What is Toxic Mold Syndrome?

When cheap construction meets water damage, there is a risk of Toxic Mold Syndrome. Moist environments host virulent microbes like fungi, bacteria, mycobacteria, and–you guessed it– mold. Buildings with poor ventilation and faulty building design tend to hide mold in unexpected areas. Accordingly, that’s how people live in mold-infested homes without even knowing it.

Types of Mold

Common types of toxic mold include:

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus
• Ochratoxin
• Aflatoxin
• Trichothecenes

This is but a selection of possible toxic molds. For instance, Stachybotrys chartarum–  more commonly known as “black mold”–  is a greenish-black mold that grows on surfaces with high cellulose content. Black mold grows on water-damaged wood, fiberboard, paper, dust, and lint (among other cellulose-based materials).

In fact, people get Toxic Mold Syndrome from things that aren’t even molds. Biotoxins of all kinds cause this illness. Fungi, bacteria, endotoxins, and various other microorganisms make people sick. Of course, what they all have in common is they thrive in moist environments. All things considered, it’s important to address water damage immediately to prevent the growth of toxic black mold.

Toxic Mold Syndrome Risk Factors

Risk factors of Toxic Mold Syndrome are either environmental or physical. Typically, the environmental risk causes the physical symptoms.

If your home recently flooded or experienced leaking, be wary of signs of Toxic Mold Syndrome. For instance, discolored air vents and ceiling tiles signal water damage. Also keep in mind to be suspicious if your home smells musty or odd.

If you suffer from recurring sinus or respiratory infections that do not repsond to antibiotics, tell your doctor you suspect Toxic Mold Syndrome. Symptoms are flu-like: shortness of breath, coughing, headaches, and fatigue. Additionally, people experience unexplained skin rashes and see symptoms worsen on humid or rainy days.

Toxic Mold Syndrome Symptoms

The symptoms of Toxic Mold Syndrome are unique to the host. That’s because the mold triggers immune responses based on genetics. What’s more, several of the symptoms mimic other common illnesses. At the heart of the symptoms lies inflammation. Thus, the inflammation instigates allergies and asthma flare-ups. Furthermore, the body experiences oxidative stress, which is the inability of the body to counteract and detoxify the body. Additionally, a person with Toxic Mold Syndrome experiences immune dysfunction. For this reason, many people don’t detect Toxic Mold Syndrome until they address another illness.

Possible signs include:

1. Red eyes
2. Blurred vision
3. Clamminess, sweats
4. Moodiness
5. Abnormal pain
6. Fatigue
7. Persistent headaches
8. Light sensitivity
9. Poor concentration
10. Strang sensations such as numbness or tingling
11. Chronic cough
12. Memory Loss
13. Troubles with vocabulary
14. Brain fog
15. Joint pain or stiffness
16. Vertigo
17. Disorientation
18. Mouth sores
19. Static shocks
20. Diarrhea
21. Dehydration
22. Inability to regulate body temperature, and
23. Appetite swings

Practical Steps To Avoid Mold

As the adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. There are plenty of sensible steps you can take to prevent overgrowth of mold and other biotoxins.

• Clean roof gutters regularly or install gutter inserts.
• Clean air conditioner system regularly
• Keep drain lines unobstructed
• Discard moldy ceiling tiles or carpet
• Fix plumbing leaks as soon as possible
• Increase ventilation in the home
• In case of flooding or water damage, acquire professional mold remediation services

Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service of South Florida

We offer various services to protect your home from mold and your family from Toxic Mold Syndrome. First, we kill mold with effective antimicrobial chemicals. Next we eliminate spores from the air with industrial strength HEPA filters. Also, we find the source of moisture in the home and offer services to remedy problems. Finally, we consult with you about household items you may need to remove. Whatever mold remediation services you need, Suncoast customizes a plan to restore your home to health.

If you are in Palm Beach or Broward County and need mold remediation or removal, contact Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. today.