Are you curious about the potential common symptoms of mold toxicity from your long-term exposure? This article will discuss the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity and some steps you can take to mitigate internal mold damage.

Ever wonder why you can’t shake that nagging cough, or why you feel like you’re walking around in a fog?

You might not want to hear it, but mold could be the reason you’re sneezing like a machine gun in certain rooms, or why your joints ache like you’ve aged overnight.

Most of us don’t realize just how common mold is in our world or how easily we can be exposed.

From the damp corners of your bathroom to the leaky basement that’s been “on your to-do list” forever, mold is everywhere.

It’s not just an eyesore or a smell you deal with on a rainy day; it’s in “stealth mode”, ready to mess with your lungs, brain, and even your gut.

And no, that black spot you scrubbed off your windowsill last year doesn’t mean the problem is gone.

The good news? It’s fixable, but not with a little elbow grease and a spray bottle of bleach.

The body heals, but only when you stop exposing it to the same old crap.

Mold exposure is a serious, cumulative issue, and dealing with it means getting real about where it’s hiding and how it’s affecting your body (1).

Key Takeaways

Mold exposure is cumulative.
Respiratory, neurological, and digestive symptoms may indicate long-term mold toxicity (2).
Your body can heal if you stop exposing it to mold.

Understanding Mold and Its Presence in Our World

Mold is more common than you might think and understanding its different types and how you’re exposed is important.

Types of Mold

There are thousands of different types of molds, but only some are commonly found in homes.

Stachybotrys chartarum, often called black mold, is one of the most notorious types. It thrives in areas with high humidity and prolonged water damage.

Aspergillus, another common mold, can appear in places such as air conditioning units or damp walls.

Other molds like Penicillium are often found in water-damaged furniture, carpets, and wallpapers.

These molds grow quickly and spread easily through mold spores, which can float in the air.

Each type of mold can affect health differently, causing everything from allergies to digestive issues to neurological issues and more.

How You’re Exposed

Clients tell me all the time that they don’t have mold illness.

Part of this denial comes from not fully grasping the multiple ways you’re exposed, and the fact that exposures are cumulative (2).

Mold spores are microscopic and can be inhaled easily.

You can be exposed to mold through the air you breathe, the surfaces you touch, and even through water-damaged materials in your home (3, 15).

Have you ever tried to clean up a patch of mold on your own? Maybe it was that musty basement, the leaking window, the seasonal air conditioner, or perhaps your car upholstery?

Did you wear gloves and a mask?

Handling infested areas without proper protection can transfer mold onto skin or clothing.

Ingestion of mold spores can occur when consuming contaminated food or water. (I’m sorry, you can’t just cut off the visible mold and chomp away anymore)

Let’s look at ten symptoms of long-term mold exposure.

Respiratory Issues from Long-Term Mold Exposure

Breathing problems can be a big warning sign of ongoing mold exposure. These can become worse over time if the mold is not removed from your environment.

1. Chronic Coughing

You know that constant tickle in the back of your throat that makes you cough all the time? It can be a signal that mold is affecting your lungs.

This annoying cough doesn’t go away easily and might become worse in places where mold is present. It can also seem to improve when you leave the moldy room.

It’s often dry at first, but it can lead to phlegm production over time.

Long-term exposure can cause lasting damage to your respiratory system (4, 9, 13). If you’re experiencing a chronic cough, it might be time to inspect your home for mold and take action to clean it up.

2. Sneezing Fits

Frequent sneezing spells can also indicate mold exposure.

I don’t mean two or three sneezes – I mean five, ten, or fifteen in a row.

Especially if they only seem to happen in certain places, like that water-damaged office building.

When you breathe in mold spores, they irritate your nasal passages (13, 14), leading to an overactive sneeze reflex.

A dehumidifier can be a useful tool in managing indoor moisture levels, helping you curb sneezing fits caused by mold.

3. Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath

Feeling like you can’t take a full breath may be another sign of mold-related respiratory issues (13).

Mold exposure can lead to chest tightness, which can be alarming and uncomfortable.

This sensation occurs because mold spores can cause your airways to become inflamed, making breathing difficult.

