Mold exposure is a common problem that can cause a variety of concerning symptoms. Inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. But how do you know if you’ve actually breathed in mold spores? Here are some key signs and symptoms to help determine if your health issues stem from a mold exposure.
Where is Mold Found?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm environments. It produces tiny spores that are released into the air which allows mold to spread and reproduce. Mold can be found both indoors and outdoors in a variety of locations:
- Behind walls, under carpets, in insulation material
- On damp surfaces like windows, showers, basements
- On rotting wood, drywall, ceiling tiles, cardboard
- In HVAC systems, air ducts, humidifiers
- In carpets, fabric, stuffing of furniture
- On plants, soil, compost, mulch
- On decaying leaves, logs, and grass
If you notice a musty odor or see fuzzy growths in any of these locations, you likely have a mold problem.
Health Effects of Mold Inhalation
When mold spores are present in the air, you can easily breathe them in. Once inhaled, these spores can trigger health issues including:
Allergic Reactions
Exposure to mold may cause immediate allergic reactions in those with mold allergies. Symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Red, itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
These symptoms typically start within minutes to hours after exposure to mold.
Asthma Attacks
Inhaling mold can also worsen asthma symptoms. Mold exposure can cause asthma attacks and difficulty breathing for those with asthma or mold allergies.
Respiratory Infections
Some molds produce mycotoxins, hazardous substances that can cause respiratory infections when inhaled. Mold exposure has been linked to pneumonia, acute bronchitis, wheezing, and worsened COPD symptoms. Those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk.
Irritation
Breathing in mold may irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs even in those without mold allergies. This can cause cough, sore throat, runny nose, irritated eyes, and headaches.
Organ Damage
Toxic mold spores like black mold may cause chronic inflammation and bleeding in the lungs and airways. This can lead to permanent lung damage over time. Kidneys, blood, and the central nervous system may also be impacted by toxic mold.
Signs You May Have Breathed in Mold
How can you tell if respiratory symptoms, allergies, and other health issues are actually stemming from a mold exposure? Here are some key signs:
Onset After Being in a Moldy Area
If symptoms begin right after being in an area with a known mold problem, it is likely the cause. For instance, if you enter a damp, musty basement and start wheezing or sneezing immediately, mold is likely to blame.
Improvement Away from Mold Exposure
Allergic reactions and respiratory irritation from mold often clear up when away from the source of the mold. If symptoms get better at work or on vacation but worsen at home, your home mold is likely causing the problem.
Occur Seasonally
Mold allergies may flare up seasonally when outdoor molds are most active. This is common in the late summer into early fall. Seasonal symptoms when you are exposed to mold point to inhalation.
Occur After it Rains
Growth of indoor and outdoor mold increases with moisture. If symptoms consistently worsen after periods of rain or high humidity, mold may be the trigger.
Allergy Testing Positive for Mold
Allergy testing can check for allergic antibodies to many common indoor and outdoor airborne allergens like mold. If you test positive specifically for mold allergies, mold inhalation is very likely causing symptoms.
Identifying Damaged Building Materials
Seeing water damage, leaks, moisture issues and identifying damaged building materials known to grow mold indicates you likely have been exposed through inhalation. Common problematic materials include drywall, insulation, carpeting and ceiling tiles.
Musty Smell Present
Detecting a persistent musty, earthy smell, especially when entering certain rooms in a home or building, suggests mold growth you are breathing in. The odor results from mold releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
How to Test for Mold
To help diagnose a mold problem, there are several testing options:
Physical Inspection
A visual inspection by a mold specialist should identify signs of mold growth and sources of moisture. This can reveal if high levels of airborne mold spores are likely present. However, air sampling may be needed to confirm.
Air Sampling
An industrial hygienist can take air samples to detect spore types and levels present. Samples are taken outdoors for comparison. Higher indoor levels indicate inhalation exposure.
Surface Sampling
Swab or tape samples can be taken from visibly moldy surfaces or building materials to identify specific mold types present.
Mycotoxin Testing
Urine or blood samples may check for mold toxins in the body from Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) exposure. This helps diagnose toxic mold exposure.
How to Reduce Mold Exposure
To decrease mold inhalation and related health issues:
- Fix any water damage, leaks, and moisture issues
- Ventilate damp areas like bathrooms, basements
- Clean moldy surfaces with bleach or vinegar
- Replace porous moldy materials like carpets, drywall
- Use dehumidifiers to keep humidity under 50%
- Use exhaust fans and open windows when cooking, showering
- Clean HVAC systems and change furnace filters often
- Consider professional mold inspection and remediation
- Spend less time in damp, moldy areas
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can also help reduce airborne mold spores indoors. Avoiding outdoor activity when mold counts are high limits exposure as well. Pay attention to health symptoms and see an allergist if mold is suspected.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a physician if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms after potential mold exposure. Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, wheezing that does not improve with medication, or symptoms in those with weakened immune systems.
Testing for mold allergies, asthma evaluation, and treatment for respiratory infections may be warranted. Those with chronic lung illness or mold toxicity may need referrals to pulmonologists or environmental health specialists.
The Bottom Line
Inhaling airborne mold spores can trigger allergy symptoms, asthma attacks, respiratory infections and toxicity. Noticing symptoms after being in damp buildings with musty odors points to likely mold inhalation. Testing can confirm if health issues are stemming from indoor mold growths. Reducing moisture levels and properly remediating mold decreases exposure. See a doctor if mold is causing concerning respiratory symptoms or allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you breathe in mold?
Yes, mold produces very small spores that easily become airborne and can be breathed into the lungs when inhaled. Mold spores are everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, and exposure is hard to avoid completely. However, inhaling high amounts of mold spores can cause health issues in many people.
What are the first symptoms of breathing in mold?
Common first symptoms after inhaling mold include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, sore throat, nasal congestion, eye irritation, skin irritation, headache, and exacerbation of asthma. Allergic reactions like runny nose and sneezing may also occur right after exposure in those with mold allergies.
Can mold inhalation cause coughing?
Yes, coughing is a common symptom after breathing in mold. Mold spores and particles can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing. Mold can also worsen respiratory infections, causing persistent coughs. Those with asthma or allergies may cough more when exposed to indoor mold.
Can you tell if you have black mold in your lungs?
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, produces trichothecene mycotoxins that can cause bleeding in the lungs when inhaled at high levels over time. Symptoms of black mold exposure include coughing up blood, chest tightness, wheezing, and feeling short of breath. If toxic black mold exposure is suspected, lab tests can detect mycotoxins in the urine or blood for diagnosis.
Should I see a doctor for mold exposure?
Yes, it’s a good idea to see a doctor if you know or suspect ongoing mold exposure that is causing worrisome respiratory symptoms or allergies. A physician can evaluate your symptoms, order allergy testing, assess for infections, and make treatment recommendations. Those with asthma, lung illness or weakened immune systems may need medical attention for mold exposures.
Conclusion
Mold lurks in many environments and exposure is common. However, breathing in spores can cause concerning health effects in many people, especially those with allergies or asthma. Being aware of the signs of mold inhalation allows you to pinpoint if exposure is causing your symptoms so proper treatment can begin. Taking steps to eliminate sources of mold limits exposure. But when concerning symptoms do occur after being around mold, promptly consulting a doctor is key to regaining wellness.