Molds flourish in environments that are warm and frequently moist and these areas include toilets, basements, baths, kitchens and showers. Additionally, mold has the capacity to grow on paper, wood or dirt. In interior spaces where humidifiers are used and also in humid climates, mold could grow even more profusely. No matter the color, all molds should be taken out from all buildings in which they are found. For some, being exposed to mold could result in minimal effects like coughing, sneezing or stuffy nose. However, persons who have weakened immune systems or individuals afflicted with mold allergies or asthma this could have stronger reactions to mold.
Mold Exposure Symptoms
Mold can affect persons in many different ways and it normally results in absolutely no symptom. However, outlined below are some common symptoms in individuals with mold sensitivity:
• Skin rash
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Nose stuffiness
• Red or itchy eyes
• Wheezing
It is important to note that for persons with true mold allergy, their symptoms could be significantly worse. For those afflicted with asthma, there are particular molds that could contribute to asthma attacks and persons afflicted with chronic respiratory conditions could experience more severe breathing difficulty. Furthermore, individuals with compromised immune systems could be more prone to developing lung or skin infection.
Testing for Mold Exposure
Testing for mold toxicity in humans is a simple and usually noninvasive technique. This test detects noxious chemicals found in mold called mycotoxins. These are molecules produced naturally in fungi or molds. Typically, only a urine sample is required. Additionally, testing can also be performed on sputum collected by a doctor, tissue biopsy or nasal secretions.
Essentially, testing for mold exposure can determine whether the person is afflicted with detrimental mold effects. This type of testing can be used to effectively determine whether mold toxicity is present in the body of the individual being tested.
The majority of states in the United States allow people to purchase their own lab tests. The persons in any one of these states have the choice of buying their Direct Access Test (DAT) by going online. Individuals living in non-DAT states need to get an order from a physician to buy a test. If mycotoxins are detected during the testing process, the healthcare professional in charge could arrange a consultation with a medical team to talk about options regarding treatment.
Mold toxicity tests for humans are there which have the capability of identifying up to 16 varieties of mycotoxins and these comprise 9 macrocyclic trichothecenes. The process of testing could entail using competitive ELISA; this is a very sensitive detection system that utilizes antibodies equipped against mycotoxins.
When testing for mold exposure, the results are displayed numerically, making it easy to understand. This is designed to reveal levels of detection in ppb as regulated for clinical use by the Food Industry, FDA, WHO and CDC. Furthermore, results show whether toxicity was present or equivocal and ranges of detection for each as well.