Shortness of breath can be particularly troubling if you have asthma or other pre-existing respiratory problems.

Neurological Symptoms of Long-Term Mold Exposure

Exposure to mold over long periods can have significant effects on your brain.

Symptoms like brain fog, persistent headaches, and mood changes such as anxiety and depression impact your daily life, making it hard to concentrate or remember things

4. Brain Fog and Memory Loss

When dealing with mold toxicity, you might notice persistent brain fog and memory issues (13).

Brain fog makes it hard to focus or think clearly.

It’s like trying to remember something but feeling a cloud in your mind.

Memory loss might vary from forgetting small daily tasks to being unsure of past conversations or events.

This can be frustrating and scary and can slow you down at work or school.

Recognizing the early warning signs of mold exposure can be crucial in preventing more severe health issues. Symptoms can range from mild to more serious, affecting different parts of your body.

Fatigue

One of the first signs that you might be exposed to mold is unusual fatigue^[8]. You can barely pry your eyelids open (even after a full night’s sleep) or you feel more tired after a full night’s sleep.

This kind of fatigue is incongruent with your activities and can make daily life feel more exhausting.

• Mold exposure can weaken your immune system^[9], making your body work harder to keep you healthy.
• Being around mold means your body has to fight off allergens^[10], which can sap your energy. This makes it harder for you to stay active and alert, impacting your overall quality of life.

Coughing and Sneezing

Persistent coughing and sneezing can also signal mold exposure^[11]. When you come into contact with mold, your body might have an allergic reaction, releasing histamines that cause these common symptoms.

Coughing and sneezing are your body’s way of trying to get rid of irritants.

You might find yourself with a constant cough that doesn’t seem to go away. Or perhaps you have sneezing fits, where you sneeze eight, ten, twelve times or more in a few minutes.

It might be worse in certain areas of your house, like in that damp basement you hate to go into.

Stinging, Burning, Blurry Eyes

Your eyes are sensitive to mold spores. If you experience stinging, burning, or blurry vision, mold could be to blame^[12]. This can make it hard to focus on tasks and cause a lot of discomfort.

If you wear contacts, you might notice these symptoms even more.

Consider Charlotte: She noticed that it became difficult to see the computer monitor every day around 3-4 pm.

When she would take out her contacts at night, her eyes would sting and burn, making it hard to keep her eyes open to read.

She finally went to an eye doctor who advised that she had more white blood cells on the surface her eyes than she had ever seen, and prescribed allergy drops.

It wasn’t until Charlotte learned about mold that she connected the dots between her vision problems and her mold exposure.

Breathing and Sinus Issues

Breathing problems like wheezing and shortness of breath are common signs of mold exposure. (Have you ever had shortness of breath when you’re just relaxing? Mold might be the culprit.)

Your sinus passages can also become inflamed, leading to congestion and sinus pain. For people with asthma or chronic lung conditions, these symptoms can be severe.

You wake up feeling exhausted and drag yourself out of bed.

By mid-morning, you feel like you need to prop your eyelids open and have no idea how you’ll get through the day.

You might even find yourself nodding off in the early afternoon.

This tiredness isn’t just feeling occasionally sleepy—it’s constant and draining.

The toxins from mold affect your body’s systems, mitochondria, and antioxidants, leaving you feeling worn out (13, 16, 17, 18, 19).

Daily tasks can become a struggle, as fatigue reduces both physical and mental stamina.

10. Unexplained Joint Pain

Mold toxins can also cause joint pain that’s not otherwise explained.

The inflammation triggered by mold spores can lead to fluid build-up in joints, causing discomfort (10).

You might experience stiffness or aching in different parts of your body. It seems like every day something new hurts.

This pain can resemble arthritis and may make movement uncomfortable.

How to Mitigate Mold Exposure and Mold Toxicity Symptoms in Your Body

Dealing with long-term mold requires a plan that combines lifestyle adjustments and targeted interventions, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Remove Exposure and Prevent Mold Growth

The first step to mitigating mold in your body is to remove exposures. (You can’t begin to heal if you’re still under attack.)

Mold can linger in damp spaces in your home. Think about using dehumidifiers to lower indoor moisture. This helps to keep humidity levels below 60%, which is crucial for mold prevention.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture some mold spores from the air, leaving less for you to inhale.

