Mold is a term which applies to the many different types of fungi which are found both inside and outside. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. However, because more than 200 species of mold are toxin-producing, this means that they are potentially poisonous and the health dangers from them are many.
Molds are very common in buildings and homes where they thrive and spread in damp conditions. Indoor mold can often be found in attics, under carpets, behind drywall, in insulation, leather, fabrics, and foods. Any time an area of a building has been exposed to a leak or dampness, it should be thoroughly checked for the presence of mold which presents as fuzzy, musty growths of differing colors. If you notice bowed buckled floorboards, a new water stain on a wall, discolored carpet, or black or white specks on a surface it is time to investigate. Common solutions to preventing mold are getting a plumber to look for any leaks in water pipes, getting the WDR Roofing Company to make any needed repairs to your roof to prevent mold in your attic or getting a dehumidifier. Mold in your home can impact the health, so getting rid of it as quickly as possible when you discover it in your home could do you and your home a world of good. Getting a licensed mold inspector from a company similar to AWA Environmental – https://awamoldinspections.com – could help you get rid of mold in your home before it begins to affect the health of you and your family.
Mold breaks down and destroys any material it grows on which can impinge on the safety of a building. This could have a catastrophic effect on a building, especially the roof, and should be taken very seriously. You should contact a roofing company immediately if you suspect any harmful bacteria is growing in the roof. You could enlist the services of roofing companies in Austin if you find that your roof has been damaged and needs some work doing on it. It can also be hazardous to health because inhabitants of moldy spaces may not be aware that it exists and are therefore unknowingly breathing in mold spores which accumulate in the body and in the brain, resulting in conditions such as allergies, headaches infections, and respiratory conditions. If someone suddenly develops a runny nose, asthma, cough or sinus issues which don’t respond to conventional treatment, they would be wise to investigate their home or workplace for mold.
What is Mold
Mold is the term given to different types of fungi which reproduce by forming tiny spores, so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye. These spores travel through the air until they find a habitat which is moist and then they start to grow. That is when the various types of mold can become visible.
The molds which can cause health dangers are usually found indoors and can be white or greenish in color or, in the case of Stachybotrys atra, black which gives it the more commonly-used name, Black Mold.
Preventing Mold
The easiest way of preventing mold is by ensuring the building is free of any moisture. This includes:
repairing leaks in plumbing or other structures and cleaning up thoroughly afterwards
wiping up condensation on windows and in bathrooms
avoid carpet in the bathroom and run an extractor fan when showering
checking air ducts
removing mats or carpets which may have got damp
eliminating standing water in drains
keeping indoor humidity levels to between 30%-50% by running fans, air conditioning or dehumidifiers
venting appliances which produce moisture such as stoves and clothes dryers
use mold inhibitors which can be added to paints
clean bathroom with mold-killing products
adding insulation can reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (such as windows, piping, roof, or floors)
Eliminating Mold
If small amounts of mold are present they can be removed with mold or mildew removal products or by applying a solution of bleach and water to the area. Rubber or nonporous gloves should be worn along with protective eyewear. A mask of some kind should also be worn and these are usually available at hardware stores. Never ever touch mold of any kind with bare hands. If you’re wanting to clean mold safely, you can find different medical supplies for particle safety such as this N95 Mask with a quick online search for personal protective equipment, so you’re able to minimize your risk of any illness due to mold or bacterial exposure.
Widespread mold usually require specialized treatment by a mold specialist. Even after the mold has been eliminated, it may be wise to run an air cleaning machine of some kind to thoroughly rid the area.
Health Dangers from Mold
The toxins produced by mold can be very harmful and the health dangers from mold are many and varied. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all molds have the potential to cause ill health. Exposure to mold and how affects the body, can differ from person to person. Symptoms depend, in part, on the types of mold present, the extent of exposure, general health and existing sensitivities or allergies.
The most common indoor mold varieties include:
Alternaria: Alternaria is a mold that is found in the upper respiratory tract. It causes allergic responses including itchy eyes, runny nose, and coughing.
Aspergillus: This variety of mold is most likely to be found in house dust. Aspergillus produces mycotoxins that can lead to lung infection. Warm, damp climates are most susceptible to this type of mold.
Cladosporium: This fungus is regularly found outdoors, but has been known to grow on wood and textiles inside homes. Symptoms are similar to those of hay fever and asthma.
Penicillium: Penicillium mold produces symptoms similar to the Alternaria variety. Penicillium is found on carpet, fabrics, insulation, and wallpaper.
Stachybotrys: This is more commonly referred to as “black mold.” This more toxic variety is usually fund on paper or wood and causes the most severe symptoms such as serious respiratory issues and bleeding in the lungs.
Mold toxins are fatty in their molecular structure and they can travel around the body via the bloodstream and can easily cross the blood/brain barrier. The brain is made up of 60 per cent fatty content which makes it an ideal habitat for mold toxins and accumulation of which can lead to neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
Effects of Mold
It is estimated that over 25% of buildings in the United States have had some degree of water damage. Often, these leaky roofs, buckling floorboards, and water stains will be ignored. They may be unsightly to the building’s overall aesthetic, but the many people working or living inside those buildings do not jump to the conclusion that those unsightly water damage spots could be hazardous to their health.
