It’s no secret that mold is bad for your health. You probably already knew that. However, just how bad for you is it? The CDC, EPA, NIH, and multiple state departments of health have scientific research out there about just how dangerous mold can be.
Is Mold Dangerous to Everyone?
Mold exposure is certainly harmful to anyone. However, there are some groups that are more vulnerable to mold’s health risks than others.
Mold is especially dangerous for your family members if they are:
- Elderly
- Infants or children
- Immunocompromised
- Someone with existing respiratory issues like allergies or asthma
What Are the Risks of Mold?
For healthy people who only have mild exposure to mold, symptoms are usually mild. You may have a runny nose, itchy throat, or watery eyes.
However, for vulnerable populations or anyone experiencing high exposure to mold, the risks increase. You may be exposed to aspergillosis, sinusitis, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Aspergillosis
People with aspergillosis may have symptoms such as coughing up blood, fevers and chills, and shortness of breath.
Aspergillosis is curable; however, it’s known to reoccur, so you may need to cure it multiple times.
If a case is serious enough, there is no guarantee it can be cured.
Invasive Fungal Sinusitis Infections
These infections occur in your sinuses, causing inflammation, a stuffy nose, fever, and headaches.
Invasive Fungal Sinusitis Infections are treatable. However, if they’re left untreated for too long, the infection can spread to your blood vessels, eyes, and–in the worst cases–your nervous system.
For people with diabetes, chronic invasive fungal sinusitis is possible. These chronic infections are similar to sinus infections; however, luckily, they don’t move as quickly.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is caused when you breathe in molds. Your lungs become inflamed, and long-term exposure to mold can result in acute lung disease. Over time, that condition can become chronic. With chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, you may experience breathing problems, dry cough, low appetite, and unintentional weight loss.
Speak to your doctor immediately if you leave a home suspected to have mold and have these symptoms within 8 hours:
- Chills
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
Signs of Mold Sickness
Generally, the initial symptoms are pretty mild. Most of them are sneezing, coughing, running nose, and eye irritation. However, you may experience breathing problems in more severe cases.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately. Mold sicknesses can be remedied if caught early, and otherwise healthy people can usually beat them without major discomfort.
Contact ERI Consulting if You Have Mold in Your Home
Even if you’re incredibly healthy, you don’t want to breathe in mold continually. If you notice mold in your home or you just live in an old house that isn’t well insulated, call ERI Consulting for a mold assessment.
We’ll come to your home or business and do a thorough investigation to find where the mold might be so you can keep your family and employees safe.
