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Array of Solutions Don’t Sleep Easy Until You Breath Easy

Alike other companies, our main goal is to satisfy our customer’s needs by restoring and making their home free from mold. We have a team of experienced and qualified technicians. Moreover, we are an insured removal company that’s what we differ from other companies.
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  • "I highly recommend this company for any mold testing services , prompt response by the owner Doug who offered helpful user friendly info and prompt service in Greenville SC, the results were ready and available the next day , if you need quality air tests or other mold issues recommend Array of Solutions"

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  • "Great,prompt service for mold testing in Greenville South Carolina, answered all questions with helpful user friendly verbage from the owner Doug , he did the testing himself then results came back next day from his professional lab here in Greenville SC ,highly recommend this company for good results and peace of mind"

    R Anderson

  • "Doug was friendly and reliable during our interaction. He came out to my house as scheduled and evaluated the water problem in my crawl space and some other drainage issues outside the front of my house. He was very thorough in his quote preparation. I also had some mold/ air quality concerns in my daughter’s room. While at my house, he kindly offered to run an air sample with his equipment to determine if there was any kind of mold or allergy issues. He did this for a very reasonable price compared to other quotes I had received. He sent me detailed lab results of the findings that were very helpful. Overall, Doug has been very attentive and thorough in all of his quotes and work."

    Conrad
Mold testing Spartanburg area - How to get rid of mold - What should I do if I have mold in my house? - What is Mold? - Mold Sickness

Mold Sickness: Part 2

In my previous article, I introduced the concept of “Mold Sickness” and briefly outlined how mold toxins can impact your health. Today, I want to delve deeper into the symptoms associated with mold exposure and the broader implications of mold-related illnesses.

Array of Solutions, a trusted name in mold removal in Greenville South Carolina since 2007, stands ready to tackle your mold woes. With our expert mold inspection Greenville services and EPA-Registered credentials, we’re equipped to detect, remove, and prevent mold growth in your home or business.

Table of Contents

Understanding Mold Sickness

Mold sickness is a term used to describe the adverse health effects resulting from exposure to mold and its toxins. The range of symptoms can vary widely among individuals, depending on their unique immune responses and sensitivities. One of the key challenges in diagnosing mold-related illnesses is that symptoms can overlap with those of other conditions, making it difficult to pinpoint mold as the underlying cause.

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Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)

A significant condition related to mold sickness is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). This term was popularized by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker in his book “Surviving Mold: Life in the Era of Dangerous Buildings.” According to Dr. Shoemaker, CIRS is a systemic inflammatory response acquired following exposure to environments contaminated by water-damaged buildings, which harbor toxigenic organisms such as fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes.

Dr. Shoemaker defines CIRS as follows:

“Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome is an acute and chronic systemic inflammatory response acquired following exposure to the interior environment of a water-damaged building with resident toxigenic organisms, including, but not limited to fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, and Mycobacterium, as well as inflammations…”

Dr. Shoemaker further explains that approximately 25% of people cannot produce adequate antibody responses to these toxins, making them particularly vulnerable to mold-related illnesses. This percentage, while small, represents a significant portion of the population who are at a heightened risk of suffering from chronic mold exposure.

The Individual Nature of Immune Responses

One of the most intriguing aspects of mold exposure is how individual immune systems respond to it. Just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two immune systems are identical. This variability means that while one person might be unaffected by mold exposure, another might experience severe health issues. For example, I have often inspected homes with significant mold contamination where the occupants report no symptoms. Conversely, other individuals living in similar conditions may suffer from a range of debilitating symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Symptoms of mold sickness can be diverse and impact various systems of the body. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Respiratory Issues: Persistent coughing, wheezing, sinusitis, and rhinitis.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Memory problems, brain fog, headaches, and light sensitivity.
  • General Discomfort: Chronic fatigue, weakness, malaise, and joint pain.
  • Sensory Problems: Numbness and tingling in extremities, sensitivity to light.
  • Allergy-like Reactions: Itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other health conditions, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Many individuals experiencing these symptoms may not immediately connect them to mold exposure, especially if the mold is hidden or not immediately visible.

The Compounding Effect of Antibiotics

A complicating factor in mold sickness is the frequent use of antibiotics. Extended use of antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of the microbiome, potentially exacerbating mold-related symptoms and reducing the effectiveness of treatments. This is particularly problematic for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, who may already be more susceptible to mold’s effects.

What You Can Do

If you suspect that mold exposure might be affecting your health, it’s crucial to take action:

  1. Schedule a Mold Inspection: A thorough inspection can identify hidden mold sources and assess the extent of contamination.
  2. Address Moisture Issues: Fix any leaks, control humidity, and ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold growth.
  3. Consult Healthcare Professionals: Seek advice from healthcare providers who are open to exploring environmental factors as part of their diagnostic process.
  4. Monitor and Document Symptoms: Keep a record of symptoms and their correlation with environmental changes or exposure to mold.

Mold Sickness

Conclusion

Mold sickness is a serious health concern that requires attention and action. By understanding the symptoms and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of mold. If you have questions or need assistance with mold exposure, contact me, Douglas Whitehead, at 864-710-6413. With over a decade of experience in mold inspection and remediation, I can help you identify and address mold-related issues in your home. Visit Arrayofsolutions.com to learn more about my services and expertise.