If you're experiencing sneezing, coughing, or just feeling sluggish and fatigued, you might initially assume it’s a common cold. However, pay close attention to your condition as time goes on. Should these symptoms persist or intensify specifically when you are indoors, they could potentially indicate mold poisoning.
The Healthy by Reader’s Digest I spoke with Michael Rubino, an expert in mold and air quality, who is also the author of The Mold Specialist: A Professional’s Handbook for Tackling Mold Removal , and Amy Myers, MD , a doctor and pioneer in functional medicine and gastrointestinal wellness who has personally battled mold toxicity.
Rubino notes that besides respiratory problems, exposure to mold has also been associated with early-onset dementia. Alzheimer’s . We dedicate 90% of our time to indoor spaces," he states. "Every day, we're discovering more ways our living environments impact our well-being, yet everything points towards one conclusion: enhancing the quality of the air we inhale could significantly benefit our overall health.
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10 Indicators of Mold Poisoning
"If regular exposure to toxic mold occurs, you might experience a condition known as mold toxicity," explains Dr. Myers, who additionally works as a two-time New York Times best-selling author. "This could refer to any ailment caused by contact with poisonous mold and mycotoxins." ”
Mycotoxins are harmful substances that originate from specific molds and fungi and can lead to various adverse effects within the body. Although these compounds often trigger numerous symptoms associated with mold exposure, their impact on overall health extends beyond this realm. Dr. Myers clarifies that as exposure to mold boosts the toxin levels in your body, the likelihood of experiencing an autoimmune condition starts to rise.
Although regular cleaning is highly essential for managing mold in your house , also keep an eye out for these 10 warning signs of mold toxicity before any illness progresses further.
1. Trouble breathing
Dr. Myers clarifies that "Mycotoxins can become airborne and infiltrate your respiratory system." He further notes that this can lead to various issues such as asthma, allergies, and sinus infections.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention According to the CDC, mold can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs in individuals regardless of whether they have asthma or are not allergic to mold—this irritation may result in respiratory difficulties.
The CDC likewise points out that long-term exposure to mold can exacerbate existing asthma conditions and notes a connection between mold presence and the development of new cases of asthma. Indeed, past studies It has been estimated that mold within homes contributes to approximately 21% of newly diagnosed asthma cases in the United States.
2. Sneezing and coughing
Although allergies are widespread, symptoms resembling those often associated with allergic reactions—including sneezing, coughing, itching in the eyes and throat, and nasal congestion—can be indicative of initial stages of mold exposure or what’s known as mold toxicity.
"Typically, it begins with odd allergies," according to Rubino. "People find themselves falling ill more often; perhaps they have a congested nose or experience allergy-like symptoms," elaborates Rubino.
He points out that these indicators of mold toxicity may appear through different time frames—often right away but occasionally after some delay. Should you be dealing with persistent allergy-type symptoms when you're at home, consult your physician.
3. You might experience fatigue
Let's be honest: Fatigue is a widespread issue for many people. However, Rubino emphasizes that experiencing tiredness is often due to mold exposure in one's living space.
A study from 2013 that was published in Toxins discovered exposure to various types of mold—particularly mycotoxins , the type of mold capable of growing both on food items and in warm, damp environments inside homes—is associated with symptoms of chronic fatigue .
Dr. Myers clarifies that "mycotoxins damage your well-being by interfering with your mitochondria," which generate energy for virtually all body functions. This disruption from mycotoxins may result in persistent tiredness or lack of strength."
4. Brain fog
In addition to causing fatigue, being exposed to mold can also lead to various health issues. brain fog , leading to individuals experiencing fatigue and even memory lapses.
Rubino points out that this issue usually stems from inflammation triggered by exposure to mold: "When your body encounters mold, you may begin to have digestive problems because of the resulting inflammation. This gut inflammation can progress to brain inflammation, leading to various neuropsychiatric symptoms."
