Key Takeaways
- Mold exposure doesn’t affect everyone, and in many, the symptoms can be mild, mimicking minor allergies.
- In people who are more seriously affected, symptoms can be severe and, in some cases, life-threatening.
- To reduce the risk of mold exposure in your home, it’s important to control the moisture levels that help mold thrive.
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors in the right conditions. When exposed to mold, some people may experience no symptoms, while others may develop mild reactions such as a stuffy nose, sore throat, or cough. Specific populations may also have severe reactions, which could lead to lung and other infections.
Mild Reactions to Mold Exposure
For some people, when mold spores enter the air and are inhaled, it can lead to mild reactions similar to allergies, due to a mild sensitivity or allergy to the spores. Symptoms that can develop in those affected by mold exposure may include:
- Stuffy nose
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Red, burning, or watery eyes
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Postnasal drip
- Itching in the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
- Swelling near the eyes
These symptoms tend to develop more in people who are hypersensitive to mold.
Types of Mold Most Likely to Cause Symptoms
Not all types of mold cause symptoms. The most common types that present risk include:
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
Severe Reactions to Mold Exposure
People with asthma may also experience an increase in asthma symptoms, which can be mild or severe, when exposed to mold. It’s more common in children.
In more severe cases, exposure to mold in people with asthma can trigger asthma attacks, during which breathing becomes difficult. The effects of mold-driven asthma symptoms can have severe consequences, in rare cases, leading to asthma-related death. Symptoms of mold-driven asthma may include:
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Increased mucus production
- Swelling of the airways
People who have weakened immune systems may also develop an invasive mold infection, which occurs when mold spores penetrate deeply into the body and affect tissues, blood vessels, and organs. These types of infections, although rare, are life-threatening and require prompt treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Get Sick From Mold?
The onset of illness from mold exposure can vary with the level of exposure and a person’s overall health. Older research notes that, in some cases, it can be rapid if a large amount is ingested in a short period. Long-term, consistent exposure can take months or even years to develop into illness.
How to Prevent Mold Exposure
To reduce the risk of mold exposure in your home, it’s important to control the moisture levels that help mold thrive. Take these precautions:
- Clear out any mold that’s already growing.
- Keep indoor spaces dry and ventilated.
- Fix any issues that could cause water to build up, such as leaking roofs or wet basements.
- Avoid carpeting areas that may get wet often.
If there is a significant amount of mold in your home, consult a professional to determine what needs to be done to remove it and ensure it doesn’t grow back.
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