Mold can grow both indoors and outdoors, thriving in environments that are damp, warm, and humid. Mold can be in reference to a multiple types of fungi that reproduce by spore. These spores are extremely tiny and are not visible to the naked eye. Mold spores are extremely hardy and can survive harsh conditions and environments, lying dormant until conditions become more favorable such as when moisture is present. For this reason, mold tends to proliferate in humid spaces of the home, like bathrooms or areas where there is a leak such as under the kitchen sink. Mold and their spores contain extremely toxic chemicals known as mycotoxins and are implicated in a number of health conditions including fibromyalgia, autoimmunity, and chronic fatigue syndrome among others.
Mold is a chronic, silent epidemic
According to estimates, 50% of U.S. homes and 80% of commercial buildings are water damaged.
Water Damage Buildings (WDB) in particular are of concern for human health and safety as these buildings contain a toxic slurry of fungi (mold), bacteria, mycobacteria, actinomycetes, and other toxic compounds.
This environment could have been brought on for a number of reasons, including:
Poor ventilation
Construction defects
Failure to identify and repair leaks or water saturation
Inadequate cleaning after remediation
Incomplete basements exposed to saturated ground water
In addition, 25% of the population have a gene variant whereby their body cannot effectively detoxify mold, making these people more susceptible to the deleterious effects of mold exposure and water damaged buildings.
Have you been exposed?
Remember, mold does NOT have to be visible to cause symptoms!
Symptoms associated with toxic mold exposure can include:
Fatigue
Weakness
Headaches/migraines
Poor memory
Difficulty concentrating
Morning stiffness
Joint pain
Respiratory symptoms: coughing, infections, shortness of breath, asthma, sinus congestion
Unusual skin sensations - tingling, burning, numbness
Appetite swings
Mood swings
Increased urinary frequency or thirst
Red eyes, blurred vision
Metallic taste in mouth
Static shocks
Vertigo
Lightheadedness
The VCS Test
If you feel unwell, have been exposed to or have symptoms associated with toxic mold exposure, you can take an online screening test called the visual contrast sensitivity test. This test assesses neurological function using contrast to identify potential exposure to neurotoxins and biotoxins like mold and mycotoxins. This test is a very good first step for determining the probability of mold illness. The test can be taken in the comfort of your home, online at: https://www.survivingmold.com/store1/online-screening-test For additional information, check out leading mold expert, Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's website: www.survivingmold.com References: Surviving Mold. Survivg Mold, 2019, www.survivingmold.com. Accessed 24 Jul. 2019.
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