Top Signs of Mold Allergy In Home (A Must Know)
Many people are not aware of how life-changing a mold allergy can be. The symptoms one experiences cause many problems which takes a long time to recover from. It weakens the immune system of many people. Knowing the top signs of a mold allergy in the home early on can result in a more positive outcome.
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Mold can be devastating. You want to nip mold growth in the bud right away. There are outdoor molds which are kept in balance due to the growth of many varieties of outdoor plants and molds. The ecosystem works in coordination with each other and keeps itself in balance.
However, indoor mold is not the same. An imbalance can occur and the mold can create a toxic situation. These indoor molds can produce mold allergy symptoms in the body. Additionally, airborne mold spores are difficult to get rid of and multiply quickly. These spores breed and spread and do this even quicker in the right conditions.
We go over the signs and conditions in the home to look for when it comes to mold, the symptoms of a mold allergy, how to help a current mold problem, and ways to prevent a mold problem in the first place. If you think you are having an allergic reaction to mold, then you need to know if your home could be the problem.
Types of Mold that are problematic
Some of the top common types of mold that linger in the home are Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Chaetomium, Fusarium, Acremonium, and Cladosporium.
Many people are aware to look for black mold, which is known as Stachybotrys, but different types of mold come in different colors and textures. Additionally, these molds can grow in attics, under carpets and floor boards, in HAVOC systems, on window sills, in basements, in cupboards, on cardboard boxes, so on.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure in home
You can acquire mold allergies from many places besides just the home. Spending a lot of time or visiting a place with a mold problem frequently can cause an allergic response to the mold. These symptoms may be mild, but they also can be more serious in the long run.
Clinical conditions occur in the body which indicate a mold exposure may be a possible trigger. Studies have shown that these symptons can occur from both allergic and non-allergic individuals.
Symptoms of Mold Allergy in Home include:
stuffy nose
runny nose
watery eyes
shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
nasal congestion
chest tightness
itchy eyes
fungal infections
unexplained rashes
eczema
skin tingling
Numbness
allergic rhinitis
constant sneezing
respiratory infections
bronchitis
asthma symptoms
Triggers other health issues
Signs that Toxic Mold may occur in your home
If you can see visible mold, then you will want to have your house tested. However, there are conditions and events which increase your chance of having mold in your home.
You will want to have your house tested if these certain conditions apply to you and your home. This is the case whether you see the mold or not. These conditions include:
- damp environments
- high humidity environments
- water leaks or water damage in or around the home
- excess moisture
- the use of central air
- unexplained health issues
- respiratory allergies
- house built into or on the side of a hill
- poor drainage
- Many trees covering the house and surroundings with little sun exposure
- Heavy rain and wet environments
A house can have mold due to many circumstances. If conditions are right for breeding this type of fungus, it can spread and be difficult to get rid of.
Primary Signs that Mold and Damp Conditions Exist According to Science and Medical Journal
- Development of condensation in home and on window sills
- Mold is visibly seen
- A moldy or musty odor
- Old air conditioning system is not properly cleaned
- Water leaks or plumbing leaks
Where mold can be found in home
Sometimes mold is visible and sometimes it hides and is more difficult to detect. There are some common places to look if you suspect a possible mold problem.
- Air Conditioner or HVAC
- Ventilation Fan
- Attic
- Basement
- Behind ceiling tile
- In bathrooms
- In refrigerators
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Around plumbing
- Behind or under washers
- Around the water heater
- In carpets
- In or on cardboard boxes
how to prevent Inside mold allergies
An air purifier is a wonderful piece of equipment for any househould. It is even more needed in a home that is prone to a mold problem.
The air purifier linked is the one we use and the one I would recommend first for preventing and filtering mold from the air. It helps with mold as well as other contaminents which is an added bonus.
We see a doctor which was able to write a prescription for a medical grade air purifier from this same company. This is the way to go if you are able to do it.
Minimal and Specific Living
Creating an evironment with less items is helpful in keeping mold away. The more clutter, boxes and "stuff", the lesser the chance for fungus to breed.
Clean Often and Diligently
Cleaning frequently is important since mold clings to dust and pet dander.
Fix Leaks and Drainage Issues Right Away
Take are of water damage as soon as possible. Proper drainage goes a long way towards creating a mold-free living environment.
how to help indoor air quality
Mold releases tiny spores into the air that infiltrate the quality of air that we breathe into our bodies. This can cause the host of symptoms listed above as well as other respiratory problems such as asthma attacks. You can do these things to decrease moisture in the air and help balance the air.
- Open the windows to let in fresh air
- Use an exhaust fan in the bathrooms
- Run a dehumidifer in damp places such as the basement and the bathroom
- Use these under the sink to absorb moisture before a problem begins
Cleaning For Mold Allergies
There are specific steps you can take if you want to avoid sign of mold allergies in the home. Again, clean frequently. This will best alleviate a problem before it begins. Also, you will more likely be able to spot a mold issue before it gets out of control if you clean often.
Secondly, use products designed to prevent mold. There are essential oils that specifically help fight mold.
Next, vacuum with a HEPA filter. These vacuums are designed to pick up and filter dirt and dust better.
Throw away things not being used. If you do not need it or it has not been used in a while, most likely it will just collect dust or deteriorate. This creates a situation for mold to grow.
Finally, throw away or clean cleaning tools right away. Additionally, empty the vacuum right away in an air tight bag and dispose of it.
This post Showed You the top signs of mold allergy in home and practical ideas on how to best protect your home from mold.
- Pizzorno J. Is Mold Toxicity Really a Problem for Our Patients? Part I-Respiratory Conditions. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2016 Apr;15(2):6-10. PMID: 27330483; PMCID: PMC4898283.
- Hyvönen S, Lohi J, Tuuminen T. Moist and Mold Exposure is Associated With High Prevalence of Neurological Symptoms and MCS in a Finnish Hospital Workers Cohort. Saf Health Work. 2020 Jun;11(2):173-177. doi: 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.01.003. Epub 2020 Jan 29. PMID: 32596012; PMCID: PMC7303478.
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