Got mold? Use these simple 7 free tests for black mold toxins to triage your problem at home today!
1 out of 2 homes and buildings have toxic mold! Houston, we have a problem: Toxic mold is epidemic!
In fact, if more people knew this, it would be as big as learning that cigarettes are bad for your lungs. Black mold toxins in the environments are bad for your body.
The crazy thing? Black mold toxins are not always seen with the naked eye, making it extremely difficult for a home diagnosis. In fact, most people have NO IDEA they are living in toxic mold since purple fuzz and black spots are not always present.
7 Excellent FREE Tests for Black Mold Toxins
Got mold? Use these 7 at home “tests” for black mold toxins to triage and spot if toxic mold is lurking behind your 4 walls:
Test #1: Symptoms
Mold does not play nice! As a biotoxin, it affects every system in the body. Check out this list. Multiple signs and symptoms may point you towards mold toxicity exposure.
Gut
- Bloating & constipation
- SIBO
- Candida
- Colitis
Food Intolerances
- Celiac disease
- Lactose intolerance
- Histamine intolerance
- Oxylate sensitivity
- Carbohydrate sensitivity
- Metabolic Health
- Hypo and hyperglycemia
- Reverse hypoglycemia
- Difficulty losing weight or body fat, OR
- Difficulty gaining weight & catabolism
- Hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto’s
Hormone Imbalances
- Horrible PMS
- Infertility
- Low T
- Estrogen dominance
- PCOS
- Irregular cycles
Immune
- Mast cell activation syndrome
- Lyme
- Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
- Chronic infections
- EBV reactivation
- Sinus & Nasal Congestion
- Allergies
Respiratory
- Shortness of Breath
- Asthma
- Heavy Lungs
- Leaky Lung
- Lung Congestion
Bloodwork
- Low vitamin D
- Low Iron
- Low white blood cells
- High TGF-Beta 1
- High C4a
Skin
- Eczema & psoriasis
- Acne
- Rashes
Neurological
- Anxiety & depression
- Tinnitus
- Brain fog
- Feeling “spacey”
- Headaches & vertigo
- Suicidal thoughts
- POTS
Test #2: Signs & History of Water Damage
Any history of leaks or signs of water damage—such as water spots on the ceilings or walls, underneath sinks; buckling floors; poorly installed shower glass or shower leakage on bathroom floors; leakage under entry doors or windows—these are often a tell-tell sign that something may be lingering in the air.
Even if the leak has been repaired or remediated, the average Joe does not realize that it only takes 24-48 hours of water damage to cause a systemic mold problem. So if a leak happens on a Friday, and a contractor cannot come out until Monday or Tuesday, Houston we have a problem. Just because remediation happened does not mean the leak did not spread.
Test #3: Poor Ventilation
Mold loves to grow in humidity over 50%. Think: air tight homes with no outdoor ventilation or open fresh air exchange, no or poor ventilation in bathrooms or above kitchen stove tops, and generally stuffy air. Houston, we have a problem
You can buy a $10-$15 hygrometer to check humidity levels for yourself.
Test #4: You Feel Better (or Way Worse) Out of the Environment
Do you breathe better, think clearer, have less gut distress or allergies outside of the home?—say on vacation or while away working for the day.
On the flip side, if you generally feel worse in other environments outside the home, this could also be a sign—as your body is more readily dumping and circulating toxins when it’s free from them in the outside world.
Test #5: Nighttime Waking
Mold toxins come “alive” at night because it’s the time your detox pathways (liver, lymph, gallbladder, kidneys) are in full swing—circulating and releasing toxins. Insomnia and randomly waking up throughout the night can be a sign you are breathing in mold spores.
Test #6: Carpet, Front Loading Washing Machines, Basements/Crawl Spaces, Old Vintage Clothes
These are all breeding grounds for black mold toxins. If your space has them, be very aware.
Test #7: It Smells Musty
If it smells like must or mold (think: an old library or resell shop), it is mold. If it looks like mold, it definitely is mold.
Book A 20 Minute Health Strategy Call
Think you’ve got mold? Looking for the best ways to address black mold toxins. Book a 20 minute health strategy call today to discuss options for helping you heal inside and out.