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Signs & Symptoms of Mold & Mildew Exposure

Exposure to mold and mildew is a serious health concern. Mold and mildew is a fungus that needs moisture to grow. When mold spores find that moist environment, they spread and can give off toxic fumes. A black mold is one of the most dangerous forms of mold and leaves people with severe breathing difficulties if exposed for long periods of time. Mildew is normally found in bathrooms and along window sills and graduates to mold spores over time if not killed. Mold is found in damp basements or in attics, especially if there is roof leakage.

  1. Mold Allergy Symptoms

    • Sneezing, itchy watery eyes and an itching inside the nose are signs of a mold allergy. They can also be signs of other allergies from pollen or dust, so you need to determine what is causing these symptoms. If you notice these symptoms primarily during damp times of the year or when the pollen count is low, you may be experiencing mold and mildew allergy symptoms.

    Breathing Difficulties

    • Mold and mildew spores give off a musty odor that can cause shortness of breath or wheezing. The toxins invade the lungs resulting in inflammation of the lung tissue. Asthma sufferers may experience severe attacks or the attacks become more frequent. What is called "black mold" has been speculated to cause bleeding of the lungs in infants, according to the Mayo Clinic. People with compromised immune systems or lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis are susceptible to lung infections brought on by mold exposure.

    Coughing, Headaches & Fatigue

    • Mold and mildew exposure can bring on dry coughing fits. Your lungs and throat become inflamed from the fungus's toxic fumes, but do not produce mucus to cough up. Headaches and fatigue may also occur from breathing toxic fumes. Your skin may produce a rash if it comes in contact with mold or mildew spores.

      If you suffer from these symptoms over a period of two weeks or longer, see your medical professional. Inspect your home for damp areas such as in the crawlspace or attic and if mold is detected, have a professional remove the mold from your home.

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