All through my life, I have been keenly aware of certain toxic and dangerous conditions for people with asthma to be around. With a family full of asthmatics, including my two sons, I need to take vital precautions.
My eldest son has asthma, which is relatively bad, as he needs to take daily meds to manage it. However, on the contrary, his little brother’s asthma is only prevalent when he is not feeling well or if there are unhealthy breathing conditions, such as smoke from last summer’s wildfires or the black mold we found in the cottage we used to visit in Minnesota. Unfortunately, water damage claimed the Minnesota cottage as the original owners neglected to adhere to the warning signs.
When these conditions arise, both of my sons must utilize their albuterol rescue inhaler or relax and do a breathing treatment. When my oldest was only seven years old, his pediatrician prescribed a nebulizer.
The mold typically found in homes is difficult to remove permanently, and considering there are more than 100,000 types of mold spores, it’s even more challenging to identify.
Seeing mold is obvious, although should you identify mold growth, act immediately as mold spreads fast, especially in conditions that allow it to thrive, so nipping the problem in the bud will not only keep your family safe and well but ultimately you will save money. Below are some of the warning signs to look out for:
- 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, 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.
Should you suspect mold in your home and are unsure of what you are looking at, contact an expert immediately. Most companies will not only help to identify and remediate mold, but they can also guide you through the complex restoration processes to rehabilitate your home as quickly as possible.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “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,”.
10 warning signs of mold toxicity
Even people who do not have respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or 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:
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Headaches
- Wheezing or asthma attacks
- Frequent coughing
- Rashes or hives
- Vertigo episodes
- Diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain
- A metallic taste in your mouth
- ” Brain Fog” or trouble concentrating
- Joint pain, aches, or muscle cramps
When someone talks about a “metallic taste in your mouth,” they’re describing a sensation where it feels like there’s a metal-like flavor in their mouth, which can taste bitter or not-so-great.
When mold is present, some types release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be breathed in or swallowed, potentially causing various health issues for sensitive people. The weird taste is most likely due to the toxins affecting taste buds or sensory receptors, messing with how things taste.
Exposure to mold can also lead to inflammation in the respiratory and digestive systems, which could contribute to that metallic taste. The toxins released by mold can even mess with the central nervous system, causing changes in taste perception.
Mold toxicity and mold allergy
Molds that grow inside our homes love dark and damp spots, which can be problematic for those of us with allergies to mold. Just like some people react to pollen, our immune systems go into overdrive when exposed to mold spores, leading to symptoms like itchy eyes, coughing, and a stuffy nose.
For those with asthma, like my sons, it can be even more severe, potentially triggering asthma attacks and difficulty breathing. To ensure we can all breathe easier, I need to keep our home free of mold spores.
To reiterate what we have been talking about, The Cleveland Clinic offers its thoughts on the dangers of black mold below:
- “Black mold can irritate anyone, even if you don’t have mold allergies. However, the symptoms are usually worse if you:
- Have a personal or biological family history of allergies.
- Have respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Spend a lot of time around black mold, either because of work or because your home is damp and has little ventilation.
- Have a compromised immune system,”.
Mold and asthma dangers
In conclusion, mold poses significant dangers to individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma, as well as to those without such conditions. The presence of mold in homes can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even neurological symptoms. It is imperative to be vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing mold growth to safeguard the well-being of your family members, especially those with asthma.
The warning signs of mold toxicity are varied and can manifest in symptoms ranging from itchy eyes to joint pain, indicating the potential presence of harmful mold spores. Individuals with mold allergies are particularly vulnerable, experiencing heightened allergic reactions when exposed to mold spores. For those with asthma, mold can trigger severe asthma attacks and breathing difficulties, emphasizing the need for thorough mold prevention and remediation measures.
By staying informed, recognizing the warning signs, and promptly addressing mold issues, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from the detrimental effects of mold exposure. Remember, prevention is critical in maintaining a safe and healthy living environment for all.
