Health Effects and Symptoms of Mold Exposure

           Problems of water damage in buildings along with mold growth are on the rise and so are complex health challenges. Could there be a connection? Often times, water damage and related health hazards in buildings are completely concealed. When water damage or mold does become apparent on surfaces or through musty smells, the problems have often been present for a long time.

Some mold species can also invade the human body, causing a multitude of health symptoms that may be associated with many common diseases or conditions. If mold spores are visible, what you see might just be a small example of what lurks hidden elsewhere. 

Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus/Penicillium, are just two of the most common building-related molds that can cause serious health issues, but there can be many more. In fact, there may be more than 5 million species of mold, most of which have not yet been identified or studied. With this number in mind, it is very possible that there are also toxic mold species that have yet to be identified so they can be tested even if they can be found

Breathing toxins like mold or bacteria can place a huge burden on the body’s systems. Since breathing is a critical function, it is possible the immune system becomes overwhelmed and unable to fight other invaders, leading to the complex health issues we see today. These are the most common symptoms associated with mold exposure and mold illness.

• Headaches

• Allergies

• Breathing Difficulties

• Coughing

• Colds Flu-Like Symptoms

• Aching Muscles

• Sore Throat

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Fever

• Sinus Congestion

• Runny Nose

• Sneezing