But more and more, doctors in alternative medicine are discovering that many of their patient’s chronic ailments are the result of mold toxicity. Because mold spores are invisible to the naked eye, it’s not easy to make the connection. However, understanding the effects of mold will help you to determine whether or not you might be afflicted with mold toxicity.
The effects of mold in the house can be devastating. If neglected, black mold and most any type of mold will grow and spread. When the mold reaches a growth level where it cannot be contained, removing the toxic source can become very expensive.
On average, professional mold remediation can cost $500 to $6,000 dollars. If the problem is severe, this number can reach into the tens of thousands. If the mold source is unknown, sometimes it is best to make the initial investment in a professional mold investigator so that the root of the problem is found. Often, the source of the mold can be found behind drywall, in crawlspaces, or other areas that would require a professional to clean up, disinfect, and remove the toxic mold from your home or workspace.
Often, these mold remediation professionals will use a high-filtration air vacuum to rid the air of toxic spores. This is of course after the damaged drywall, floorboards, or other areas of significant damage, have been removed. This is why it is extremely important that any sign of mold toxicity be addressed as soon as possible. If you notice any signs of mold in your home, investigate on your own if the problem is minor, but sometimes the help of a professional is required to ensure that the air in your home is safe to breathe.
Could You Have Mold Poisoning?
mold symptoms allergies health dangers2The signs and symptoms of mold toxicity are usually evident, but often difficult to pin on a direct cause. Depending on the severity of mold poisoning, symptoms can be attributed to a long-term cold or seasonal allergies. Allergies are an immune response to pollen and dust, causing the immune system to react as it attempts to rid the body of this irritant. In much the same way, mold causes a chronic immune reaction. But if exposure to mold is sustained, symptoms do not go away. The continual inhalation of the toxic mold spores reduces your body’s chances of fighting back. Understanding mold poisoning, black mold poisoning, and poisoning symptoms requires an investigative mindset.
Here are some suggestions:
Have you been feeling ill or unwell for a period of time that surpasses the timeline of a common cold?
Have you sought medical help and been diagnosed with seasonal allergies, yet symptoms have not subsided?
Have symptoms worsened since their onset and has it impacted your well-being?
Can you smell mold in your home or do you have trouble breathing in certain areas?
Are others in your home not feeling well, having headaches or respiratory issues?
Do your symptoms come and go and frequently change? Day to day, week to week or even month to month?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you should not rule out mold poisoning or toxicity as a cause of your symptoms. Often, mainstream medical practitioners are not aware of the hazardous and all-too-common effects mold has on the body.
If you feel that you’ve been unwell for some time, even if symptoms feel minor and negligible, there is a chance that you could be a host for toxic mold spores. Depending on your genes and susceptibility to illness, your symptoms could range from mild to severe, but extended exposure to mold will worsen these effects.
Mold is known to thrive in damp, dark environments. However, the more toxic variety of molds have been found in dry, desert regions as well. If you’ve experienced chronic symptoms including runny nose, respiratory issues, muscle and joint pain, severe headaches, fatigue, and GI problems, you are very likely to have a mold problem in your living or work space.
What is Mold Sickness?
Mold affects multiple systems in the body. The fatty molecular structure of mold allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier, generating a flurry of unwanted symptoms. The immune response triggers a range of reactions as well, depending on genetic predisposition and other environmental toxins at play. Symptoms of mold sickness may vary, but the overall impact on your health is much the same. No matter whether or not you’re able to live a relatively functional live under the threat of mold sickness is irrelevant. Inhaling toxic mold spores over an extended period of time will eventually break down your body’s defenses, leading to a lower quality of life and potential life-threatening long-term conditions. Black mold sickness and other mold sickness requires immediate attention as soon as it is identified.
Thanks to an increased awareness of alternative healthcare and the underlying causes of chronic ailments, there are more resources now than ever before that you can use to research and identify signs of mold sickness. Dave Asprey of Bulletproof created a documentary addressing the prevalence and dangers mold toxicity in our environment. The subject has garnered a lot of attention since then, and more people are becoming aware of the dangers of mold.
Black Mold Symptoms
The most toxic variety of mold is black mold. Black mold grows on materials that have a high cellulose content. Dark greenish-black mold found on wood, paper, gypsum board, dust, and lint are all common indicators that there is a lot of moisture or previous water damage.
Respiratory irritation
Chronic coughing and sneezing
Irritation of the eyes
Irritation of mucous membranes of the nose and throat
Shortness of breath or cough
Skin rashes
Chronic Fatigue
Bleeding of the lungs
Nausea
Vomiting
These are some of the more harmful effects of mold on the body.
Black Mold Exposure Documentary
Here is the full documentary.
Dr. John Lieurane has trained extensively in the treatment of CIRS through the Richie Shoemaker protocol as well as the PK Protocol for Cell membrane health!
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