Mold can affect our health in several different ways. To a small extent, all people are exposed to mold spores every day, but some may experience severe symptoms if regularly exposed to mold or are exposed to extremely toxic forms of mold.
Mold spores that carry mycotoxins are poisonous to humans and they can cause danger to humans when they become airborne. If you have discovered mold growth in your facility, or even just suspect that mold might be lurking somewhere in the building, it’s time to call in the professionals. If you believe that you or your employees have been exposed to mold, keep an eye out for these 7 symptoms of mold exposure:
- Nasal and Sinus Congestion
Though it may start as a runny nose or stuffy sinuses, this can be one of the symptoms of mold exposure. Seek medical attention if these symptoms last for an unusually long time. Your congestion is triggered by the irritation caused to the nose membranes by the mold spores. It is also triggered by an allergy to the mold spores. If your nasal and sinus congestion was brought about by a seasonal allergy or head cold, it should go away within a week. However, if the symptoms persist, you may need to consider mold exposure as a cause.
- Sore Throat
A sore throat is frequently encountered in mold exposure. The mold spores irritate the larynx and cause it to become swollen. You may therefore feel your throat raw when swallowing or experience hoarseness when speaking. Either way, mold can be the cause of it all.
- Shortness of Breath
Finding it difficult to breathe when exposed to mold is a symptom common in those who already suffer from allergies. In time, breathing difficulties may develop into asthma due to a prolonged exposure to mold spores. You need to be especially careful with small children, the elderly or allergy sufferers.
- Skin Irritation
This is a symptom that many people experience when they come in contact with mold spores. Although you may imagine skin irritation to be caused by direct contact with mold, this isn’t at all the case. The fumes from the mold can lead to skin redness and itching just as well.
- Eye Irritation
This one of the most common symptoms of mold exposure. The eye is a sensitive organ and becomes easily irritated by mold spores. Your eyes become red and watery and therefore, many people mistake these symptoms for spring allergies, and not mold exposure.
Headaches are one of the less obvious symptoms of mold exposure. Sometimes, people start experiencing headaches that won’t go away with any type of treatment, and this can be a serious sign of mold exposure. Other times, those who already suffer from migraines experience an increase in frequency and strength of migraines and don’t realize it is mold exposure that is aggravating their situation.
- Feeling Tired
One of the most serious mold exposure symptoms, a general tired feeling is often overlooked by medics. Often associated with chronic fatigue, feeling tired can be triggered by mold exposure and it usually occurs even when you are getting adequate sleep and there is no logical reason why you should feel tired for days on end.
If you suspect you or someone you know has been exposed to mold spores, hire a professional mold removal specialist to check your property. FERRO’s C.R.A.S.H. Team is on-call 24/7 to handle your mold remediation needs, and help you, your family or your employees breath easier.