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You might feel a little cough or a headache has nothing to do with mold; but sometimes, mold can be the root cause of your allergies.

 Mold is often thought of as a minor inconvenience, something to clean out of a shower corner or toss with an expired loaf of bread. However, it can have serious implications for your health when present in your home environment.

Indoor mold exposure, particularly when it produces toxic byproducts like mycotoxins, can lead to a variety of symptoms ranging from mild allergies to severe systemic conditions. So which  health symptoms may indicate the presence of mold in your home? 

Mold and Its Impact on Health

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, humid environments. While outdoor mold spores are generally harmless due to lower concentrations, indoor mold can be highly problematic. Indoors, the concentration of mold spores is magnified, creating a higher exposure risk.

Some people have a genetic predisposition to mold sensitivity, and these individuals are more susceptible to health issues when exposed to mold. However, even individuals without genetic sensitivities can suffer adverse effects, especially with prolonged exposure to toxic mold species.

The following symptoms may indicate that a person has been exposed to mold, especially if it is a chronic symptom with no apparent cause.

Chronic Sinusitis

Mold exposure is a leading contributor to chronic sinus inflammation. Symptoms include persistent nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and sinus pain. These issues often do not respond to standard allergy treatments and may worsen in damp or moldy environments.

Unusual Sensory Symptoms

People exposed to mold frequently report heightened sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells. These sensory symptoms may be accompanied by tingling or burning sensations in the skin.

Dizziness and Balance Problems

Mycotoxins produced by some mold species can affect the central nervous system, leading to dizziness, slow reflexes, and balance issues. These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Excessive Fatigue

Mold exposure often results in debilitating fatigue that is not alleviated by rest. This symptom may be linked to immune system suppression caused by mycotoxins, which impair the body’s ability to repair itself.

Headaches

Persistent headaches, particularly in areas where mold is present, are another common symptom. These headaches may stem from inflammation, sinus issues, or exposure to airborne toxins.

Mood Fluctuations

Sudden changes in mood, including irritability, anxiety, or depression, may be linked to mold exposure. Mycotoxins can disrupt neurological function and hormone balance, contributing to emotional instability.

Allergies and Skin Irritations

Mold allergies manifest as hay fever-like symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Skin reactions, such as dermatitis or rashes, may also occur after direct contact with mold or its spores.

Control Mold, Control Your Health?

In addition to these symptoms, mold and its toxic byproducts can cause systemic health issues, including chronic inflammation triggered by mold exposure may result in fibromyalgia-like symptoms, and even gastrointestinal problems.

You need to find the source of mold growth in your home, and if there are no apparent signs, it’s time to find it in hidden areas. Mold often develops in areas that are not easily visible, such as behind walls, under sinks, or within air ducts.

These hidden mold colonies can release spores into the air, leading to indoor air contamination without visible signs. Early detection of mold in these concealed areas is essential to prevent health problems and structural damage to your home.

One of the easiest ways to screen your home for mold is using the EC3 mold detection kit.

How the EC3 Mold Detection Kit Works

The EC3 Mold Screening Test Kit is designed to detect elevated levels of mold in indoor air or on specific items and surfaces. Each kit includes six mold test plates and detailed instructions for conducting tests. The testing process is straightforward and can be completed in a few minutes. You only need to do the following:

• Preparation

For our test plates, we encourage you to conduct daily life as usual prior to testing. It is important that what you are testing mimics the ACTUAL conditions in your home and gives the best snapshot of the air you are breathing every day inside your home. Our only caveat is that you do need to turn off air filters or purifiers for at least one hour prior to testing.

• Exposure for Air Testing

Place a test plate in the area or room  you wish to test. Leave the plate exposed for a specific period, typically one hour, to collect airborne mold spores.

• Exposure for Tap Testing an Object

Remove the lid from a test plate and use the bottom of the plate with the agar medium to gently tap the object you wish to test for mold. You should tap 2-3 times and create a puff of air between the object and plate. Once you have tapped the object, place the lid back on top of the plate.

• Incubation

After exposure, tape the lid to the plate, so that it is sealed, and wrap the plate in aluminum foil. You also need to label the plate with the room name or name of the object tested and write the date on it. tore the sealed and wrapped plate(s) it in a warm, undisturbed location for approximately five days to allow any collected mold spores to grow.

• Evaluation

After the incubation period, examine the plates (do NOT open them indoors) for mold growth. The presence of mold colonies indicates elevated mold levels in the tested area. You can use the insert that comes with the test plates to decipher your results. It is wise to take pictures of the plates for reference. Dispose of the used plates in the outdoors trash.

This method allows homeowners to detect mold presence in both visible and hidden spaces. However, if you want to identify the specific mold in your home, Micro Balance offers an additional testing service with IMS Laboratory, a CAP-accredited mycology lab that can offer further information on the genus and species of the mold you are dealing with.

Screen Test Your Home Now

Mold exposure can manifest in a variety of health symptoms, from chronic sinus issues and fatigue to neurological and systemic effects. Recognizing these signs is critical for protecting your health and addressing mold problems in your home.

Use a mold detection kit such as EC3 screening kit and identify mold sources. You can create a safer, healthier living environment once you know for certain that mold is the main cause of your health issues.

If symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional guidance to ensure comprehensive remediation and recovery.