As you know, exposure to mold is not good for your health.
The symptoms of mold exposure are different from one person to another. Symptoms range from nausea, the common cold, and headaches. However, further evidence suggests that exposure to fungus has far worse side effects on the human body.
Deep Water Emergency Services & Restoration provides professional mold mitigation services. We’re your partners in keeping your property clean, dry, and mold-free. We know its impact on your health; our team is here to keep your family safe.
With the new findings of the neurological symptoms of mold exposure, Deep Water is here to enlighten you. We’ll also shed light on the importance of hiring professionals to manage mold problems.
Mold Exposure Symptoms: What Did the New Research Find?
Rutgers researchers Joan Bennett and Arati Inamdar are behind discovering the neurological symptoms of mold exposure. They used fruit flies for testing and from there, they discovered that mold emits a chemical that results in Parkinson’s-like symptoms. Previously, Parkinson’s disease has been linked to toxins from humans.
The researchers utilized human cell lines and fruit flies. They discovered the compound also known as “mushroom alcohol” — the chemical emitted by molds. Furthermore, the mushroom alcohol may have a connection to the genes responsible for the creation and transportation of the chemical, dopamine. This research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy Alliances.
Dopamine is a chemical from nerve cells that sends messages to the brain’s cells. When the nerve cells die, the insufficient amount of dopamine causes abnormalities in the brain, resulting in Parkinson’s-like symptoms of mold exposure.
According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, around one million of the U.S. population is affected by this disease. They also highlight the importance of establishing the triggers of Parkinson’s disease. The idea for this research stemmed from Bennett’s own experience.
When Hurricane Katrina came, Bennett’s home was left infested by molds. Before that, she said she didn’t know it was possible to inhale enough spores to get sick. Bennett experienced nausea, headaches, and dizziness. She took samples to find out the connection between her symptoms and molds.
Diving Deeper Into the Research
As previously mentioned, the research used fruit flies as test subjects. Their exposure to the fungus samples resulted in movement disorders — similar to their reactions when exposed to pesticide. Mushroom alcohol causes dopamine neuron degeneration and a decrease in dopamine levels.
Further research also suggests that the compound from the fungus attacked the human VMAT ortholog (VMAT2) and the human plasma membrane dopamine transporter (DAT) — the two genes involved in the production of dopamine. Bennett and Inamdar also note that previous findings showed an increase in the number of people experiencing Parkinson’s-like symptoms in rural areas attributed to the use of pesticides. However, they also note that rural areas also have exposure to mold and mushrooms, calling for further studies on the link between Parkinson’s disease and fungus.
What Are the Symptoms of Mold Exposure?
Prolonged exposure to mold results in serious upper respiratory issues, confusion, pneumonia, and insomnia. Calling experts to handle mold problems in your home is the best step to take. Here are some mold exposure symptoms to watch out for:
1. Eyes, Nose, and Throat Irritation
One common mold exposure symptom is itchy eyes, nose, and throat. If the majority of the household is experiencing this, call experts right away. There may be mold spores in the air. The faster you have molds eliminated, the better.
2. Coughing or Wheezing
Every individual reacts differently to mold. There may be mold growth somewhere you’re not aware of if you notice wheezing or coughing while at home. Coughing and wheezing due to exposure to mold get worse when the weather is damp.
3. Stuffy Nose or Sneezing
Sneezing or stuffy nose are common signs of allergic reactions. However, if you or other members of your household don’t have any known allergies, exposure to mold may be to blame for your symptoms. Check all areas of your home where mold may grow.
4. Rash or Dry Skin
Mold may not be the first thing that comes to mind regarding rash or dry skin. However, certain mold varieties can cause this symptom. If there are no significant changes in your routine, have experts check your home for mold.
5. Watery Eyes
Watery eyes are a common mold exposure symptom. If you’ve noticed this frequently happening, there may be mold growth in your property. Call a professional mold mitigation company for a mold inspection.
The Parkinson’s-like symptoms linked to prolonged fungus exposure include the following:
1. Imbalance
This is the primary motor symptom of Parkinson’s, wherein an individual experiences a postural instability or a balancing issue. With this, a person struggles to stand up straight.
2. Slow Gait
This is also known as Parkinsonian gait. A person who has this symptom takes small and shuffling footsteps. This symptom can either be episodic or continuous.
3. Tremors
This may start as minimal tremors in one hand, but it can also affect the feet. Tremors are the most common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Around 80% of people living with Parkinson’s disease have tremors.
Preventive Measures: How to Prevent Mold from Growing?
You can do things to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe from the dangers of mold exposure. Here are some measures you can take:
- Molds thrive in moisture. Fix any water leaks immediately.
- Don’t put carpets in damp areas in your home, such as the laundry room, bathroom, and basement.
- When painting your walls, use mold inhibitors as an extra layer of protection. Dry the surface before applying paint.
- Wipe down your tiles with mold-killing agents.
- Don’t leave wet clothing or towels in your laundry basket or inside your washing machine.
- Make sure your property is well ventilated.
- Change air filters and subject your HVAC system to annual cleaning and maintenance.
What Can Deep Water Do for You?
Our team takes the job seriously. We want our clients to return to a clean and mold-free home. Here’s what we’ll do for you:
- Mold Damage Assessment and Inspection
- Mold Containment
- Use of Air Filtration Equipment
- Removal of Mold-Infested Items
- Cleaning and Sanitization
- Property Restoration
Don’t Let Mold Get the Best of You!
Deep Water provides mold mitigation in Denver, CO.
With us, say goodbye to mold exposure. We’re the ones to call to prevent the problem from getting out of hand. We are IICRC certified and a BBB accredited business. Entrust your home and loved ones’ safety to our team.