Repair any leaks and ensure your home is well-ventilated.

Use your sniffer! If you notice a musty smell, it might be a sign that a professional inspection is needed.

Replacing moldy carpets or drywall can go a long way in improving your indoor air quality. (But don’t do this yourself! Hire a professional mold remediation specialist!)

Biofilm Disruption

Mold can form biofilms, which are protective layers shielding it from being expelled from the body (20).

Addressing these biofilms helps your body detox more effectively. (Otherwise, you’ll still be exposed to mold toxins from the little monsters that have colonized inside your body!)

There are specific supplements aimed at breaking down biofilms, allowing the body to fight against mold infections more efficiently.

You’ll want to work with a mold-literate practitioner to help you target biofilm directly.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is a simple technique that helps by stimulating the lymphatic system.

This promotes detoxification by increasing circulation and encouraging the removal of toxins.

Use a natural-bristle brush and make gentle, upward strokes starting from your feet towards your heart.

Doing this before a shower can boost circulation and remove dead skin cells to give you a natural glow. (Plus, it just feels good!)

It’s an easy addition to your daily routine that supports your body’s natural detox processes.

Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt baths are a relaxing way to assist in detoxification.

The magnesium in the salt can be absorbed through your skin, helping with muscle relaxation, toxin removal, and stress reduction. (It’s like “Calgon, take me away” but with essential minerals instead of toxic chemicals!)

For the best results, add about two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.

These baths can be done a few times a week, offering a soothing way to help your body manage mold toxicity symptoms.

Work with a Mold-Literate Practitioner

Seeking guidance from a professional who understands mold-related health issues is crucial.

A mold-literate practitioner can offer personalized advice, testing, and treatment options tailored to your needs. (Without wasting your time or resources.)

They might suggest specific protocols for detoxification and help you navigate mold infections.

Their expertise can be invaluable in creating a clear customized plan to improve your health and well-being.

Conclusion

Mold can feel like the world’s most stubborn houseguest, but unlike that friend who “forgets” to leave after dinner, you can’t just ignore it and hope it’ll disappear.

If you want to get rid of mold’s hold on your health, you’ve got to play offense.

That means more than just cleaning up the visible patches—it’s time to dig deep, disrupt its hiding spots in your body, and give yourself the chance to actually recover.

Your body is always healing, otherwise, you’d be six feet under already.

But it can only do so much if you keep letting mold sneak in through your air vents, under your floors, and into your lungs.

There’s no sugarcoating it – dealing with mold sucks.

But here’s the silver lining: you can take control.

Armed with a solid plan, from getting a pro to handle mold remediation to working with a mold-literate practitioner, you can break free from the cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity

Long-term exposure can lead to a range of health issues, including those affecting the respiratory and nervous systems. Knowing the symptoms of mold poisoning can help you recognize when you might be at risk and seek help to recover.

What kind of serious health issues can long-term mold exposure cause?

Long-term exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. Mold can also lead to allergic reactions, which include symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. In some cases, individuals might suffer from joint pain and stiffness triggered by mold toxins.

How might mold in my home affect my brain or nervous system?

Mold toxicity can impact your brain and nervous system. You might experience cognitive issues like memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or even mood changes. These symptoms occur because certain mold toxins can affect neurological function over time.

Are there specific symptoms that indicate exposure to mold in adults?

Adults experiencing mold poisoning may notice symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or digestive issues like nausea and abdominal pain. Skin rashes and vision problems can also be indicators. If these common signs persist, it’s a good idea to investigate potential mold exposure.

What does it feel like when you’re sick from mold in your living space?

Being sick from mold in your home can feel like having a constant cold or the flu. You might have a persistent cough, sinus congestion, or even feel tired all the time. Your home might also have a noticeable musty odor, which can be a sign of mold presence.

How does someone typically recover from health problems due to toxic mold?

Recovery involves addressing the mold in your living space through professional cleaning or repairs. Consult with a healthcare provider who can help manage symptoms and guide you on detoxification methods. It’s important to support your immune system with proper nutrition and rest during recovery.