Mold can lead to dangerous health issues when you are surrounded by it in your work or living space. If you are exposed to mold, below you can read the signs that show that you are suffering from mold illness. Mold usually appears in climates that have a lot of rain and humidity. This happens because mold needs an environment that is full of moisture to grow.
The signs of mold illness
According to the EPA or Environmental Protection Agency any wet area need one or two days to dry in order to prevent the growth of mold. Besides causing serious health issues, mold can also destroy the space where it grows.
Left exposed to the elements of the surface it can deteriorate and decompose them. These surfaces can include furniture, ceilings, floors, walls, etc.
We commonly inhale the more spores inside in our bodies. Mold is able to grow by releasing spores. These spores are microscopic and we cannot see them with naked eye. Therefore, we inhale them into our lungs without knowing.
Contact with mold can also be done with our skin. For instance, we can touch a place where invisible to the naked eye mold is located. Then, we can touch the face or an open spore on the body. In this manner, the mold will enter the body.
When the mold spores enter our bodies, it can cause serious health issues that are similar to many illnesses.
• Pain in the muscles that is not caused by strenuous activities
One sign of a mold illness can be unexpected pain in the muscles that is not caused by any strenuous activities. The pain can be experienced in any muscle in the body. These muscle cramps are usually intense and sharp. They can also be experienced when you come in contact with mold.
• Numbness, tingling and twitching
We all have felt that uncomfortable sensation of pins and needles when our hand has fallen asleep due to being in an awkward position. People suffering from mold illness often experience this type of tingling.
• Feeling depressed
According to people who research illnesses related to mold, people who live in places that are damp and affected by mold often experience mood changes due to the mold. There is a link between the symptoms of depression and the presence of mold and dampness. There is also a connection between mental illnesses and the living condition that is proven.
It is normal to experience psychological stress when there is a poor air quality inside your home and when you are not able to control the environment in your house. This can negatively affect your health. You can start managing stress by eliminating the sources of moisture in your home. You can also keep the air in the house circulating by using an indoor fan and adding plants that will keep the air fresh and clean.
• Digestive issues
Some of the signs of mold illness are also lack of appetite, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhea. All of these symptoms can lead to reduced consumption of food, which can eventually cause weight loss. However, weight gain can also be a sign that indicates mold illness.
• Breathing issues
One of the most common symptoms experienced by people with mold illness is difficulty with breathing. The respiratory diseases that are connected with mold illness are hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma, sinusitis, bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and allergic rhinitis.
Other symptoms of mold illness are sinus issues, inability to breathe in deeply, wheezing, struggling for air and coughing.
• Headaches and sensitive eyes
Mold illness can also be associated with blurry vision, itchiness and redness in the eyes. You may have a mold illness if you experience headaches, symptoms similar to those of seasonal allergies and hay fever and other symptoms of mold illness.
• Less common symptoms
Other rare symptoms of mold illness can be metallic taste in the mouth, excessive thirst, dizziness, frequent urination, weight gain and shaking.
Eliminate water licks and sources of water to eliminate mold. Clean and ventilate the house often, especially the areas that can be affected by mold, such as the shower.
If there is a big water damage in your home, hire a professional to clean it and throw away fabrics and carpets that cannot be cleaned.