffles, up to damaging your organs, which can be fatal. Some people are not quite as sensitive to mold as others are. Depending on the severity of the mold infestation, and the effect on your immune system, mold can become a severe health risk.
Rash – In some, allergic reactions to mold may appear as a rash on their body. Though in severe cases, mold can cause inflammation in your throat, known as anaphylaxis. However, hives and other rashes originating from mold exposure is not uncommon.
Cough – Many are unaware that mold spores are very light and travel by air. The mold spores’ ability to move quickly makes it easy to inhale. Once inhaled, it creates irritation in the lining of your throat, causing a persistent cough.
Sore Throat – If you have an allergy to mold, a sore throat is your body’s natural way of defending itself from the mold. Your immune system sees mold as a threat. In response to this, you may then experience inflammation. Inhaling mold spores can cause a sore throat, as well. The mold spores can irritate your throat, lungs, and airways, triggering upper respiratory responses. People with COPD and Asthma may notice more regular flare-ups.
Asthma – Mold does not necessarily cause asthma, but it can cause an asthma attack. Exposure to mold may increase a person’s symptoms. You could experience an increased number of asthma attacks, a tight chest, and the attacks may last a longer duration than usual.
Fatigue – Exposure to mold can make breathing difficult for people who suffer from respiratory illnesses, or suppressed immune systems. The difficulty in breathing and immune system suppressive properties can cause you to feel fatigued.
Immune Suppression – Inhaling black mold spores can cause your immune system to becomes weakened, causing you to become sick quickly. Long term exposure can cause organ failure, leading to death.
Brain Damage – Black mold releases spores that, when inhaled or when in contact with your body, can attach to neurons in your body. This phenomenon can cause mental health shifts, tremors, mood swings, and more.
Many of these symptoms are very common when exposed to mold in southwest Florida. Allergies to mold vary in everyone. Some may not be affected by mold at all. However, some can experience year-round symptoms caused by mold. They may only experience discomfort throughout certain times of the year. Usually, these symptoms will occur more so in the rainy season. This article details health issues that can be caused by black mold with short and long-term exposure. When exposed to mold of any kind in southwest Florida, and if you are experiencing any of these persistent symptoms, seek a medical professional for evaluation and treatment. You will need immediate medical treatment as well as a quick eradication of the mold.
Contact our team of licensed technicians to help locate and eliminate the mold in your home or commercial property.