By Dr. Elisheva Neffinger
Mold hides in plain sight, and it might have a bigger impact on our health than we realize. With dampness in bathrooms, basements, and even in our brighter spaces, mold can creep up in spite of regular cleaning and diligent dusting. So how to we know that mold is the menace? And how do we protect against these pesky spores? Read on for some helpful suggestions!
Do you have symptoms that don’t seem to improve?
You might not be aware of the impact mold can have on your health. If you’re experiencing chronic eye or lung irritation, skin reactions, or headaches, mold just might be the culprit. The wide array of symptoms of mold illness can range from respiratory issues, like a cough, to mental effects, such as fatigue. Mold sickness frequently presents in an individual who feels symptoms only at work or at home, or individuals who have recently spent time in a new environment. Yet, everyone is affected by mold differently. Here are some signs that mold might be a problem in your living environment.
Do you have mold in your home?
If you see tell-tale signs of splotchy dark marks on the walls, you may have a clear indicator that mold is developing in your home. Yet, insidiously, mold often has no odor and is not visible to naked eye. Exposure to a water-damaged building is the most common factor when it comes to mold growth. So though you’ve fixed your current leaks, or if you’ve moved into a home that has had water damage issues in the past, you may have residual mold to contend with--mold loves water damage, damp and dark places, and organic materials. Unfortunately, up to 90% of finished basements are estimated to have some level of mold growth.
Self-inspection is the best place to start if you suspect that you have mold in your home. Look for any signs of mold in your basement, in crevices, behind furniture etc… You can use self-administered home testing such as HERTSMI-2 Testing from Mycometrics or EnviroBiomics, or hire a professional to inspect your home.
Is my mold sickness coming from another environment?
If we rule out the home we should consider other sources--environments such as the workplace, gym, place of worship, or other spaces we visit regularly should be considered as potential locations for mold exposure. A more thorough investigation may be required. But first, the best remedy is to arm yourself with a better understanding of your symptoms.
If I suspect mold sickness, what should I do next?
If you suspect that you have mold symptoms, a mold questionnaire is a great place to start. Bloom Natural Health offers mold sickness diagnosis, treatment, and techniques for prevention. Bloom Natural Health’s Dr. Elisheva Neffinger specializes in identifying and treating mold-related illness. Contact Dr. Neffinger at drneffinger@bloomnaturaldoctors.com to begin the process by filling out your questionnaire. If appropriate, she will recommend that you schedule a visit for a consultation for mold sickness, where you will be checked for mold exposure as well as any nutrient deficiencies that can come along with it.
If you think that mold may be affecting your health, contact Bloom Natural Health to find support and knowledgeable guidance in taking steps toward wellness. Spring is the perfect time to clean out the corners, and to begin the journey toward better health.
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