Respiratory symptoms, headaches, and allergic reactions after water damage may indicate mold exposure. Know when to test, remediate, and seek medical care.
Mold exposure symptoms include nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, skin rash, and headaches. Immunocompromised individuals, infants, elderly, and those with asthma face higher risk from mold spores released during and after water damage.
Not all mold is toxic — but Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Chaetomium species found in water-damaged buildings can produce mycotoxins. Professional species identification requires lab analysis, not visual inspection alone.
If occupants develop symptoms after water damage, do not disturb visible mold (releases spores). Evacuate affected areas, call IICRC-certified remediation, and consult a healthcare provider. Post-remediation clearance testing verifies safe spore levels before re-occupancy.
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