By Kristen Alexander

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July 25, 2024

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Mold is everywhere in our environment, especially now during these hot and humid months. From the pink film on your shower curtain to the moldy berries lurking in the back of your refrigerator, we are exposed to mold (and mycotoxins) more frequently than we realize. 

With the growing number of toxins our bodies are exposed to daily (chemicals, fragrances, plastics, etc.), it has become more difficult for our bodies to keep up with the demand, resulting in more chronic illnesses. 

You may read this and think that the ‘mold conversation’ is just a new trend since, historically, we have been able to coexist with mold without any issue or known consequence. While this may be true, the amount of environmental toxins and exposures has increased as society has become more industrialized, therefore creating a higher environmental burden on our bodies. While many people can be exposed to mold on a daily basis without issue, this is not the case for everyone – as it all depends on the individual body burden and ability to eliminate toxins and waste appropriately.

 

What does mold illness look like?

There is no set criteria for mold illness, as each person typically experiences a different presentation of symptoms. Unfortunately, some of the most common symptoms tend to mimic other conditions and can be difficult to differentiate, but they include headaches, unexplainable fatigue, rashes, hives, itching, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, recurring sinus infections, difficulty breathing, and many more. 

 

Read More | The Health Effects of Mold Exposure & The Naturopathic Approach

 

How can I protect against mold?

Purchase a dehumidifier for your home to reduce excess moisture that could contribute to mold formation. Aim for less than 50% humidity in the home! Make sure there is good airflow throughout your home. Open closets and storage spaces frequently and allow them to air out. Change your HVAC and HEPA air filters on a regular basis! Check ceilings, attics, and crawl spaces after each rain to ensure there are no leaks. Create a schedule so that you are able to monitor all appliances, sinks, toilets, etc on a regular basis to ensure there are no water leaks

 

Read More | Air Health: Benefits of Air Purifiers for Spring

 

What if I find mold in my home?

If you think you may have mold in your home, consider reaching out to a local home inspector who is specifically trained and focuses on mold, as general inspectors are not always fully trained in this area. A thorough mold inspection will take many hours to complete and will be very thorough, but will help determine if mold is present in your environment. If remediation is recommended, it is important to hire a separate contractor to complete the remediation to ensure there are no conflicts of interest.

 

I think mold may be contributing to my symptoms – what do I do next?

Are you ready to investigate mold as a potential underlying cause of your symptoms? Our naturopathic doctors will ask extensive questions about your health and environmental exposure history to determine if you may be experiencing mold-related illness.

 

Dr. Alexander recently completed Dr. Jill Crista’s Intensive Certification on Mold-Related Illness, which effectively taught her how to identify vulnerable patients and how to safely and properly support them on their journey with mold-related illnesses. 

 

If you suspect mold sickness or want to investigate further, schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexander or one of our other mold-literate providers today.