Over the years I have had many people with various strange symptoms end up having issues with mold in their homes. How do you know if it is affecting your health? How do you know if you have it in your home?
We have all seen what mold looks like when we have to deal with spoiled food. It can be different colors and usually looks fuzzy or like a stain. There are over 100,000 species of molds and many can be toxic
Mold can grow in as little as 24-48 hours and grows quickly with moisture. Over 50% of homes in the US have mold issues related to water damage. With no air movement, environmental toxins and materials that are aging, it is easy for mold to become a problem.
Common areas to inspect regularly inspect for mold are:
Attics, basements and crawl spaces
Washing machines, grout, under sinks and toilets
Door and window frames
In carpets
Some people are more effected by mold because they have weakened immune systems, genetics that predispose them to it and it depends on how long and how much the exposure is.
Some effects of mold on your health are:
Headaches, migraines, skin rashes, breathing issues
Kidney and liver damage
Inflammation, GI disease, cancers
Birth defects
Autoimmune diseases
Lung disease
Asthma
Allergy Symptoms
Never ending colds
Chronic fatigue
Hives, eczema
Brain fog
Neurological issues
Infertility
Hormone issues
Molds are microscopic fungi whose spores float through the air. They can be outdoors and in buildings. They usually give off a musty smell.
How to prevent mold in your home
Air out damp and humid areas
Fix leaks right away
Clean your washing machine
Use a dehumidifier
Use HEPA filters in air purifiers ( put one in each bedroom and main living areas)
How to test for mold in you and in your home
There are test kits available in most home improvement stores. You test spots in your home that you suspect might have mold and the air from the vents in your home and they will send you back a full report. They will tell you what species and what needs to be done. You may be able to take care of it yourself or you may need to bring in a mold mediation company.
You can get yourself tested by blood, urine or EDs. You will need to do a mycotoxin test.
The best way to avoid issues with mold is to be proactive and keep checking for it, keep areas dry and respond right away if you see it.
test