Living Healthier Now

Toxic Mold Syndrome – Also Known As Sick Building Syndrome

This blog addresses a topic that has recently gained more attention.  Toxic mold syndrome can manifest itself in many different ways. Some of the symptoms associated with toxic mold include such things as itchy, watery eyes, being well when you are away from the building, pregnancy problems and incidences of cancer. The list of symptoms is far ranging and shows that they can be associated with other health problems as well. This is why it is often hard for doctors to diagnose toxic mold syndrome and why it is necessary to look at measures for decontamination and remediation.

Some dear friends of mine have a daughter who had a miscarriage and we believe it was due to the indoor air quality problems and molds in their home.  Since taking care of the mold, she has had a successful pregnancy.  Don’t take chances – if you feel sick, have your home tested!

Toxic mold syndrome can sometimes be called sick building syndrome. This is because the building is what is making people sick. Although you may not be able to see, feel or smell anything, the building may still have symptoms of toxic mold and this is what is making you feel miserable. You probably won’t even realize that you have symptoms of sick building syndrome until you are away from the building for a while and then return.

Some of the things in office buildings that cause toxic mold syndrome are fungal mold spores that spread through the heating ducts. If you have a sensitivity to smells, you may be able to smell the toxic mold, but in most cases your co-workers don’t smell it.  The only way to get rid of your symptoms of illness is to take steps toward decontamination and remediation for toxic mold removal.

If the building is airtight or has a poor ventilation system, you have a greater chance of developing toxic mold syndrome. Another of the symptoms of toxic mold is stained ceiling tiles. This is because the tiles have gotten wet and mold has formed on the cardboard of the tiles. This is one of the most obvious signs that toxic mold decontamination and remediation should be a high priority for the health of those working there.

You may not think so, but when you have reason to believe you have toxic mold syndrome, there are actions you can take. You can take pictures of the stained tiles and make a complaint in writing to your supervisor. This puts a record on file that you have complained about the presence of the symptoms of toxic mold and that you are asking the company to do something about toxic mold decontamination and remediation. There are government agencies that deal in studies about toxic mold decontamination and remediation. They can also answer any questions you might have about toxic mold syndrome.

To Decontaminate and keep further mold from growing, check out these air purification systems: www.activtek.net/glream and www.fresherair.org.  For remediation, consult a local mold remediation specialist.