Is Mould Exposure Making You Sick?
Living or working in a mould affected or water-damaged building can cause a range of chronic health issues. Symptoms often develop gradually meaning you may not necessarily correlate it to the home or workplace. However, if you have developed symptoms since moving into or commencing work in a new place, then it could be that there is mould triggering your symptoms.
It is common for mould not to be visible, so it can often be hard to identify it as the cause. However, if the building has a history of water damage, has visible condensation, has heating or cooling systems that have not been serviced, or just smells musty, then it is likely that mould is present.
Here are seven symptoms that mean you could be affected by mould:
Fatigue – fatigue is one of the most common symptoms to develop in response to chronic mould exposure. People generally find they wake unrefreshed, have poor energy levels throughout the day, experience weakness, and have poor recovery after physical activities.
Brain Fog – difficulties with concentration, attention, and memory are all frequently experienced by people suffering from biotoxin illness.
Joint Pain – joint pain and morning stiffness can occur in a range of joints throughout the body.
Shortness of Breath – it’s common for someone exposed to mould to develop breathing difficulties. Typically, it may be shortness of breath, but other respiratory issues that may arise include post-nasal drip, sinusitis, and chronic cough.
Excessive Thirst and Increased Urination – changes in fluid balance occur in biotoxin illness that lead to symptoms of dehydration, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and dehydration-related headaches.
Static Shocks develop due to the lack of free water in the body, which results in salt becoming more concentrated in sweat. Salt has the potential to carry an electrical charge, so this often see a person more likely to experience static electrical shocks.
Pain – there’s a range of different types of pain that can occur with mould exposure. This includes abdominal pain and joint pain, but a more unique symptom is ice-pick pains, which are sharp and severe pains that feel as if being struck or pierced by an ice-pick - they can occur throughout the body.
If you suspect that mould may possibly be an issue, then it’s worth reviewing with a practitioner who is experienced in assessment and management of mould illness. They can help you determine whether mould is the underlying cause of your symptoms and refer you to appropriate professionals to assess your home. If it is, then there is a range of treatment options that can help you resolve symptoms and get back to good health.