You may not realize it, but there is a silent risk to your health lurking in your home or place of business. Namely, mold growth. While you may not see mold growing on your walls, it could be just beneath the surface. Fortunately, the experts at Advanced Structural Drying Technologies in Tennessee are here to help you spot the signs of mold toxicity.
The Top 10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity
Your health, your employees’ health, and your guests’ health are all important to you, and you do everything you can to maintain it. This includes mitigating mold growth on your property—even the mold you can’t see. Here are the top signs that something sinister may be growing just out of sight:
1. Allergic Reactions
Around 10% of the general population has a mold allergy. If you notice that people in your home or business are experiencing allergic reactions like sneezing or a runny nose—especially during winter, when seasonal allergies are rare—it may be a sign that you have mold.
But if the problems persist, hire a restoration company, like ASDT, to test your home for mold and completely remove it. While you can’t cure an allergy, ridding your property of mold will help reduce your symptoms.
2. Cognitive Challenges
While it’s normal to have difficulty concentrating and feel forgetful at times, constant brain fog and memory loss can be a sign of more serious problems, including mold toxicity. If you notice these concerns, especially alongside other changes, it’s of course wise to start with a trip to the doctor.
3. Digestive Issues
Sometimes, we eat something that doesn’t agree with us. However, if you are experiencing digestive problems, like nausea, diarrhea, or bloating after eating certain foods, it may be an allergic reaction related to mold. Some people with mold allergies cannot eat certain foods due to cross-reactivity. These include:
- Mushrooms
- Certain types of cheese
- Sourdough bread
- Fermented foods, like kimchi
- Smoked or cured meats
- Alcoholic beverages
If you suspect you may be allergic to mold or any of these foods, stop consuming them to see if your symptoms subside. Then, consider having allergy testing done.
4. Eye Irritation
Due to their exposure to the outside world, our eyes are our most sensitive organs. Exposure to irritants, like mold, can cause them to water or itch. If you notice these symptoms, even after washing your eyes out with water, they may be caused by mold spores present in your home.
5. Fatigue
With work and other responsibilities, feeling tired sometimes is perfectly normal. In these cases, it’s important to get adequate rest. However, if you are experiencing long-term bouts of unexplained fatigue, it may be a sign of mold toxicity.
6. Headaches
While they may seem mild, headaches can indicate more serious health problems. If you experience frequent headaches, it may be a sign of mold toxicity, especially if accompanied by feelings of dizziness.
7. Mental Health
Our moods can vary from day to day, depending on what is going on in our lives. However, our environments can affect our mental health. Exposure to mold in one’s environment is linked to anxiety and depression.
Common signs that you may be experiencing these conditions include mood swings and irritability. If you notice your mood improving when leaving home, it may indicate your condition is mold-related.
8. Respiratory Issues
The most commonly recognized signs of mold exposure are respiratory issues. Many of the symptoms of mold toxicity affect the respiratory system and cause flare-ups of related conditions like asthma. If you notice yourself frequently coughing or experiencing shortness of breath, it may be one of these signs.
9. Skin Irritation
Our skin is our largest organ. As such, it is exposed to a lot of environmental elements, like mold. In these situations, it can present with symptoms like itching or visible rashes. In the case of mold exposure, you may notice a red, raised rash on your skin. Cortisone cream and moisturizer can help to ease skin irritation from mold.
10. Visible Mold
While not related to your personal health, visible mold in your home should be removed quickly. While you may be tempted to do so yourself, it is best to hire professionals with access to tools and training that allow them to safely remove mold. That way, you eliminate any potential health risks.
Stop Mold Growth With ASDT’s Expert Mitigation Services
Each of these symptoms on their own can be a perfectly normal part of life, or a symptom of many, many other things. However, taken together, they could signal that it’s time to investigate for a mold issue. This is especially true if you’ve recently experienced any form of water damage or storm damage.
After you’ve gotten your own health checkup, it’s time to get your property a checkup, too. Mold growth can happen quickly, so you need to act just as fast to reduce the risks it presents to your health and safety. The experts at ASDT can help you do just that.
Our mold mitigation services focus on prevention as they include water damage repair and comprehensive testing. Contact us today to learn more about our mold removal services and how we can keep you safe and healthy.
Prevent Mold Toxicity in Arrington, TN with Help From ASDT
If your home or business in the Southeast has been affected by mold, ASDT is here to help. Our dedicated team offers expert mold mitigation services focused on prompt, personalized solutions to safeguard your health. Contact us online or at 615-207-3877 today to learn how we can create a safer, healthier environment by removing the risks associated with mold.
