Neurological Effects of Toxic Mold Much has been publicized about upper respiratory symptoms and allergic reactions that are caused by exposure to mold. Scientists are now finding increasing evidence that mold can cause behavioral and neurological problems such as aggression and psychosis.
Most famously, mold toxins can trigger outsized emotional reactions so severe, they've been dubbed 'mold rage. ' “Mold exposure can absolutely affect the brain to cause dramatic mood changes and trigger anxiety, irritability, anger and aggression,” Dr. Carnahan notes.
Neurological symptoms of mold toxicity can also include mood swings, depression, anxiety, and other changes in emotional well-being.
Neurological Symptoms
Mycotoxins release from the mold and travel on the spores. These toxins can cause kill or damage neurons, impairing brain function. Mood swings, irritability, and nervous disorders can all result from mycotoxin presence.
Mold can make you sick in 3 ways (1) allergic reaction (2) Invasive fungal infection (3) Mycotoxin poisoning.
Recovery from long-term mold exposure varies based on individual health and the severity of exposure. Some may see improvement within a few days of removing the mold source, while others may take weeks or months. In severe cases, professional medical intervention may be required.
Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.
It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.
Mold hates light. Other than moisture there's nothing mold loves more than dark places. An easy prevention against mold growth is opening your blinds and shades. If it's warm enough out, open the windows.
For most people symptoms will go away in 1 to 3 days, assuming their exposure is limited and the mold is cleaned up/avoided. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor. They can prescribe an allergy medication or provide other treatment ideas to make sure you are feeling better.
Research suggests that mold exposure is linked to cognitive impairments, including memory, concentration, and attention span difficulties. Changes in behavior, such as increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping, have also been reported in individuals exposed to mold.
Look for visible signs like discolorations or dark spots on surfaces, visible mold spores, warped walls, and other moisture issues. You may also smell something damp and musty as well as experience worsened allergy and asthma attacks.
Black mold is a fungus that may cause your immune system to react. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, congestion and eye irritation. It rarely causes serious illness or death but may worsen asthma symptoms.
Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.
Healing from mold toxicity is unique to the individual. In people who are not genetically susceptible to mold, a normal immune system response to spores or mycotoxins will generally help clear the body of the threat. For those who are genetically vulnerable, it's not as simple.
Chronic Fatigue: Mold forces your body to work harder, leading to persistent fatigue, especially in those with pre-existing conditions. Lung Issues: Prolonged exposure can cause lasting damage to lung function.
If you're experiencing allergies, persistent headaches, chronic fatigue, or respiratory issues, it could be a sign that your house is making you sick.
You can use a 3M LeadCheck Swab (found at most hardware stores) to do this; be sure you swab any children's products and imported goods. Conduct a lead risk assessment by a certified inspector before any home remodel.
In severe cases, folks may almost feel like something is trying to push one of their eyes out of its socket—and in very severe cases, a person may feel like their eye popping out would actually be a good thing, because at least then, they might experience some relief from the pressure in their skull!