DANGERS OF LIVING WITH TOXIC MOLD
You already know that your brain on meth is not great; but
did you know that mold can have
devastating neurological consequences, as well?
Of course, scientists have long suspected that mold exposure
- especially to super-toxic molds like Stachybotrys
- can damaged the human brain. It’s kind of a given, considering the toxic
effects of mold on the rest of our physical systems. But recent studies have
started to link household and workplace mold exposure to serious neurological
and psychological symptoms.
So what does your brain look like on toxic mold?
Anxious and depressed
The more we learn about the neurochemicals in our brains,
the more we find out that so many
things factor into anxiety and depression. Sure, these can be inherited
conditions rooted in your natural brain chemistry. But certain issues - like
nutritional defects - can make anxiety and depression worse.
And, it turns out, mold can do the same.
In one recent study, mice consistently exposed to
Stachybotrys mold were more likely to
become depressed and anxious than their non-mold-exposed counterparts.
Forgetful
Besides making us more anxious and depressed, mold may make
us forgetful. The same study that found mold exposure makes mice anxious found
that exposure also makes them more forgetful. Mice experienced serious deficits
in contextual and spatial memory after even relatively low exposure to the
toxic black mold.
Apparently the mice exposed to the mold experienced
decreases in brain mass in the hippocampus - a major brain region that helps
control memory.
Parkinsonian
movements
While we still don’t know the real cause of Parkinson’s
disease, this study showed the mold-derived toxins can
cause parksinsonian symptoms by degenerating dopamine neurons. Exposure to these
toxins may cause some of the movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s
disease.
What you can do
Estimates say that between 40% and 70% of U.S. homes have
some mold lurking in dank basements and behind sheetrock walls. While not all
of this mold is incredibly harmful, some of it can have the effects mentioned
above - especially on children and their rapidly-developing brains.
Luckily, there is an answer to mold in your home or
commercial building! Professional mold remediators like those at Crisis Cleaning
can test your home’s air for levels of mold exposure. Then, we can use proven
techniques to efficiently rid your home of the mold that could be making you
and your family sick.
If you suspect your home has a mold problem, call our
24-hour hotline at (877) 260-4828 to discuss mold testing and remediation
today!
