As a person with a family full of asthmatics, I have always been keenly aware of toxic and dangerous conditions for people with asthma. Currently, I have two sons with asthma. My oldest son has it worse as he needs to take daily medication for his asthma.
On the other hand, his little brother’s asthma is prevalent when he is not feeling well or if there are unhealthy breathing conditions, such as smoke from wildfires or mold present indoors. When these conditions arise, he needs to utilize a rescue inhaler or do a breathing treatment with a nebulizer.
A nebulizer is a medical device that converts liquid medication into a fine mist, allowing it to be inhaled directly into the lungs and is commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis.
With two sons and a family full of people with asthma, I must always diligently check for mold in our home or places we stay. The mold typically found in homes can be hard to remove permanently, and considering there are more than 100,000 types of mold spores, it’s even more challenging to identify.
Getting a proper mold inspection for my Michigan home was imperative to ensure my family’s safety and good health. Below are some easy-to-identify signs of common household molds as well as a few suggested steps to consider in preventing health issues for your family if you spot one.
- Seeing mold is obvious, but if you see mold growth, act immediately. Mold spreads fast, especially in conditions that allow it to thrive, so nipping the problem in the bud will promote positive health in your home and save you a significant amount of money during the remediation and restoration process.
- Musty odor – mold produces gases called microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC). While many MVOCs are odorless, some have a musty odor, a telltale sign of mold. If you smell mold, it means you’re also potentially inhaling mold spores, so be sure to prevent a negative impact on your family’s health by swiftly responding.
- Allergic reactions – if you don’t typically have allergy issues, but you’re experiencing common allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and/or sore eyes (especially in the winter), there may be mold in your home.
- Psychiatric symptoms – toxic mold can cause various symptoms, including depression, anxiety, brain fog, and insomnia. If someone exhibits any of these conditions, contact a medical professional immediately.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with asthma. People with asthma should avoid contact with exposure to molds.
Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant and animal matter. Molds can be found almost anywhere, and grow best in damp places such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, and indoor allergens and irritants play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks. Triggers are things that can cause asthma symptoms, an episode or attack or make asthma worse. If you have asthma, you may react to just one trigger or you may find that several things act as triggers. Be sure to work with a doctor to identify triggers and develop a treatment plan that includes ways to reduce exposures to your asthma triggers,”.
Should you suspect mold may be present in your home, or if you’re unsure whether mold is present contact a mold professional immediately.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional contractor advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a professional when necessary.
Mold toxicity symptoms
Even people without respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis will have trouble with mold or, at the very least, side effects of a toxic mold condition. Here are a few warning signs to consider:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Headaches
- Wheezing or asthma attacks
- Frequent coughing
- Hives or rashes
- Episodes of vertigo
- Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain
- Metallic taste in your mouth
- Brain Fog or trouble concentrating
- Joint pain, aches, or muscle cramps
Ok, so clearly, these symptoms could be related to a million other things, hence why it is essential to contact a professional to receive a proper mold inspection.
The term “metallic taste in your mouth” refers to a sensation that some individuals experience as if they have a metallic substance in their oral cavity, often described as a bitter or unpleasant taste.
When exposed to mold, certain species produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gases, or vapors released into the air. These VOCs can be inhaled or ingested, potentially leading to various health effects in susceptible individuals. The weird taste could result from toxins affecting the taste buds or sensory receptors in the mouth and altering the perception of taste.
Additionally, mold exposure can lead to inflammation and irritation in the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract, which could contribute to a metallic taste. The toxins released by mold can also impact the central nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as altered taste perception.
Note information within this article is meant for educational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional contractor advice or medical support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you deem it necessary.
Mold toxicity and mold allergy
Molds that grow inside our dwellings prefer dark and damp places, which is harmful to some people with immune systems that develop responses against mold. People, like myself, are allergic to mold the way others are to pollen. Which, I am also allergic to!
Our immune systems overreact to the spores, causing itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, a stuffy nose, and other common allergy symptoms such as developing rashes.
And people with asthma, like my sons, could also experience asthma attacks or intense trouble breathing, so I must keep our home clear of mold spores so we can all breathe better.
How does mold affect asthma
In conclusion, staying alert to mold and understanding how it affects asthma can make a meaningful difference in keeping your home safe. With early action and professional guidance, you can protect your family’s breathing environment and support healthier days ahead.