According to a 2023 analysis of studies published in the Journal of Integrative Neuroscience A particular study revealed that being exposed to mold may lead to various cognitive issues such as difficulties with memory and learning, managing emotions, and response speed. Additional research indicated that individuals who experience prolonged mold exposure exhibit neurological alterations similar to those caused by chemical toxicity or minor to medium traumatic brain injuries.
5. Anxiety and depression
"We're observing numerous studies indicating that mold is affecting individuals' mental well-being through increased anxiety and depression," Rubino states.
As stated in an article that appeared in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2007 , Individuals living in moist, mold-infested homes face a 34-44% increased likelihood of experiencing depression. Additional research, like a study released in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity In 2019, studies have shown that exposure to mold can lead to increased anxiety-related behaviors.
6. Headaches
According to Dr. Myers, headaches frequently occur as a result of mold exposure. These headaches may be triggered by mycotoxins which can lead to various cognitive problems; they range widely in intensity—from mild discomfort to sharp "needle-like" pains or severe migraines.
Other substances generated by certain molds, known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), might also lead to headaches—even following brief exposure—according to research from 2024 that was published in Advancements in Hygiene and Environmental Health .
7. Light sensitivity
Dr. Myers indicates that long-term mold exposure may lead to vision issues including hypersensitivity to light. Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Research shows that mycotoxin-induced inflammation can impact your optic nerve, leading to a condition known as optic neuritis. This optic nerve inflammation may result in blurry vision, narrowed field of view, and increased sensitivity to light.
Luckily, these visual problems can be corrected through treatment.
8. Eye irritation
Research published in the journal indicates that exposure to mold along with its mycotoxins can also lead to inflammation of the eye surface. Toxins in 2017 Even at minimal amounts, this inflammation caused by mold can lead to eye irritation and increased sensitivity, resulting in symptoms such as dry, itchy, and red eyes.
9. Frequent illness
Dr. Myers points out that exposure to mycotoxins might manifest as symptoms similar to those of a common cold or the flu. Due to how these toxins impact your system, it can seem as though you're continuously contracting new colds.
Mitochondria that have been compromised emit free radicals," says Dr. Myers. "These reactive molecules lead to oxidative stress, which causes cell damage and triggers inflammation.
Your body’s immune system function is largely controlled by oxidative stress and inflammation, according to research from 2020 that was published in Nutrients . Therefore, when you're constantly exposed to harmful molds, they cause increasing amounts of oxidative stress. As this happens, your body’s ability to fight off infections weakens because your immune system gets overwhelmed.
10. Skin irritation
If you're sensitive to molds, it's typical to develop a skin rash either by inhaling or coming into contact with them, as stated by the CDC. However, mold exposure can also cause irritation of the skin regardless of whether you have an allergy.
According to Dr. Myers, "Mycotoxins might also permeate your intestinal barrier." When these substances enter your circulatory system, they have the ability to traverse various tissue boundaries," thereby impacting your brain and other organs like your skin.
Other indicators of mold toxicity
The impact of mold on an individual's health can vary greatly from person to person. In addition to the 10 indicators of mold toxicity mentioned earlier, Dr. Myers states that additional typical symptoms of mold toxicity may encompass:
- Unexpected changes in body weight
- Mood changes
- Pins and needles sensation along with numbness throughout the body
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Discomfort (such as stomach ache or muscular soreness akin to fibromyalgia)
- Tinnitus (ear ringing)
- Issues with digestion (swelling, difficulty tolerating certain foods)
- A metallic taste in the mouth
- Excessive thirst and dehydration, along with bed-wetting in children.
- Symptoms akin to hormonal irregularities (loss of hair, skin eruptions)
How can you tell if there's mold in your house?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mold proliferates in wet, humid, and inadequately aired parts of your house. For example, mold may begin developing after experiencing recent water damage due to a leaking roof or broken pipe—moreover, the extended duration of mold growth exacerbates the harm it inflicts.
