When Spring Cleaning Can Save Your Life
March 15, 2023
Lisa Jackson
Lifestyle
This past week I helped to move a loved one out of a mold-infested apartment. She had severe health and memory issues. Exposure to mold can be dangerous, especially for those who are sensitive or allergic to it. The severity of the health effects depends on the type of mold, the amount of exposure, and the individual’s overall health status. Many types of mold produce mycotoxins, which can be carcinogenic and trigger everything from asthma and allergic reactions to flu like symptoms, muscle, and joint pain and memory loss.
Here are some of the potential dangers of mold exposure:
1. Allergic reactions: Mold can trigger allergic reactions in some people, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and skin rashes. (We experienced this immediately).
2. Respiratory problems: Breathing in mold spores can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
3. Infections: Some types of mold can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems. These infections can be serious and even life-threatening in some cases.
4. Neurological symptoms: Some studies suggest that exposure to certain types of mold may be linked to neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and memory loss.
5. Toxic reactions: Certain types of mold produce mycotoxins, which can cause toxic reactions in people who are exposed to them. Symptoms of mycotoxin exposure can include fever, muscle pain, joint pain, and other flu-like symptoms.
Overall, it’s important to take mold exposure seriously and address any mold growth in your home or workplace promptly. If you’re experiencing symptoms that you suspect may be related to mold exposure, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Mold can start to grow within 24 to 48 hours under ideal conditions. Mold thrives in moist environments and needs organic matter to grow. The drywall in most homes is a perfect petri dish for mold to grow and flourish.
Mold can also start to grow when the humidity level is above 60%. This is common in my region. Think of Washington in July and August!
Washington DC was actually built on a swamp and I have heard that many of the federal buildings have had a problem with water damage. Mold can grow at a wide range of temperatures, but it grows most rapidly at temperatures between 77°F and 86°F (25°C and 30°C).
Two years ago, we uncovered black mold in the air conditioning unit in my home office and discovered black rotted wood behind the drywall from a poorly installed new roof. I became quite ill and was fortunate that I had several remedies on hand to restore my health.
Today, I own two portable Air Doctor purifiers, one for my bedroom and one for my office, where I spend most of my time.
Air Doctor is a high-quality air filtration system that is designed to remove a variety of airborne pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, from your indoor air. It uses a 4-stage filtration process that includes a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, an UltraHEPA filter, and a proprietary dual-action gas trap/VOC filter.
The UltraHEPA filter is especially effective in removing mold spores from the air. It can capture particles as small as 0.003 microns, which is smaller than the size of most mold spores and 100 x smaller than a HEPA Filter. This means that the Air Doctor air filter can effectively trap mold spores and prevent them from spreading in your indoor air.
In addition, the activated carbon filter in the Air Doctor air filter can help eliminate any unpleasant odors caused by mold growth.
Overall, the Air Doctor air filter is a good choice for anyone looking to improve indoor air quality and prevent mold growth in their home or office. However, it’s important to note that while an air filter can help control mold growth, it should be used in conjunction with other mold prevention strategies, such as controlling humidity levels and fixing any leaks or water damage promptly. If needed, you can use this affiliate link for up to $300 off.
Lisa Jackson
