Is Your Home Making You Sick? Signs of Mold Exposure

Many people experience chronic allergies, respiratory issues, or unexplained fatigue without realizing that indoor mold could be the cause. Mold spores are microscopic and can easily go undetected, affecting air quality and overall health.

If you have been feeling unwell, your home or workplace may be harboring hidden mold. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common health symptoms of mold exposure, how to identify mold in your home, and what you can do to protect your health.

How Does Mold Affect Your Health?

Mold produces spores and airborne toxins that can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory distress, and neurological symptoms in sensitive individuals. People who are most at risk include:

• Children and infants (developing immune systems are more vulnerable).

• Elderly individuals (more susceptible to respiratory conditions).

• People with asthma or allergies (mold exposure can trigger severe reactions).

• Those with weakened immune systems (cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, etc.).

Even healthy individuals can develop mold-related health problems if exposed to high levels of spores over time.

Signs of Mold Exposure

1. Respiratory Issues & Allergy-Like Symptoms

One of the most common effects of mold exposure is increased respiratory problems. If you experience these symptoms indoors but feel better when you leave the house, mold may be the culprit.

Signs to watch for:

✔ Persistent coughing or wheezing

✔ Sinus congestion and sneezing

✔ Shortness of breath or chest tightness

✔ Increased asthma attacks

✔ Sore throat or itchy nose

2. Fatigue, Headaches, and Brain Fog

Prolonged exposure to mold can lead to chronic fatigue and cognitive issues due to the release of mycotoxins into the air.

Common neurological symptoms include:

✔ Persistent fatigue or low energy

✔ Frequent headaches or migraines

✔ Difficulty concentrating or memory problems

✔ Dizziness or balance issues

If you notice these symptoms worsening at home or work, but improving when you are elsewhere, mold exposure could be to blame.

3. Skin, Eye, and Throat Irritation

Mold spores and airborne mycotoxins can cause direct irritation to your skin, eyes, and throat.

Signs include:

✔ Red, itchy, or irritated skin

✔ Watery, burning, or swollen eyes

✔ Sore throat or hoarseness

✔ Unexplained rashes or hives

If you experience ongoing irritation with no other known allergens present, mold could be a hidden trigger.

4. Worsening Asthma or Respiratory Conditions

For individuals with pre-existing lung conditions, mold exposure can worsen symptoms and even lead to dangerous complications.

People with asthma, COPD, or bronchitis may experience:

✔ Increased shortness of breath

✔ More frequent asthma attacks

✔ Wheezing and tightness in the chest

✔ Prolonged respiratory infections

If your asthma symptoms suddenly worsen indoors, mold in your home could be a contributing factor.

5. Musty Odors or Visible Mold Growth

Even if you don’t experience health symptoms, mold contamination can still be harmful to your home’s structure and air quality.

Signs of mold in your home include:

✔ A musty, damp, or earthy smell that lingers

✔ Dark spots on walls, ceilings, or around windows

✔ Peeling paint or bubbling drywall

✔ Excess condensation on windows or pipes

✔ Warped wood or sagging ceilings

If you notice any of these warning signs, a mold inspection is highly recommended.

When Should You Get a Mold Inspection?

If you experience any of the following, it’s time to schedule a professional mold inspection:

✔ You have ongoing health symptoms that improve when you leave home.

✔ You’ve had recent water damage, leaks, or flooding.

✔ You detect a musty smell, but can’t find the source.

✔ Your home has high humidity or poor ventilation.

✔ You can see visible mold growth on walls, ceilings, or furniture.

Protect Your Health with Professional Mold Remediation

At MoldPros, we specialize in mold testing, remediation, and air quality improvement to keep your home safe. Our Instascope technology detects mold in real time, providing fast and accurate results.

Call us today for a mold inspection: 412-628-3011

Visit us online: www.westpamoldpros.com

Serving Pittsburgh & Western PA