However, from day to day, various parts of the house are especially prone to mold development because of poor airflow, elevated humidity levels, or frequent dampness. Such potential problem spots may encompass:
- Bathrooms and sinks
- HVAC (heating/ventilation/air conditioning) systems
- Air ducts
- Behind the fridge
- Basements
Ways to check for mold presence
Dr. Myers suggests conducting two tests to detect toxic mold at home. As she explains, "The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created an analytical method called the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI), which assesses both mold presence and mycotoxin levels." According to her, this involves collecting dust samples within the house and examining the fungal DNA found in those samples. These findings are subsequently cross-referenced with the ERMI scale for evaluation.
“She mentions that you could either employ a company for this task or utilize one of numerous kits. Some of these options come with an expert assessment of the outcomes, whereas others require comparison against a chart.”
An alternative approach involves hiring a certified mold testing firm to conduct a spore trap analysis, which assesses airborne contaminants. As Dr. Myers clarifies, "Such a test can reveal whether your residence has elevated levels of mold." However, he cautions that "this method does not check explicitly for mycotoxins. Therefore, even if you detect high concentrations of mold, it doesn't automatically indicate the presence of harmful types."
For example, she states that mold resulting from water damage needs to be addressed immediately. "Nevertheless, such molds do not always produce mycotoxins." Therefore, if you're uncertain, it's advisable to collaborate with an expert specializing in identifying harmful molds.
Ways to stop mold from developing inside your house
According to the EPA, managing dampness within your house is crucial for stopping mold development. The most effective method involves maintaining relative humidity indoors at less than 60%, with an optimal range being from 30% to 50%.
To achieve this, the agency recommends that you:
- Resolve leaks inside 2 days.
- When possible, vent devices that produce moisture outdoors, such as dryers, stoves, and gas heaters.
- Operate the bathroom exhaust fan or open a window during showers.
- Utilize exhaust fans or open a window during cooking or dishwashing.
- Utilize dehumidifiers when necessary, for instance in a basement area.
- If you notice condensation gathering on windows, walls, or pipes, this may indicate elevated moisture levels within your house.
The EPA recommends insulating cold surfaces such as pipes to prevent condensation and ensuring proper airflow throughout your house.
When should you consult a physician?
Both children and adults can suffer adverse effects from molds, including newborns and senior citizens," states Dr. Myers. "Moreover, each individual reacts uniquely to being exposed to mold.
However, she points out that several elements can exacerbate the intensity of mold and mycotoxin exposure, including:
- Home conditions If you reside in highly humid regions or experience water damage within your home, you may be more prone to encountering mold.
- Inflammation “Persistent inflammation within your body increases your vulnerability to toxic molds,” explains Dr. Myers. “The reason being that the immune system becomes overly taxed and exhausted.”
- Foods “Processed foods may develop mold during manufacturing or storage,” she explains.
"If you're encountering any symptoms and relate to the aforementioned risk factors, I suggest consulting a functional medicine physician for further evaluation," recommends Dr. Myers.
She also mentions that certain individuals may be genetically susceptible to mold sensitivities. "Take myself as an example; I possess the HLA-DR gene which stops me from eliminating both toxic molds and their toxins," she explains. "It might be wise to undergo genetic testing to determine whether you're at risk."
To determine whether you currently have mycotoxins in your system, Dr. Myers mentions that various diagnostic tests can be used. "I prefer starting with a urine test," he states. RealTime Labs They check for various specific types of mycotoxins that might be present in your system."
What actions should be taken when dealing with mold toxicity?
If mycotoxins are present in your system, the initial step should be to avoid particular surroundings. Determining The origin of mold issues can be challenging," states Dr. Myers. "By doing this, you can determine which environments cause mycotoxin symptoms."
Regardless of whether your exposure to mold was short-term or long-lasting, recovery from its adverse impacts is possible. Dr. Myers suggests several approaches to alleviate mold-related symptoms:
- Remove toxic mold from your living space.
- Remove pro-inflammatory items like sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners from your diet.
- Manage your stress levels.
- Give priority to proper nutrition, and consume foods that are high in antioxidants and amino acids.
- For her patients, Dr. Myers also recommends supplements such as glutathione, which promotes immune system function and tissue repair, and L-Tyrosine, which supports your central nervous system.
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