Top 3 Reasons Mold Sickness Is A Hidden Epidemic!
Top 3 Reasons Mold Sickness Is A Hidden Epidemic!
You Could Be Sick From Mold, But Are Not Aware Of It!
Working, researching, and writing about mold since 2011 has taught me one critical lesson: most people sick from mold do not realize that mold is making them sick.
Unfortunately, the burden of determining if mold is the cause of the sickness, is usually up to the patient. This conclusion is based upon over a dozen interviews I have conducted with mold survivors that began in 2013 when I worked with a company in Western Canada and currently with Wonder Makers Environmental as their Marketing Director.
As stated in a previous blog, I have learned five key lessons during these interviews:
- There is a lack of appreciation in the medical community of the impact mold can have on certain individuals.
- Symptoms from mold sickness are broad, leading to multiple mis-diagnosis of patients by many doctors.
- Mold sensitized individuals seek help from multiple medical practitioners because their illnesses continue.
- The mold sensitized individual eventually learns that mold has been the cause of their sickness.
- Because traditional remediation approaches do not adequately address their sensitivities, mold sensitized individuals often are forced to seek alternative shelters.
The purpose of this article is to explain the top three reasons that mold sickness is a hidden epidemic.
#1 Hidden Mold!
One of the major points made by the one hour documentary, MOLDY is that hidden mold is a huge concern. Simply put, the dramatic photos you see showing full-scale infestations of black mold after floods and hurricanes are the exception not the rule.
The seven areas listed below are the most common areas in a home where you will find mold.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
The most common area where you will find mold is under the sinks because of leaks.
Appliances
Another potential source of leaks are your refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machines. Check behind and under the appliances for mold.
Roof
If you notice water stains on the ceilings, then your roof could be leaking which will cause mold if the leak is not repaired.
Windows
If you have condensation in the home, you will likely find mold on the window sills and around the windows.
Basement
If there is high humidity in your home, then check your basement and other areas of the home for mold.
Closets
Leaky pipes, high humidity, and other sources of moisture can result in hidden mold in your closets. If there are boxes in the closet, move them and check the walls and floor for mold.
Crawl Spaces
Moisture in your crawl space will cause mold to grow.
According to the documentary:
- At least 45 million buildings in the United Stats have unhealthy levels of mold.
- You have a 33% chance of being exposed to toxic mold when you move into a new home, apartment or office. The documentary also emphasizes the fact that many foods are contaminated with mold, including corn, peanuts, and coffee.
- Approximately 28 percent of the population have genes that make them highly susceptible to mold-related health issues.
- Despite the fact that mold is a significant health concern, like lead and asbestos, there are no federal environmental protections laws.
The number one reason mold is an epidemic; it is hidden and makes people sick.
#2 Building Practices Encourage Mold Growth
Modern day building building practices promote mold growth because homes are built with materials that mold loves to eat: wood, drywall, carpet, etc.
Moisture is the key component mold needs to grow and thrive. With this in mind, mold growth is a problem that can be prevented.
Unfortunately, according to the MOLDY documentary, at least 50 percent of homes in the United States have water damage issues caused by water line leaks, tears in moisture vapor barriers, leaky showers, condensation under eaves, and water pooling in crawl spaces. It is this water damage which causes mold to grow.
Improving building practices to prevent moisture issues is the single most effective way to prevent mold.
#3 Doctors Are Not Educated on Mold Sickness
Possibly every doctor in the United States is treating mold illness, and they just don’t realize it. (Dr. Scott McMahon, MD)
One of the key points made by the MOLDY documentary: most Physicians are unable to properly diagnose mold sickness patients because they do not have the knowledge or training.
According to Hilesca Hidalgo, a woman I interviewed earlier this year:
There is such a huge gap in care when it comes to mold illness that I found it extremely frustrating. I believe every medical assessment should include the question “have you been in a water damaged building?” There were many times that I felt so alone and with so little support that I didn’t know what to do. Luckily I have met some wonderful people in the many mold support groups that I have joined. The amount of people inflicted with mold illness and co-infections is unbelievable! So many have been misdiagnosed and unable to find medical help. They have shared their experiences and their healing and really helped guide me in finding my healing journey.
The experience of Hilesca Hidalgo is a common experience faced by most individuals battling mold sickness.
Awareness is the key. If you are consistently sick, have seen many different doctors, and are not getting better or begin to feel worse, then the cause of your illness could be hidden mold in your home.
Your best defense is to first verify that your home has mold which can be done through a professional mold inspection.
Once mold is verified, then seek out an environmental physician with experience dealing with mold afflicted patients. To find listings of environmental doctors throughout the world, click here.
Once you are diagnosed, you need to follow the medical treatment designed to detox your body and allow your immune system to recover and begin to regain its strength. The detox strategy will be prescribed by your physician who will likely recommend that you remove yourself from the property that has been making you sick until it is safe to occupy again.
As stated by Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, interviewed in the MOLDY documentary:
If you think you have a mold illness, there’s a way out….One, you have to get rid of it in your environment and Two, you have to get it out of your body, and Three, you have to repair the damage that has been done.
Questions? Mold B Gone is here to help! If you suspect that mold is making you sick, call us, 678-697-6267 or contact us via e-mail for further assistance.
Our goal is to help you live a healthier and happy life.
Most importantly, we truly empathize with your situation and are committed to helping you and guarantee our services.
Is #Mold Sickness A Hidden Epidemic?: Top 3 Reasons Mold Sickness Is A Hidden Epidemic! You could be sick from mold and not even know it. This article explains why mold is a hidden epidemic!
Posted by Mold-B-Gone Remediation, LLC on Saturday, October 10, 2015
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— Mold B Gone (@moldbgonega) October 10, 2015