Mold is never welcome in your home, especially when it causes allergy symptoms that distract you from your daily routine. But how does mold affect your health in the long run? The long-term effects of toxic mold exposure can be psychological as well as physical. Today, the experts at MoldGone in Maricopa County give you a look at how mold in your home could affect your health and well-being.
How Does Mold Affect Your Health?
Toxic mold exposure affects your health in various ways, from your respiratory system to your mental health. The short-term effects of mold exposure can be inconvenient, but the long-term effects carry higher risks and are more severe.
One of the most common long-term effects of toxic mold exposure is asthma. Although asthma is a common and manageable problem, mold makes asthma symptoms worse. Mold is significantly more dangerous to babies, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems. Because of their vulnerability, there is a higher risk of them developing asthma due to toxic mold exposure.
Mold’s effect on humans is astonishing and dangerous. The long-term effects of black mold exposure can be debilitating, as the story of Kimberlyn shows. Kimberlyn went from being a very detailed and hard-working woman to unorganized and confused in the span of months. Her entire life changed because of her symptoms. She underwent various tests until a doctor confirmed that she had toxic mold syndrome from the black mold in her home. While she was able to get treatment and feel better after a period of time, it would have been much better for Kimberlyn if she had avoided the harmful effects of black mold exposure sooner.
How Does Mold Affect the Brain?
It may be obvious that mold exposure can affect your lungs, but how does mold affect the brain? Long-term effects of toxic mold exposure can cause or complicate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and memory issues.
When mycotoxins from toxic mold are inhaled, they can block the production of dopamine—the “happy” chemical—in the prefrontal cortex. When this happens, depression sets in or grows worse.
Mold can also increase anxiety by pumping too many stimulating chemicals into the brain. Glutamate and phenylethylamine (PEA) normally boost energy and stimulate the brain. However, black mold toxins cause the brain to produce an excess of these chemicals, leading to heightened anxiety.
Black mold’s effect on memory is a surprisingly powerful one. Our memories depend on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is protected by a layer called the myelin sheath. When you’re exposed to toxic mold over a period of time, it begins to break down the myelin sheath, leading to memory issues.
In a study by the City University of New York, psychiatrists exposed mice to mold spores three times a week. About three weeks later, the mice showed memory issues and confusion. Despite this study being animal-focused, it shows how just a small amount of mold exposure can affect the brain.
Protect Your Health and Home in Maricopa County
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand. If one is negatively impacted, it’s likely that the other will be affected too. Don’t let toxic black mold affect your health! If you notice any signs of black mold and you live in Maricopa County, contact the experts at Mold Gone. Our mold remediation services will help you protect your health and your family’s health so you don’t have to suffer any long-term effects of toxic mold exposure. Give us a call to schedule a free inspection today.
Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash