Scientists have proven that exposure to mold can result in physical ailments. Inhaling mold spores leads to respiratory symptoms and skin ailments as the immune system responds to this biological threat. However, the link between mold exposure and mental health remains largely unexplored.
Linking poor mental health and mold exposure proves an ongoing challenge for many researchers. Much remains unknown about the brain, including mental health issues. The task of connecting mold and declining mental health requires weeding out other environmental factors, which isn't always possible.
The question remains: how can mold affect your mental health?
According to the Mayo Clinic, basic symptoms related to mold exposure include:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that "Research on mold and health effects is ongoing." We don't fully understand how mold can affect the brain, at least until we can demonstrate specifically that mold causes issues such as anxiety and depression. The connections between physical health and mental health, however, are hard to ignore.
Mental Health Connecticut cites studies performed at City University in New York, which demonstrate that "mold inhalation works in the same ways as a bacterial infection where an innate immune response is triggered and this results in behavioral dysfunction." Past and present studies continue to show that a link between mold exposure and mental health exists, but it's still too early to tell what that relationship looks like.
For example, in a 2007 study, "findings suggest that damp or moldy housing conditions are linked to a moderately elevated risk of depression." However, the researchers caution that "Future research should seek to confirm whether this link is causal and, if so, to what extent it is mediated by perception of control or physical health." In other words, are mental health conditions like anxiety and depression a result of mold exposure, or the environment as a whole?
According to Mental Health Connecticut, "Research also suggests that people who already have a mental health illness can find that their symptoms are exacerbated when exposed to mold." While this increase in symptoms doesn't directly connect mold, anxiety, and depression, no reasons exist to discredit mold's contribution.
Should you experience health issues due to mold, call the nearest physician to you in Annapolis, MD. Speak with them about mold treatment options and how you can improve your ailments short term to ensure a healthy disposition. Your health comes first.
If you live in Annapolis, MD, call FDP Mold Remediation to discuss your mold removal options. We offer professional mold remediation services necessary for improving your overall health and the livability of your home. If you have visible mold, we offer an on-site inspection for $149 (discounts may apply). However, the final price will depend on several factors, including the number of hidden sources, the size of the area damaged, the severity of the mold growth, etc. If you select us for mold removal, your inspection cost is automatically deducted from the final price.
Sometimes the best mold treatment comes with a proactive approach. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that "there is always some mold around." Mold is part of any ecosystem but that doesn't mean you have to let it take over your life. Instead, you can take the following steps to help prevent mold exposure:
Mold requires water and a food source to multiply. If you find mold that covers more than 10 square feet, the EPA recommends you call a licensed mold remediation specialist.
Removing mold from your home is just as important as seeking medical help after mold exposure. Give FDP Mold Remediation of Annapolis, a call today to see how we can help you identify, test for, and remove mold with as little hassle as possible.
Whether or not mold and depression are related, mold remediation experts like those at FDP Mold Remediation of Annapolis provide you the peace of mind to know that the mold in your home has been taken care of. Our company's licensed and certified mold remediation specialists use proven methods to keep you safe from mold for years to come.
