Mold exposure can be a serious health concern for those living in any household. Mold emits mycotoxins, as well as other harmful substances like spores and allergens. These are all dangerous for people to inhale or come into contact with.
You might be living with mold and not even know it. It can take up to six months for symptoms of mold exposure to show themselves, so the only way to tell is by taking a test or having an expert come in and inspect your home. The following are five common symptoms that you should look out for if you suspect someone in your household might have been exposed:
Five Symptoms of Mold Exposure in the Home
1)
Allergic reactions- Allergic reactions are a common symptom of
mold exposure. If you are allergic to mold or suspect someone else in your home is as well, watch for signs such as sneezing, congestion, and watery or red eyes.
2) Coughing- Chronic coughing can be an indication that a person has been exposed to mold. This is caused by the mycotoxins found in most molds. If you constantly cough during the day and can find no other reason, this may indicate a problem in your home.
3) Tiredness- Tiredness can be one sign that a person has been exposed to mold. Mold exposure causes fatigue and may cause people to have difficulty concentrating on daily tasks they need to complete.
4) Difficulty breathing- You may find it difficult to breathe when you are in your home or near an area with an infestation. This is due to the mycotoxins found in most molds which get released into the air during blooms or leaks from water pipes or drain pipes. If you cannot catch your breath after leaving these areas, this could mean there's something wrong inside your house and should be addressed immediately by someone who knows what they're doing!
5) Feeling irritated- The final symptom is the most common of all, and it can be hard to detect. You may feel grumpy or irritated after spending a few hours in your home with mold exposure. This means that you have been exposed for longer than usual periods of time, and should address this as soon as possible before the symptoms get worse!
If any of these symptoms are present in your household, speak to a professional right away about mold exposure. The earlier you detect the problem and take care of it, the better off you'll be! If you have children under 18 living at home with allergies, it's especially important to address the mold problem as soon as possible.