How do I know if I have mold allergies? Kevin Bristol discusses mold allergies and symptoms. Kevin Bristol, an expert in mold remediation says you will basically have upper respiratory problems as one of...
Kevin Bristol, an expert in mold remediation says you will basically have upper respiratory problems as one of your main symptoms. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. Of course you will want to determine if you have a mold allergy as soon as possible before you suffer serious health consequences. This article will tell you how to determine if you or someone in your family is suffering from an allergic reaction to mold and what to do about it.
Kevin Bristol, who is president of Advance Mold Remediation, is certified by the National Association of Mold professionals, The International Association for Mold professionals, and the Environmental Protection Agency. He states, "If you can't explain why you feel fatigued or you discover that there is visible mold [in your home] ...and you don't get tired or sick until you get home, then you know there is a problem with your house." He further explains that, "a reaction to mold can also cause nausea; it's kind of like the flu where you feel weak and achy." Bristol says that he knows first hand what it feels like to have a reaction to exposure to mold spores because he has been exposed to it for more than ten years and finds that if he is not wearing a respirator at work then later that night he starts feeling sick.
Exposure to mold can cause a myriad of problems. A mild allergic reaction to mold may just cause itchy water eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing, fatigue and nausea and or a headache. A severe reaction to mold exposure can change your life forever. These severe problems can be asthma, spots on your lungs, learning disabilities, and pulmonary embolism. The initial symptoms are similar to the mild reactions which are runny nose, itchy nose or eyes and throat and possibly a recurring bloody nose. According to Bristol, "The spores get stuck in your lungs and if you have been exposed to mold for long periods of time you definitely should see a medical doctor and be checked for mold exposure." He states that they have found spots on the lungs of people who live in houses with small amount of mold for a prolonged period of time.
If you expect mold to be a problem you will want to have your home checked by a mold remediation specialist. Bristol says that he uses a power respirator everyday when he has to enter very sick homes. He limits the time that he and his workers are exposed to the air in homes with extreme mold because he says it is impossible to protect yourself 100% from mold exposure even when you are wearing tieback suits and masks. A small amount of mold can be cleaned up by the homeowner, but extreme mold needs a specialist who can check every aspect of the house for mold including inside the walls. Bristol believes that there is an increase in the amount of mold in our homes today because our walls are not made of plaster anymore and the paints we use do not offer any protection against the growth of mold whereas the oil and lead based paints of the 60's did. If you suspect you are having a reaction to the mold in your home call a specialist to check your home. If the levels of mold are high you must move out immediately and see a doctor.
