Mold isn’t just unsightly. It can also cause some serious health problems. 

In fact, one study found that of the 21.8 million reported asthma sufferers in the US, 4.6 million cases were attributed to dampness and mold exposure in the home. While mold can cause a variety of health problems, luckily, there are things you can do to avoid suffering. 

Check out this guide to learn about the top health problems from mold and how to avoid them. 

Health Problems from Mold 

So, what health problems can be caused by mold? Here’s what to watch out for:

Asthma and Allergies 

As we mentioned above, mold can be particularly dangerous to those who suffer from asthma and allergies. If you suffer from a mold allergy, you’ll experience many of the same symptoms you do with other allergies. 

Many people who are allergic to mold experience itching, sneezing, congestion, dryness, runny noses, and dry, scaly skin. If you have mold on the outside of your home, you’re likely going to experience allergy symptoms in the summer or fall. If the mold is on the inside of your home, then you may experience allergy symptoms year-round. 

In some cases, mold spores can reach into your lungs and trigger asthma. Sometimes, the asthmatic reaction happens right away, while at other times, it can be delayed for a few days. Signs that you’re suffering from an asthma attack due to mold include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest

If you notice that your allergy symptoms have been increasing without any explanation, or that your asthma is getting worse, then mold may be the issue. 

Infection 

For the most part, allergy symptoms caused by mold are uncomfortable, but not serious or life-threatening. However, certain allergic conditions can be more severe and lead to infection or other issues. 

These include:

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or mycosis: Aspergillus fumigatus is a type of mold found in soil. It can cause inflammation of the lungs, and it’s more common in patients with cystic fibrosis or asthma
• Allergic fungal sinusitis: This is a type of sinus infection that’s caused by an inflammatory response to the funguses in your sinuses. With this infection, your sinuses become blocked with fungal debris and form a thick mucus 
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that’s triggered by airborne particles, such as mold spores. It can cause the air sacs in your lungs to swell, making it more difficult for oxygen to enter your bloodstream

While these infections are rare, they can be quite dangerous, which is why it’s so important to get a mold inspection and treat mold at its site. 

Toxic Mold Syndrome

Exposure to mold can also lead to toxic mold syndrome. This condition is very serious, as not only can it affect your physical health, but it can affect your mental health as well. 

Toxic mold syndrome occurs when you’ve been exposed to black mold. It can lead to serious, long-term effects such as anxiety, memory loss, depression, confusion, trouble concentrating, and insomnia. Signs that you’re suffering from toxic mold syndrome include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Red, itchy eyes
• Skin rashes

However, vulnerability to mold toxicity is only present in about 1/4 of the population. This means that a family can all be living in the same house with mold growth, and only one family member will become sick.

 

Hay Fever 

In some rare cases, people also experience hay fever from mold. This occurs when mold spores get into your nose. Those who suffer from hay fever experience many cold-like symptoms, such as:

• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Itchy eyes
• Sinus pressure
• Sneezing
• Fatigue 
• Post-nasal drip

However, while colds are caused by viruses, hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction (in this case, an allergic reaction to mold). If you think you’re suffering from hay fever, you should see your doctor to discuss your treatment options. 

How to Avoid Health Problems from Mold 

Now that you know what health problems mold can cause, let’s talk about how to avoid health problems from mold. Here’s what you need to do:

Dry Wet Areas Immediately 

Mold needs a wet, damp area to grow in, so make sure you tackle these areas right away to prevent growth. If your home has flooded, remove any carpets, furniture, or bedding that have been exposed to water. 

Even small occurrences of wetness need attention. For example, mold can spread quickly in the washing machine, so don’t leave wet clothes in there. 

Ventilate Properly 

Properly ventilating your home is also key to preventing mold. Make sure you use AC units and dehumidifiers on a regular basis, and check them periodically to ensure that they’re not holding onto any excess moisture. 

Ideally, you want to keep the humidity levels in your home between 30 and 60 percent. You can purchase a moisture meter from your local hardware store to monitor the humidity levels in your home. 

Other Tips 

Here are some other things you can do to prevent mold in your home:

• Clean and repair your roof gutters
• Consider purchasing faux plants instead of real plants, as real ones are more likely to develop mold
• Use water and bleach to disinfect surfaces that have been exposed to mold
• Keep your bathrooms and basement uncarpeted
• Limit your use of humidifiers and vaporizers

Also, if you notice mold growth in your home, call a removal service immediately. 

Time to Say Goodbye to Mold 

Now that you know about the health problems from mold and how to prevent them, it’s time to act. First, make sure there isn’t already mold growing in your home. If you do find mold, call a professional to help you tackle it at the source. 

Otherwise, use the above tips to prevent mold from growing in your home. And, be sure to check back in with our blog for more tips on keeping your home safe and healthy.