How to Manage Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold

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How to Manage Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold
How to Manage Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold
Anonim

There is a lot of news about the potential side effects of mold exposure. In fact, the terms "deadly mold" and "toxic mold" are imprecise, as these microorganisms themselves are neither deadly nor toxic. Some types of molds can produce toxins and, therefore, cause breathing problems under certain conditions. While the scientific community has not taken a unanimous position on the effects of mold exposure, you have some methods available to guard against potential side effects and get rid of mold if you're worried about breathing it in your home, school, or workplace.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Possible Problems Associated with Mold

Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 1
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 1

Step 1. Determine if the mold you see is bad

Mold is present everywhere in the air we breathe and is usually harmless. Only certain types of molds are potentially dangerous to health because they produce "mycotoxins" that cause respiratory symptoms similar to those of hay fever.

  • The most common species that grow indoors are cladosporium, alternaria, epicoccum, fusarium, penicillium and aspergillus.
  • Since mold is present everywhere, the fact that it is present in the house does not necessarily have to cause concern. The greatest damage it does to a home or inside another building is usually the typical musky and damp smell.
  • Look for it in areas of the house that are exposed to sources of moisture, such as between bathroom tiles, near hot air humidifiers, or between ceiling panels that could get wet from structural leaks in the roof. Mold tends to develop on materials that contain a lot of cellulose (paper), such as chipboard, paper and lint.
  • While some people argue that the most dangerous mold tends to turn black or dark green, it's impossible to tell if it's harmful just by looking at it. Generally, it is recommended that all damage to the interior of a home be considered potentially dangerous. So, don't touch it with your bare hands, and if you feel bad from being exposed to contact, you should take steps to get rid of it.
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 2
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 2

Step 2. Identify possible symptoms caused by exposure to mold toxins

Only a few respiratory symptoms are related to mold that lurks inside homes. Keep in mind that while it can cause symptoms, they can also be caused by other problems related to indoor air quality, such as dust, smoke, and pet dander, or by seasonal allergens, such as pollen and ragweed.

  • According to some scientific studies, there is a relationship between asthma symptoms, such as cough, breathlessness and upper respiratory tract infections, and exposure to mold that proliferates inside buildings. In children, early exposure can also make them more likely to develop asthma.
  • Fever and wheezing are among the most serious reactions, but usually these types of reactions only occur when a large amount of mold is present (for example, in areas where farmers working in contact with moldy hay).
  • There are reports of very rare effects, such as memory loss or pulmonary haemorrhage, but there are no studies that have shown a relationship between these conditions and mold.
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 3
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 3

Step 3. Identify the risk factors for people exposed to mold

In most cases, mold is harmless and, in general, even mold that produces toxins is not a problem for healthy people who have strong immune systems. However, some types of mold cause respiratory symptoms, especially among individuals prone to respiratory tract infections:

  • Mold can pose a danger to people who are immunosuppressed, have cancer or have contracted HIV.
  • Those with allergies, for example to dust or pollen, may also be more prone to allergies caused by mold.
  • If you have chronic respiratory disease, you may experience breathing difficulties.
  • People who are not immunocompetent (because they take certain medications or have health problems) and those with lung disease may be at higher risk for yeast infections.
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 4
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 4

Step 4. Treat symptoms and get rid of mold

If you are experiencing breathing problems or other symptoms that may be due to exposure to mold, you should treat yourself but also get rid of the cause. Otherwise, any treatment will be ineffective, since the more you expose yourself, the more your symptoms will awaken.

  • See your doctor so you can have a physical exam and any tests you need to find out if mold is the cause of your problems. Your doctor will order skin tests and blood tests to determine if you have an infection caused by exposure to mold.
  • If you discover that you have a disease caused by mold, you need to have your home inspected. Call a professional to fix the most serious damage. Look for an expert to deal with water leakage failures and environmental hazards. He can advise you on the best way to get rid of mold in your home or other building.

Part 2 of 3: Treating Respiratory Problems

Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 5
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 5

Step 1. Contact your doctor

If you're experiencing any strange symptoms, don't hesitate to see your doctor instead of wasting time treating yourself. He can help you trace the cause and offer advice that will help you get better as you try to eliminate the problem and treat the symptoms.

In addition, it will monitor the symptom evolution to see if it worsens and identify any etiological factors that have no relation to mold, such as the flu, hay fever or other health problems

Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 6
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 6

Step 2. Try an antihistamine

The symptoms most commonly reported by people exposed to mold are the same ones that could occur in the case of seasonal allergies, as both diseases involve an intolerance to the spores. If you think you are allergic to mold, you should consult an allergist. Antihistamines help relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose, but they don't eliminate the root cause.

  • You can buy over-the-counter medications based on loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec), or ask your doctor to prescribe something else if you need a stronger medicine. Antihistamines are sold in the form of chewable tablets for children, syrup and pills.
  • Additionally, you can use an antihistamine nasal spray based on azelastine (Allergodil) or olopatadine (Patanase). You can buy them with a prescription.
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 7
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 7

Step 3. Consider a corticosteroid for nasal congestion

Mold exposure can lead to symptoms of congestion, including a runny nose and blocked sinuses. In these cases, nasal corticosteroids can be used to relieve congestion.

  • Be aware of the "rebound" effect (return of symptoms) when you stop taking the drug. Sometimes it occurs after heavy or repeated use of nasal corticosteroids.
  • Remember that nasal corticosteroids do not fight fungal infection, they simply relieve symptoms associated with mold toxicity.
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 8
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 8

Step 4. Try an antifungal medication

To treat the damage caused by exposure to mold toxins, doctors sometimes prescribe an antifungal by mouth. It acts in a "systemic" way (ie throughout the body) by attacking the fungi (mold) that may be present.

In addition to killing any fungi, antifungal drugs can damage human cells if taken for an extended period of time. Since their action risks compromising the liver and kidneys, most doctors prefer to supervise their use, stopping them after a short period of time

Part 3 of 3: Get rid of the mold present in the house

Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 9
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 9

Step 1. Contact a professional

If you think there is toxic mold in your home, don't try to remove or clean it yourself. A professional has the right equipment and skills to safely remove it from damaged areas of ceilings, walls or tiles without further exposing the client to spore contagion.

Try searching the Internet for your city name and the words "remove mold" or "repair water leaks" to find a professional near you. Ask friends and family if they can give you advice, or search for some online reviews to find a reputable company

Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 10
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 10

Step 2. First have the house inspected

Generally, once contacted, the professional will come to your home or to another place that you have indicated to check for mold.

  • It will carry out a damage assessment and tell you if any cleaning or repair is needed. You will then make another appointment to repair the damage. If the problem is very serious, get it fixed as soon as possible. If you have other business commitments, find another company willing to make the necessary repairs.
  • In case you have to wait, consider sleeping in a hotel or with a friend if you are concerned about further exposing yourself to mold. At the very least, close the doors to the room and avoid entering until the problem is resolved.
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 11
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 11

Step 3. Repair damage caused by mold

The professional will be equipped with equipment designed to remove mold from the walls, ceiling or tiles in which it nestles.

Sometimes, repair work can leave a large hole in the affected area. Therefore, it is likely that you will need to fix it yourself or seek help from another expert

Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 12
Deal With Exposure to Potentially Toxic Mold Step 12

Step 4. Deal with water leaks

If the damage is severe, it will surely depend on a high level of humidity inside the house. You will likely be forced to repair your air filter system, roof water leaks, or any other moisture or water infiltration issues that contribute to mold growth.

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