Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.

How does mold affect the elderly?

Some common symptoms are fatigue, congestion, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headaches, itchy skin and eyes, difficulty breathing and other flu-like symptoms. Long-term exposure to mold spores can have a serious impact on anyone, but can be especially serious for the elderly.

Can you get sick from moldy walls?

In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Whether or not you’re allergic to molds, mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Here’s what you can do to combat mold problems, and take care of yourself and your home.

What can black mold do to a person’s body?

The most common black mold symptoms and health effects are associated with a respiratory response. Chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning.

What health problems are caused by mold?

Severe mold allergies cause more severe symptoms, including shortness of breath. Mold exposure may also worsen asthma or lung problems in people with preexisting lung conditions. Allergy and irritation

• a runny or blocked nose.
• watery, red eyes.
• a dry cough.
• skin rashes.
• a sore throat.
• sinusitis.
• wheezing.

Can mold exposure cause neurological problems?

Human exposure to molds, mycotoxins, and water-damaged buildings can cause neurologic and neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms.

What are the signs of mold toxicity?

Symptoms of Mold Exposure

• Breathing Issues. Breathing difficulties and respiratory diseases increase exponentially when an individual is exposed to mold.
• Skin Problems. Your skin is the largest organ of your body.
• Sensation of Pins and Needles.
• Depression and Sadness.
• Digestive Disorders.
• Headaches and Dry Eyes.
• Muscle Pain.

What are the symptoms of long term mold exposure?

Toxic mold exposure is also connected to more serious, long-term effects like insomnia, memory loss, trouble concentrating and confusion. Mold exposure contributes to depression and anxiety. It can even lead to muscle cramps, numbness in extremities, weight gain, light sensitivity and hair loss.

What are the symptoms of white mold exposure?

The symptoms induced by white mold include allergic reactions, respiratory infections, eye irritations, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even depression. If you suspect you or a family member has been affected by mold exposure, consult a doctor and have the mold removed immediately.

How long does it take mold to make you sick?

These spores proliferate quickly and can take hold in places with poor ventilation and high humidity in less than 24 hours. The problem starts when you inhale these spores. They produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins that can produce an immune response in some individuals and actually extremely toxic themselves.

How soon can mold make you sick?

Allergies and sensitivities If you have a mold allergy, your immune system thinks certain mold spores are invaders, or allergens. So, when you inhale spores, your body reacts by triggering sneezing or nasal congestion. This can happen immediately or after exposure, depending on your body.

What are the long term effects of black mold exposure?

Discovering Black Mold Toxic mold exposure has also been linked to more serious, long-term effects like memory loss, insomnia, anxiety, depression, trouble concentrating, and confusion.

Does mold affect the heart?

Mold can cause a number of heart problems, including myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), endocarditis (an infection of the lining of the heart), damage to the heart muscle and damage to the heart valves.

How does mold in walls affect your health?

We believe in the free flow of information Inhaling mould fragments or spores can inflame the airways, causing nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and throat irritation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of indoor dampness can reduce lung function and cause chronic health problems such as asthma.

Can mold affect your brain?

Inflammation: Mold spores act as irritants, which can trigger the body to mount an immune response. This can lead to inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation in the brain can impair cognitive function, and in the case of chronic inflammation, this can lead to long-lasting cognitive impairment.