How Does Mold Affect Your Health

Mold can affect people differently. Some people may not develop symptoms of mold exposure. Some may blow it off as a common cold. However, some may develop severe reactions. These people usually fall into categories like: babies, toddlers, the elderly, those with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Even if you aren’t in any of the categories listed above this does not mean you are off the hook.

Some of the effects of mold exposure is: runny nose, skin rash, cough, watery eyes and congestion. Some researchers believe there are more serious effects that may result from prolonged mold exposure, including fever, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, respiratory dysfunction (including coughing-up blood), frequent and excessive nose bleeds, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, and liver damage

Some people reportedly have taken extreme measures to combat severe mold reactions. One California family claimed that exposure to mold infestation caused a number of their illnesses, including respiratory problems, nose bleeds and rashes. They burned their home to the ground, believing that it would cost less to simply rebuild than to remove the mold.

Microbial volatile organic compounds

Substances known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are another source of health problems caused by mold exposure. These compounds are produced by fungal metabolism and are released directly into the air, often giving off strong or unpleasant odors. Exposure to mVOCs from molds can irritate the eyes and respiratory system and cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nasal irritation and nausea. It’s important to realize that research in this area is still in the early stages.

In Texas, a couple’s 11,500 square-foot home was quarantined after molds were thought to have caused stomach problems, diarrhea, vomiting, severe respiratory scarring, and other illnesses in their son, as well as severe memory loss in the husband, ultimately resulting in his inability to work.
If you feel you may be feeling the effects of mold exposure, contact a mold testing company near you to get it tested and know what has to be done to remediate it. If you are in the Atlanta area, call us at Atlanta Mold Testing.