How to Test to See If You Have Mold Poisoning
Mold is a microscopic organism that can be found wherever there is moisture. While most mold is harmless, some can cause medical conditions such as asthma. Mold can be found inside a home or other building or outside. It can be found in the soil and in the air. Testing for mold symptoms often needs to be performed when symptoms persist.
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Instructions
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Schedule an appointment with your physician. You will need to discuss with your doctor your symptoms and have a physical exam to rule out other conditions. To test for mold allergies, your doctor will order skin tests and/or blood tests to see if the allergy can be identified. The skin test will diagnose if you are allergic to specific molds, and the blood test will measure certain antibodies in your bloodstream to measure your immune system's response to mold.
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Examine your home for signs of mold. Look for mold growth and smell for a suspicious odor. When mold growth is difficult to locate, test the air inside and outside the house; material samples will be used for testing to determine the extent of the contamination.
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Identify the symptoms of conditions that could be a result of mold poisoning, such as respiratory mold allergy. aspergillosis, pneumonitis and sinus headaches. Most are characterized by flu-like symptoms.
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Tips & Warnings
For questions about mold and mold testing, contact your state's health department.
Mold symptoms often experienced resemble those of allergy symptoms. Other symptoms include coughing, congestion, runny or stuffed nose, sore throat, wheezing or breathing difficulties, eye irritation and upper respiratory infections.
If you are experiencing symptoms that do not seem to clear or reoccur, schedule an appointment with your physician.
