Text by Corina Tan
Mold or mould as spelled in British English, is a type of fungus that can be present anywhere. Most spores can also be found in the air and a normal amount is usually not a huge concern for people with regular immune systems. However, this seemingly common and what most people believe is a harmless organism, can cause some alarming health issues especially when people are exposed to it in larger amounts. While research concerning risks of mold exposure is still ongoing, some experts agree that it can cause some unpleasant symptoms.
ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, sore throat, stuffy nose/sinusitis, skin irritation or rashes may be early signs that someone is experiencing mold toxicity. If these issues are ingoing, a person may unknowingly be exposed to mold spores.
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
When the effects of mold exposure become chronic, a person may have more severe reactions such as shortness of breath and coughing that goes on for weeks or months. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold exposure can also trigger asthma symptoms or cause lung problems for those with pre-existing issues.
FATIGUE
Feeling tired may seem like a fairly common symptom, but homes with a mold problem may be a breeding grown for mycotoxins that can grow exponentially in hot and humid conditions. They can even grow on food quite quickly under these conditions and may not be obvious to the naked eye until it is too late. The constant exposure to mold in the home, will cause chronic fatigue to set in and could be the reason why a person feels tired all the time.
BRAIN FOG
Along with feelings of chronic fatigue, mold exposure can also cause brain fog, which is a feeling where you are especially forgetful, sluggish and unable to focus. This is a result of inflammation in the body which mold toxicity can cause. Beginning in the gut, the inflammation travels to the brain causing a host of neuropsychiatric symptoms. One study in neuropsychology suggested that when the brain is chronically inflamed due to mold exposure, this can lead to long-term cognitive impairment.
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Recent studies have shown that mold toxicity can also impact mental health, as people exposed to damp and moldy households are at higher risk of experiencing anxiety and depression.
The best way to get rid of mold is to ensure that all visible signs of mold growth is removed. Malaysia’s hot and humid climate all-year round is a perfect environment for mold to thrive in. Regularly inspect your homes for signs of mold and ensure key spaces like bathrooms and kitchens are cleaned regularly and properly ventilated. An air conditioner with a HEPA filter can be efficient in removing mold spores, while any damp old papers, furniture, rugs or carpets should preferably be disposed of. Anyone with existing allergy, asthma, lung or immune issues should be even more cautious, although mold exposure can affect everybody. Removing mold from home is an important step for overall hygiene and health.
