Are you losing out on precious hours of sleep thanks to a nagging headache that never really goes away? Or is your child showing unexplained signs of poor performance at school despite those extra classes? Paying attention in those dreaded morning meetings may be a task for most of us, but are you struggling to focus on your task for hours together?
These vague, unexplained, and seemingly unrelated events come together like a jigsaw puzzle when you begin to understand mold toxicity.
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and humid environments. It can grow in areas such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens, as well as in HVAC systems and air ducts. When we are exposed to fungal mycotoxins, our immunity, nervous system, as well as endocrine systems are triggered to generate an inflammatory response.
This leads to increased inflammation in the body, which we all know is often the root cause of many health problems such as chronic stress and autoimmune disorders.
So how does mold affect our health and create these mysterious symptoms? Let’s find out.
We may not be able to escape mold since it literally grows everywhere – inside our homes and offices, outside in nature and parks. Especially after a spell of heavy rain, you may be able to spot mold growth in corners and structures when you step out for a walk. In nature, mold plays a beneficial role in breaking down foliage.
Simply walking past some mold growth is not a cause for concern – it’s living indoors with the mycotoxins it produces that wreaks havoc on our health.
One example of a mycotoxin produced by mold is aflatoxin, which is produced by certain types of mold that commonly grow on crops such as peanuts and corn. Aflatoxin has been shown to cause liver damage, and long-term exposure to this mycotoxin has been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer.
Another mycotoxin produced by mold is ochratoxin A, which is commonly found in foods such as grains and coffee. Ochratoxin A has been shown to have a negative impact on the immune system and can increase the risk of kidney disease and cancer.
According to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, exposure to mold can cause respiratory issues, such as asthma and allergies.
Mold can also grow on food that has been left exposed in a damp environment – ingesting mycotoxins through such food will interfere with your intestinal villi, upsetting your gut microbiome, and creating hormone imbalances.
Mold can also have a negative impact on your overall immune system. The toxins produced by mold can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of developing infections and illnesses. Research has shown that mold can also cause cognitive and neurological issues, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.
Fortunately, not all molds produce mycotoxins, and even molds that do produce mycotoxins may not always produce them in significant quantities. However, mycotoxins can have serious health consequences, and it’s important to address any mold problems in your home or workplace to minimize exposure to these toxins.
This checklist for detecting mold gives you pointers to keep in mind while you’re carrying out your next deep clean, or even looking to move into some new property.
Mold is notorious for being well-hidden in warm, dark, and damp spaces. Any areas with poor air ventilation serve as prime suspect areas. So naturally, you are likely to find mold in your kitchen, basement, attic, walls, carpets, and bathrooms. Remember, if you are scouting for mold, wear protective equipment to safeguard yourself.
Here’s a more specific checklist for each room in the house to help you identify if there is mold lurking in your space:
Kitchen:
Bathroom:
Bedroom:
Living Room:
Basement:
By following these room-specific checklists, you can more easily identify any potential mold problems in your home and take the necessary steps to address them. Remember, if you do find mold in your home, it’s important to take action to address the problem and protect your health. If you are dealing with mold health problems in Houston, then all you need to is set up a discovery call with us today!
