These days, mold is all too common in households. Because it thrives in damp, wet and dark areas, it can be hard to spot. It often takes root in cracks and crevices, underneath baseboards and in dark corners of cabinets. Once mold sets in, it can be very difficult to get rid of. 

One way people recognize that mold is slowly laying siege to a home is the fact that it often gives off a strong, pungent, even rotting smell. At first, this can be disconcerting. People will open containers and jars to see if a certain food is the source of the smell. After a while, perhaps they give up because they can’t find its origin. But this is where things can take an even more drastic turn. Mold not only spreads quickly and easily in homes, emitting smells that assault the nostrils, but as a fungus, it also emits spores into the air. These spores can, in fact, be toxic to people. 

The warning signs of mold toxicity can run the range from allergic reactions to more serious issues like headaches, dizzy spells and joint pain. Eventually, mold toxicity exposure can even prove to be fatal. For these reasons, it is especially important to keep mold out of a house, or, once it is detected, to be very diligent in cleaning it up. If you notice any of these 10 warning signs of mold toxicity, it may even necessitate the help of professional cleaners. 

10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity

If you are concerned that you may have mold in your home, but still haven’t been able to find it, pay particular attention to your health and the health of loved ones in your home. Here are 10 warning signs of mold toxicity that indicate the presence of mold in your vicinity and what you can do to clean it up.

50% of buildings in the US are estimated to contain mold growth under tiles, in vents, and elsewhere. A large contributing factor here is untreated water damage.

Cognitive Issues

One of the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity that people tend to ignore is cognitive issues. Mold exposure can lead to cognitive issues such as brain fog, anxiety and poor memory. Individuals who have dealt with mold toxicity issues in their homes have reported difficulty concentrating and issues remembering certain details, events, etc.

It’s not just how you think, either — emotional dysfunction could be attributed to the cognitive impairment caused by mold exposure.

In several small studies, neurologists studied people who’d been exposed to moldy building for long periods of time and participants who’d experience mild brain damage. In the study, examination of their brains showed very similar neurological and cognitive issues. This is why it’s so incredibly crucial to be on the lookout for the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity.

Fatigue

Mold toxicity can lead to issues like fatigue, dizziness, tiredness and in general weakness of the body. If you’ve noticed that any of these symptoms are frequent, check your home for mold, as it might be present. Mold spores, or more specifically, the toxins produced by mold also known as mycotoxins, move through nasal passages and the lungs, causing these issues to arise due to low oxygen intake.

While you shouldn’t rule out other possible reasons for frequent or chronic fatigue, keep mold toxicity in mind as a potential culprit, especially if these other warning signs are present.

Headaches and Migraines

Frequent headaches and migraines are other signs of mold toxicity. Your body is initiating an immune response, releasing inflammatory cells and cytokines. Cytokines are a substance in your body that stimulate even more inflammation. They’re trying to attack the toxins that’ve entered your body by way of mold. This is likely why you’re experiencing headaches.

If you notice these are occurring more often, check your home for mold toxicity and see a doctor immediately.

Skin Issues

Itching, hives and skin rashes are all signs of mold toxicity in your space. Check your space for signs of mold toxicity and see your dermatologist or doctor ASAP if your skin worsens. Hydrocortisone creams can also help with skin issues.

Respiratory Issues

If you’ve noticed frequent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and even asthma attacks being triggered more often, check your home for mold. Respiratory issues are one of the more severe signs of mold exposure and toxicity.

Digestive Issues

Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and intestinal bleeding can be signs of mold toxicity, particularly in food. Check areas where food and spices are stored for mold. Checking for this is extremely important to not inhale or ingest food products contaminated with mold. These issues can also cause changes in weight and appetite.

Joint Pain and Muscle Aches

Mold toxicity can also cause joint pain, aches and stiffness. It can also result in fungal arthritis and infections. Additionally, it’s important to remain vigilant and look out for numbness and tingling in the body as well.

Mood Changes

Changes in mood, including depression, anxiety and mental health are common signs of mold toxicity. It affects the brain’s neurotransmitter functions and the production of chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. Mold exposure can also lead to insomnia or loss of sleep, which can cause emotional and mental changes.

Allergies

Among the top 10 warning signs of mold toxicity, allergies are one of the most common. Symptoms like an itchy throat, watery eyes, congestion, a runny nose and eczema are all warning signs of mold toxicity. If you have a family history of allergies, mold allergies can be worse. 

Sensitivity in Senses

Mold exposure can also cause sensitivity in some of your senses like sight and sound. Increases sensitivity to light exposure and noises is a symptom, causing discomfort and can even lead to other issues like mood changes and insomnia.

Ways To Prevent Mold Toxicity

Avoid the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity by ensuring that mold doesn’t flourish in your home in the first place.

You can prevent mold toxicity by checking regularly for mold, maintaining proper insulation, regularly cleaning all areas of your home and controlling the humidity in your space. Proper ventilation and making sure items are stored safely are also ways to prevent mold toxicity. Try to address and fix water damage in areas like flooring and the walls to prevent mold from growing inside and underneath areas you can’t see. Call a professional if you notice mold growth in your home.