Air pollution has become a major global public health issue in the last few decades. New studies and data from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that nine out of ten people globally are breathing air that is full of dangerous chemicals. It is estimated that air pollution takes about 7 million lives annually. Sadly, the issue is increasing – growing industry in developing countries, increasing world population, and the growing number of cars and other machines that use fossil fuels as a source of energy are only making the problem worse.
Even though air pollution has become a burning issue in the majority of the world, many people are still not aware of how it affects their health. Even the people that are aware of this problem are mostly concerned about outdoor air pollution, completely forgetting that quality of air in their homes also plays a very important role. One of the most significant indoor air pollutant is mold and its dangerous by-products – mycotoxins. Exposure to these harmful substances causes a variety of health issues, the most common one being chronic fatigue syndrome.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Do you feel tired all the time, even after a night of good sleep? Do consistent headaches and muscle pain interrupt your daily life? If the answer to both of these questions is yes, there is a great likelihood that you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is more common in women, but it can affect both men and women, and people of different ages, including children. Symptoms of CFS include:
- Feeling tired and exhausted much of the time, without apparent reason
- Sleep problems
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Muscle and joint pain without a clear cause
- Bad memory
- Having difficulties with concentration
- Enlarged lymph nodes in neck and/or armpits
The severity of symptoms can vary from day to day, or even within a single day. Exercise (especially if it is very intense) can make the symptoms worse. People suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome lose their energy easily and are sensitive even to regular amounts of physical and mental activity.
Chronic Fatigue Caused by Mold Exposure & Poor Air Quality
The exact cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrom is still unknown, and there are still no precise tests that can provide an exact diagnosis. However, there are different theories about the cause of this disease, many suggesting that there is no single cause, and can vary from viral infections and psychological stress, to immune system problems and hormonal imbalances. Air pollution has a significant effect on the latter three factors.
In 1994, a study was performed in St. Louis, by Dr. Joseph Brewer, an infectious disease specialist. He studied his 112 patients that were diagnosed with CFS based on Center for Disease Control criteria. Dr. Brewer tested the patients’ urine and found that 94% of the samples contained at least one type of mycotoxin. Mycotoxins are produced by various types of mold. Interestingly, as it turned out, 90% of his patients lived in buildings with significant water damage - the perfect environment for mold to thrive.
How Inch by Inch Inspections Can Help
If you have any of the previously mentioned symptoms or if you’ve already been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it is of utmost importance to have your home inspected for mold growth. By inspecting, testing, and removing indoor pollutants like mold and mycotoxins from the environment, the severity of CFS symptoms can be significantly reduced. Additionally, removing mold will also prevent any other mold and mycotoxin related illnesses from occurring.
Inch by Inch Inspections is a mold removal company that provides complete mold testing and removal services in Toronto and the GTA. Their professional staff will analyze your property thoroughly and test for the presence of mold. If the results turn out positive, Inch by Inch Inspections will use the latest and safest technology to remove these indoor pollutants and help make the air quality in your home healthier. To ensure that mold removal is successful, it is advised to run a second air quality test after mold remediation. Mold can hide very deep within some materials, which makes it very difficult to remove on your own.
Good air quality is crucial to your home and family’s health. The presence of mold in your home can make you feel tired and lethargic; it causes headaches and dry throat, and can even contribute to the development of serious health issues like CFS. If there is any concern of mold growth in the home, the best decision is to reach out to a trusted mold removal company. If you are looking for a high-quality service at a reasonable price, as well as experienced and professional staff, call Inch by Inch Inspections today to schedule a mold inspection for your home.