Finding your way through the maze of mold-related issues can be hard, especially if you think mold is hiding in your house. That said, if you have suspicions, doing the proper testing is one of the best steps you can take.
In this article, we will talk about the most important tests you should do to find out if your body has been affected by mold. We will go through each testing option as well as its benefits and how they work to prevent long-term effects; Let’s get started.
Before we dive into different types of testing, let’s go over the basics first. Mold is a kind of fungus that typically thrives in moist environments. The substance appears as amorphous or viscous structures and displays a variety of colors, including green, black, or white. Mold emits minuscule particles known as spores into the atmosphere, which can pose a health risk when breathed in. Mold can be present both indoors and outdoors, and it flourishes in environments that have high levels of moisture.
Identifying and eliminating mold is crucial to mitigate health complications, particularly for individuals with CIRS – Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. If you have suspicions of mold in your residence, conducting tests can assist in confirming its existence and identifying its specific type.
Prolonged mold exposure can have diverse detrimental impacts on your well-being. Mold generates allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins that can cause health issues, especially with continuous exposure. Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, or CIRS for short, is a complicated and frequently disabling illness that develops from repeated exposure to mold or other biotoxins. People can experience dysregulated immune systems, which set off a series of inflammatory reactions throughout the body affecting multiple body systems. Fatigue, cognitive difficulties, confusion, disorientation, respiratory problems, joint discomfort, chronic pain, headaches, hormone imbalance, abdominal pain, diarrhea/constipation, light sensitivity, redness, blurring of vision, numbness, tingling, vertigo, and skin rashes are some among the common symptoms. For this reason, it is imperative to swiftly deal with any mold issues.
If you have reason to believe that there is mold in your house, there are measures you can take to deal with the problem. Prioritize obtaining mold testing to definitively establish its existence and ascertain the specific mold species.
Multiple testing methods, such as ERMI and HERTSMI2 testing, are available to analyze the mold species and their concentrations in your home. Furthermore, conducting tests for compounds such as actinomyces and beta-glucans can also aid in evaluating the dangers associated with mold. These tests are essential tools for assessing the magnitude of the issue and directing your mold cleanup endeavors.
The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index also known as ERMI is a testing method employed to assess the degree of mold contamination in indoor settings. The assessment yields a quantitative score that accurately represents the types of mold species and their levels of concentration within a structure. ERMI testing entails the collection of dust samples from different regions within the household and examining them for the existence of DNA sequences associated with mold.
Subsequently, this data is utilized to compute the ERMI score, which aids in evaluating the possible health hazards linked to mold exposure in a certain area. ERMI testing is a significant tool for homeowners and professionals to accurately detect and resolve mold issues.
The HERTSMI2 is another mold testing method specifically developed to assess the health hazards linked to particular types of mold species by identifying their mycotoxins and inflammagens.
HERTSMI2 differs from ERMI in that it specifically targets a limited set of mold species that are known to generate mycotoxins and inflammagens, which might potentially have negative health impacts.
HERTSMI2 testing entails the acquisition of dust samples from various sections of a structure, akin to ERMI. The samples are then further examined to determine the existence and amount of mold species linked to health issues. The findings are utilized to compute a HERTSMI2 score, which aids in evaluating the possible health hazards linked to mold exposure in a specific setting.
Aside from mold-related issues, there exist additional chemicals and microorganisms that have the potential to compromise the quality of your indoor air and potentially harm your health. Two notable compounds to be mindful of are Actinomyces and Beta Glucans.
Actinomyces is a bacterial genus that is frequently present in soil and can sometimes enter interior environments. Although not directly correlated with mold, it is often found with mold. In fact, typically, when one smells something “moldy” or “musty,” it is often due to the presence of actinomyces. In order to maintain a secure living environment, it is crucial to closely observe the levels of Actinomyces and promptly deal with any underlying problems.
Beta Glucans are intricate polysaccharides present in the cellular structures of fungus, particularly specific varieties of molds. The presence of Beta Glucans in your home can indicate mold proliferation and potentially lead to health complications. Conducting Beta Glucan testing can assist in identifying potential mold issues, even in the absence of mold species detection. Controlling the levels of Beta Glucan is essential for ensuring a healthy indoor environment.
As we previously mentioned, checking your home for mold can be beneficial for various reasons. Here are some of the most prominent reasons:
To summarize, regular mold inspections and testing not only safeguard your health and well-being but also enhance the safety and comfort of your living environment. Implementing preventive measures to mitigate mold problems can prevent the onset of illness, chronic ailments, and the accompanying financial burdens, thereby guaranteeing a healthier and more content life for both you and your family.
At Mitogenesis in Scottsdale, we recognize the significance of a conducive living environment and its influence on your entire state of health. If you have worries regarding mold exposure or have undergone mold testing for your body, our proficient medical team, led by Dr. Mel Schottenstein, provides extensive assistance and customized therapies to address your individual requirements.
The services we provide encompass:
If you have mold in your house and are looking for effective tests or medical advice regarding mold exposure, our experts at Mitogenesis can help. Get in touch with us to find out more about our mold testing services as well as the ways we can enhance your general health. Simply give us a call or fill out a contact form with your information to get started!
