Effects of Touching Mold Although most mold isn't toxic, the toxins released by some molds are known to cause skin irritations, rashes, and even fungal infections if an open wound is exposed. Sinus infections and upper respiratory infections can also be linked back to mold exposure.
Limit exposure as much as possible, wash your hands immediately after, don't touch your face until you've washed your hands and ventilate the areas where mold and you are in close contact (keep doors and windows open). Do these things and the likely hood of serious negative effects is very small.
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.
If you're not wearing any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you're inviting all of those mold spores to settle on your clothing, the area you're cleaning, your shoes (allowing mold to travel to other areas in your home), in your eyes, and up your nose into your upper respiratory system.
Many people aren't aware that mold can colonize and reproduce on our skin. It takes time for the microscopic spores to grow to where they are visible. In fact, there can be up to 250,000 mold spores on the head of a pin.
Mold, on the other hand, is alive and can reproduce. Unlike dust, simply wiping it away doesn't solve the problem; mold spores can linger and regrow.
Usually, no. If the food is porous (like bread) or moist (like jam), the surface mold you see has very likely permeated below the surface as well. Toss it out. There are a few exceptions, cases in which it's fine to remove the mold and eat the food.
Can hidden mold make you sick? Yes, inhaling invisible spores caused by hidden mold can cause health complications, especially for immunocompromised individuals, young children, and the elderly. It can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in the long run.
Mold is often described as smelling musty. Others have described mold as having an earthy or meaty odor, resembling the smell of wet socks or rotten wood. For many homeowners, the smell is unpleasant and pungent. As mold grows, it can emit gasses known as microbial volatile organic compounds, or MVOC's.
In some cases, people may experience symptoms of mold sickness immediately after exposure, while others may not notice any effects for weeks or even months.
Sensitive people who have touched or inhaled mold or mold spores may have allergic reactions such as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, skin rash and itching (dermatitis). Molds can trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic to molds, causing wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Inhalation is the most common route of exposure to mold spores and mycotoxins, but they can also be ingested or absorbed through the skin. Regardless of the route of exposure, mycotoxins are systemically bioavailable.
The Wrap Up. As you can see, mold does not die when it dries out. Instead, it enters a dormant state and can reactivate once moisture is reintroduced. Therefore, simply drying out mold-infested areas is not enough to eliminate the problem.
Long-term mould exposure can cause severe issues that can last for a long period of time and may cause irreversible damage to the human body, so it is important to never ignore that bit of mould growing.
Mold can cause detrimental effects on human health, especially for children or people with pre-existing health conditions. Asthma is the most common health issue associated with long-term indoor mold exposure. Adults who live in moldy homes are up to 50 percent more likely to develop asthma.
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.
If you or someone you know touches mold with their bare skin, wash the area with soap and water, and if irritation occurs, use aloe vera, oatmeal baths, or moisturizer to soothe the inflammation. You can potentially clean mold yourself, but only if it's a very small area.
If you do have asthma or other breathing problems, and you suspect you have an allergy to mold, contact your provider. If you have any type of severe breathing problem, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
1. 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.
Peripheral neuropathy may occur when exposed to mold over time, causing specific symptoms in your hands and feet. Examples of symptoms include a feeling of numbness, burning, tingling, weakness, and pain. For some, mold exposure can make you have sweating spells, blood pressure fluctuations, and heat intolerance.