Mold Illness: What It Is and Hidden Signs You Have It

Mold: it thrives in countless places, from spoiled food to persistently damp towels. Where there's moisture, mold can take hold. While some types of mold are harmless, others can be toxic and lead to serious illness. Understanding the warning signs of mold-related illness and learning how to mold-proof your home is crucial for your health.

What is Mold?

"Mold" is a collective term for various microscopic fungi that grow and flourish in moist environments. These fungi reproduce rapidly by releasing spores and can appear in a range of colors, including grey, green, blue, and even red. Molds can expand quickly, transforming a tiny spot into a sizable colony within hours.

Mold spores contain toxins and possess remarkable resilience; they can remain dormant but viable even in dry, cold conditions where the mold itself cannot actively grow.

---

Common Mold Sources

Given mold's affinity for moisture, it can be found wherever water is (or was) present. Common locations include bathrooms with poor ventilation, humid basements, shower stall crevices, and areas under leaky sinks. However, mold often lurks in unseen places. Even appliances like your coffee maker can harbor mold.

A leaking pipe behind a wall can lead to extensive mold growth hidden behind drywall. A leaking roof above a well-sealed ceiling might conceal a crawlspace completely covered in mold and spores. Mold can also hide behind or beneath large appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines.

Certain plants can also serve as hosts for mold. Christmas trees, for instance, are known to breed mold and may contribute to an increase in asthma attacks during winter months. Even after the tree is removed, its dispersed spores can linger in your home long after disposal.

---

Why Mold is Dangerous to Your Health

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that all types of mold can be hazardous to health, with "black mold" (often Stachybotrys chartarum) being among the most notorious for its toxicity.

Some individuals are particularly susceptible to mold illness due to a specific genetic predisposition (the HLA-DR gene). This gene can trigger an immune reaction upon mold exposure, making them more vulnerable.

Chronic mold exposure can lead to conditions like sinusitis and a more severe illness called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Both of these conditions are sometimes misdiagnosed or poorly treated, as many mainstream medical professionals may not immediately recognize the link between mold and these chronic health issues.

• Fungal Sinusitis: Research from the late 1990s revealed that chronic sinusitis can sometimes be caused by a fungal infection. In cases where chronic sinusitis doesn't respond to antibiotics or decongestants, ENT specialists may suspect that the body's immune system is reacting to a fungal invader, leading to persistent irritation of the sinus cavities.

• Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS): Mold toxicity falls under the broader category of biotoxin illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). CIRS is a chronic, ongoing illness. While partly caused by mold, it is not an allergy. It begins when an individual is exposed to a biotoxin—a poison produced by a living organism.

  In a healthy immune response, the body binds these biotoxins with cells, allowing them to be filtered and eliminated by the liver, kidneys, and other organs. However, in individuals with specific gene types, this binding mechanism doesn't function correctly, causing the biotoxin to continue circulating within their bodies. According to mold disease expert Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, approximately 24% of people cannot mount adequate antibody responses, and these individuals make up the majority of those who develop illnesses from water-damaged buildings.

  Indeed, what you might perceive as chronic sinus infections or "winter allergies" could potentially be a hidden mold illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Mold Disease

The manifestations of mold disease are diverse, but a 2003 study of over 1,600 individuals exposed to fungus, presented at a Dallas environmental medicine symposium, identified common themes. The most frequent symptoms of mold illness included:

• Tiredness/Fatigue

• Difficulty breathing

• Memory problems

• Headache

• Pain or discomfort in muscles and joints

Other potential signs and symptoms may include:

• Gastric disturbances (vomiting and diarrhea)

• Unexplained weight loss

• Chronic bronchitis

• Hair loss

• Skin rashes

• Chronic cough, or coughing blood

• Visual problems and, in severe cases, blindness

• Cold-like symptoms (itching eyes, runny nose, sore throat)

• Loss of sense of smell

• Frequent urination, kidney pain

• Tremors

• Depression and anxiety

---

What to Do if You Have Mold in Your Home

If you discover a mold issue in your home, it's crucial to take immediate action to prevent potential health problems down the line:

• Clean Small Mold Areas: For small-scale mold problems, clean thoroughly with an anti-fungal cleanser. Natural bleach alternatives or hydrogen peroxide can be effective. Pay special attention to hidden crannies, like shower door tracks. An air purifier can offer some protection from toxins in areas with minor mold.

• Professional Remediation for Extensive Mold: If the mold problem is extensive, hidden behind walls, or too large for simple cleaning, contact a mold remediation specialist. This often involves tearing out walls or ceilings, replacing moldy wood and insulation, and fixing any leaks or cracks that allow moisture to accumulate. Mold remediation can be costly, but the investment is invaluable when your health is at stake. The process may be lengthy, but the peace of mind of breathing mold-free air is well worth it.

• Test for Mold: The first step is to confirm the presence and type of mold in your home using a test kit. Once you understand the extent and type of mold, you can proceed with appropriate remediation steps.

---

How to Mold-Proof Your Home

You can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth in your home by adopting simple habits that keep it clean, dry, and in good repair:

• Promptly Fix Leaks: Repair any leaks immediately and seal cracks, especially in moist areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

• Clean Up Water Damage Quickly: Thoroughly clean and dry any spills or water damage within 24-48 hours to prevent mold from taking hold.

• Use a Dehumidifier: Consider purchasing and running a dehumidifier during damp weather or whenever your home feels humid.

• Ensure Good Ventilation: Open windows and doors on dry days to allow for good airflow and ventilation throughout your home.

• Ventilate Bathrooms: Use a bathroom vent fan or crack a window open when showering and continue until the air in the room feels dry.

• Vent Appliances Outdoors: Always ensure that moisture-producing appliances, such as stoves and clothes dryers, are vented directly to the outside.

By being proactive and vigilant about moisture control, you can create a healthier, mold-free environment in your home.