What You Should Know About Toxic Mold
Mold growth is common around homes, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or high humidity. While exposure to mold may only cause mild symptoms, such as skin irritation or minor respiratory issues, certain mold types can be toxic and cause more serious health problems.
What is Toxic Mold?
There isn’t just one type of mold, and some molds can release mycotoxins into the air that are known to be more harmful to humans. Mold with a high toxicity level can also cause serious skin reactions if it comes in contact with the skin.
Toxic molds also don’t always have the same color, which can make identifying them more challenging. While black or other darker-colored molds are more likely to be toxic, toxic mold can sometimes have a red, blue or white color.
The best way to know whether any mold growth is toxic is to have it tested. Hiring a professional for testing is usually easier and can give you more accurate results. Even if you choose to use a DIY kit to test the mold yourself, a professional should still confirm the results and look for other signs of mold toxicity.
Toxic Mold Symptoms
Symptoms of toxic mold exposure are often similar to those associated with less harmful types of mold, but toxic mold illness symptoms can be more severe and may require prompt medical attention. If you think you’ve been exposed to toxic mold, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical attention if your symptoms become severe and don’t resolve quickly even after you’ve removed yourself from the area with mold.
Common mold toxicity symptoms include:
- Sneezing, coughing and/or nasal congestion
- Wheezing or other breathing difficulties
- Rash, itchiness or other skin reactions
- Chest tightness
- Red eyes
- Joint pain
- Digestive troubles
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Persistent weakness or fatigue
- Cognitive impairment (brain fog)
Toxic Mold Recovery
If you experience adverse effects from toxic mold exposure, proper medical treatment can help get you on the road to recovery faster. Prescription medications, such as antihistamines for allergies or corticosteroids for inflammation, are often effective in treating the associated health problems, but some over-the-counter medicines may also offer relief.
All traces of toxic mold should also be removed from inside and around the home to prevent future health problems. Professionals who are experienced in removing toxic mold and have the proper equipment can be hired to do the job.
Prevention Tips
The best way to avoid health problems associated with toxic mold growth is to try to prevent mold from growing in the first place. All types of mold usually grow in damp areas, so it’s important to have any leaky faucets or pipes fixed. Mold also tends to thrive in humidity, and a dehumidifier can help limit mold growth.
Cleaning your home regularly is another great way to keep mold growth at bay. Regular cleanings are especially important in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas of a home that are often more prone to moisture or humidity. There are even cleaning solutions that are formulated to kill mold effectively.
You may also consider using home materials that are resistant to mold growth. Paperless drywall solutions often do a better job of inhibiting mold growth than traditional drywall. Vinyl, ceramic and porcelain often work well in preventing mold growth and can be used for flooring or other surfaces in your home. There are even mold-resistant paints available.
Toxic mold doesn’t have to rule your home, and the right preventative measures can stop this health hazard from forming. By knowing the adverse effects of toxic mold, you can also take quicker action to minimize health problems if you’re ever exposed to it.
Struggling with toxic mold symptoms and don’t know where to start? Contact Dr. Rajka today!
