Living in an environment that is prone to getting damp frequently can result in health problems. The general perception is that when one spends a lot of time outside, the pollution and dust can harm the human body. However, even inside a house, if there is no proper ventilation and if spots, like the area around the shower or the bathtub, are not kept dry, it can lead to the growth of mold.

If you are armed with the information on the damages mold can cause, perhaps you may not allow it to happen even. You can initiate some steps to do the necessary repairs to the affected structure and take measures to keep your environment dry and hygienic. However, some situations may be beyond control.

Some frequently noticed symptoms
Among the mold exposure systems generally observed in clinics, the following are common.

• Fatigue
  Fatigue can be caused due to any number of reasons, including excess work, stress, or due to an anemic body constitution. It is also counted among the mold exposure symptoms based on the observations recorded in clinics.
• Breathing difficulties
  This symptom can manifest in many forms and can vary with the individual. Some may experience wheezing; they probably already have a history of breathing-related issues. Others may experience intermittent shortness of breath, particularly when they pass through the area where the mold can be seen. Others may start coughing or face congestion in the nose due to prolonged exposure to mold.
• Eyes getting affected
  Depending on the type of mold formation, some of them can emit certain toxic fumes that mix with the air around. The mold exposure symptoms arising out of such toxic release can be either irritation in the eyes or the eyes turning watery and so on. In some, the eyes can turn red and, in a few cases, blurring of vision can be observed. Rush to the doctor to get treated before it gets worse.
• Diarrhea and related symptoms
  Some of the more painful mold exposure symptoms include pain in the abdominal area, some may see their bellies getting bloated, and others can experience diarrhea-like conditions. These can be due to the water in the environment also getting polluted with the toxic substance coming out of the mold or just inhaling the air can cause these symptoms and conditions.
• Effect on the Skin
  Among the other mold exposure symptoms, some abnormal skin conditions can also be included. The skin could feel numb or a sense of tingling can be felt.

Ask yourself a few questions
There can be other mold exposure symptoms, and they may be of a routine nature or, in some cases, unique. The common thread will be the stuffiness created by the accumulation of water in any closed environment. The moment you start feeling any of these symptoms, you should be able to tick a few boxes in a list of questions you put to yourself.

• Do you have rooms in your home where there are leakages or water seeping across the structure?
• Are some of the conditions you are experiencing, like coughing or sinus type infections of a recurring nature? In all probability, they are mold exposure symptoms.
• Do most of these symptoms increase in intensity during the rains?

If the answers to these questions are positive, then, in all likelihood, you are facing a mold problem. A physician will obviously perform a diagnosis and will also ask this question about the living conditions in your home and the surroundings. It is even possible that your workplace has mold formed in some corner due to neglect. Ultimately, your health is your priority. You will have to take control of your situation and make sure that any impediment to enjoying a healthy life is removed.

The main culprit behind mold formation is moisture. Ensure your place is kept dry. If the bathroom floor is uneven, get the tiles replaced and ensure that the floor drains water after some time. The walls of your house should also be completely dry. You should not wait till the mold exposure symptoms flare up before you take these precautionary steps.