Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm, and humid environments. It is often found in areas with excess moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or any space with leaks or condensation. While not all molds are harmful, some types can have significant health impacts, particularly if exposure occurs over a long period.
1. Respiratory Issues:
Breathing it in mold can lead to various respiratory problems. You may experience symptoms like coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, or a sore throat. For individuals with asthma or allergies, mold can trigger severe reactions or worsen their symptoms, leading to more frequent asthma attacks or allergic reactions.
2. Allergic Reactions:
Many people are allergic which can cause reactions similar to hay fever, such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, and skin rashes. These allergic reactions can vary from mild to severe, depending on a person’s sensitivity and the extent of mold exposure.
3. Worsening of Chronic Conditions:
For those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and exposure can increase symptoms, causing flare ups and more severe breathing problems.
4. Impact on Immune System:
Individuals with weakened immune systems such as those undergoing various cancer treatments, taking immune suppressive medications, or living with autoimmune diseases (for example Lyme) are more vulnerable to mold infections. These infections can be serious and require medical intervention.
5. Toxic Mold:
Certain types, like black mold produce toxins, which can have significant impact on health and increase risks if inhaled or ingested over long periods. Prolonged exposure to black mold can lead to more severe symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and persistent respiratory issues.
Personal anecdote
Last year when I started feeling constantly tired, woke up with itchy eyes, and started to get a hoarse cough. After a few rounds of doctors visits and tests, I found out that mold in my apartment was the culprit! I was not entirely surprised because after all, we do live in South Florida where mold is prominent. It was hiding behind the bathroom sink where a small leak had gone unnoticed for quite a while. After speaking with maintenance and our land lord the leak was finally fixed and my symptoms gradually (emphasis on gradually) went away.
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