How is toxic mold tested and what are the symptoms of being exposed to it?

In one article on WebMD, it was noted that many cases where toxic mold syndrome was feared, the culprit was really an allergy to mold. However, they state that in other cases, it really IS toxic mold, or even allergy to other things that thrive in damp places, such as dust mites and cockroaches

“Allergy Major Cause of ‘Toxic Mold Syndrome’
But Many Cases of Mold-Linked Illness Not Allergy”
By Daniel DeNoon
WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD
on Thursday, February 24, 2005(1)

The symptoms they listed did NOT include nosebleed, though this could result from the air being TOO dry, so it could be an entirely different problem, such as allergies to dust or any # of things, a sinus infection or something more serious.

The Mayo clinic’s site lists the following as some common causes for nosebleeds, along with some rarer ones:

“Occasional nosebleeds are very common. The lining of the nose contains many tiny blood vessels that bleed easily. However, if you have frequent nosebleeds — more than once a week — or if they are heavy and hard to stop, you should consult your doctor.

There are many reasons why nosebleeds occur. Common causes include:

* Dry nose
* Nose picking
* Vigorous nose blowing
* Allergies
* Sinusitis
* Colds
* Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin or aspirin

Also, you may be more likely to have frequent nosebleeds if you have a deviated septum. Rarely, frequent nosebleeds may indicate a more serious problem, such as a bleeding disorder, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia or leukemia.”

Aside from being tested for allergies, your mother should find out of getting a humidifier helps, unless you KNOW there is mold. There are a number of companies that test for mold, including the toxic kinds (“Stachybotrys”, or “black mold”, is the most common). If SHE turns out to be healthy, this is the way I would go.

If you DO have that in your house, it can be very serious! No amount of medical testing would help remove it obviously, so you would contact your local health inspector and possibly your state’s Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQE) for an inspection, to find out if you qualify for any programs. I’m not sure, but it could mean having to leave your house immediately!

Anyhow, the nosebleeds should be checked right away. If the doctor you see now won’t do anything, find one who does!