Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Think mold is harmless? Think again.

The toxic fungus can grow virtually anywhere moisture is present, which makes it a common occupant of damp basements, bathrooms, and refrigerators. Mold doesn’t just damage the structural integrity of your home, it can also make your family sick.

Mold spreads by reproducing microscopic spores, which can be inhaled by unsuspecting victims. When this happens, it often causes similar symptoms as other upper respiratory allergens, such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Irritated eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Tingling or numbness of the skin
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Reduced cognitive ability
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fever
• Skin rash

The symptoms listed above may make you miserable, but generally aren’t considered serious. However, certain conditions may cause victims to have more severe reactions to the mold. These include:

• Mold-induced asthma
• Sinusitis
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Side effects of mold exposure can range from mild to severe, and greatly vary from person to person. The severity of these symptoms is dependent on several factors, including the type and quantity of mold, length of exposure, and individual sensitivity. If you believe you are being exposed to mold, you should remove yourself from the contaminated environment immediately.

If you spot mold growing in your home, don’t attempt to remove it by yourself. Improper technique can lead to illness and actually cause the mold to further spread throughout your home.

If you live on Long Island, look no further than GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration for all of your professional mold removal needs. Call us today to get started with a free estimate at (631) 940-8100.