Can indoor pollutants (especially mold) cause someone to act differently?

Question

I moved into an apartment in the past six weeks that I have been told has indoor mold, and it is a campus apartment, so there are probably a number of other pollutants that are in the room. About four weeks ago, I have started to get irritated at things that I have never gotten irritated before and have been short with people. I also have been easier to get sick (I normally never get sick) as the last two colds that went by the apartment I recieved. I was wondering if anyone has heard about these indoor pollutants causing someone to become easily irritated, for I have been out of the apartment for about 48 hours now, and My head feels clear and I can think better... I thought this might be an explination, but wasn't sure if it was even possiable for someone to "act differently" just because of mold (by the way, it's Black Mold that's in the air vent the blows on me every night) when I sleep if that helps)...

Answer 1

Symptoms of mould allergy
"The common symptoms of mold allergy include allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, eustachian tube obstruction, itching of the nose or eyes, fatigue, and weakness. Mold spores can enter the lungs causing asthma, a buildup of mucus, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Dermatological and intestinal symptoms are also well documented. Cerebral symptoms can include: catatonic state, depression, crying , anger, confusion, fear, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, hostility, inability to concentrate, headaches, and hyperactivity" Moulds are also instrumental in the feeding cycle of dust mites, aiding the proliferation of the mites within the house. You should leave there and report the problem. See your doctor for medical help as soon as possible.

Answer 2

Absolutely!

First of all, many people, if they don't feel well, become grouchy.
People who are having problems with getting enough oxygen,
particularly, can get really surly without really understanding what
is going on.

There have been many cases of "sick buildings" - buildings
that have ... something ... wrong with them where the owner
tries and tries and tries but cannot find the pollutant, but some
people who try to work there get sick.

I worked in one company with 400 people, where only one
guy could not stand to be in the room. Nobody knew why.
At least on summer days, he ended up running ethernet
and power cables through a window to a machine he setup
outside to work. He hated attending meetings...

I see no reason that there might be something more direct
than "I don't feel well so my attitude changes". That is, there
may be a chemical present that directly effects your outlook.
Consider what would happen if there was a slow nitrous
oxide (laughing gas) leak at a dentistry!?

Answer 3

may be. when u r aware u r in a polluted place and u have to stay in that, it is very hard. try to get the mold cleared. there are some bio air cleansers. try using them. try to reduce the humidity in the room and see if u can bring sunlight. if u can invest in a good vacuum that traps dustmites it might help but i am unsure if u can afford for it. u just have to clean it some how or u move out, it isnt healthy for you anyway to live with mold.

Answer 4

Yes! Move out! If you're exposed to something that affects you too much, you can suffer permanent brain damage.

(I'm sure there's mroe current info out there, but here's the story I'd heard.)

Answer 5

This is a very serious problem:
http://www.toxic-black-mold-info.com/moldhealth.htm

Call the health department!

Answer 6

CALL THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT!

YES! you can get sick from black mold. It can even cause brain damage!. Irreparable Brain Damage.

CALL THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND GET THAT APPARTMENT BLOCK CLEANED IMMEDIATELY!!!

Answer 7

You should get your iron checked. Low iron (ulcer) can make you very irritable and make you sick more often.