According to research, millions of Americans, over 52.1 million to be exact, are susceptible to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) as a result of exposure to water-damaged buildings. This number is compounded by the fact that approximately 50% of all structures within the United States are affected by some form of water damage, which further establishes the importance of CIRS and mold-related illness as significant and growing public health concerns for both homeowners and building occupants alike.
Statistics for Salt Lake City indicate that both humidity and seasonal fluctuations, coupled together, can create moisture problems. This article educates homeowners on the effects of CIRS and mold exposure in an effort to protect both their health and homes, as explained by a trusted mold removal company in Salt Lake City.
What Is CIRS?
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, or “CIRS,” has been identified as a “multi-system” inflammatory condition that is initiated when an individual is exposed to biotoxins, such as the mycotoxins produced by mold in water-damaged buildings. CIRS differs from simple allergic reactions to mold spores in that the immune system becomes chronically activated, leading to chronic inflammation throughout the body.
As a result of its effect on the innate immune system (which is a system that works to fight off infections), CIRS causes the innate immune system to be constantly on alert because it is unable to remove biotoxins due to dysregulation of the innate immune system, which prevents it from eliminating the toxins effectively. This dysregulation of the innate immune system creates many different manifestations of symptoms in other organs within the body.
Mold exposure doesn’t always result in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome; however, there are individuals who are susceptible to CIRS due to mold exposure. Many of these individuals are exposed to mold from an indoor source (home, workplace, school), and the mold spores and/or mycotoxins find their way into the individual through inhalation or skin contact. This inhalation or skin contact creates a constant state of inflammation in the body.
The following are the common events of how CIRS develops through mold exposure:
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Exposure to Mold Spores and Mycotoxins Through Inhalation
Mold spores are released into the air and can be inhaled when there is mold growing on materials that are within a building and are either hidden or wet. Mycotoxins (toxic chemicals produced by molds) can also be found on surfaces and in the air within a building, and can lead to long-term exposure to mold toxins.
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Immune System Overactivity
The immune system recognizes these biotoxins as dangerous invading organisms, so it releases small signaling molecules called cytokines that elicit an inflammatory reaction at the site where the biotoxins were introduced; however, those inflammatory mechanisms do not turn off.
Additionally, individuals who exhibit chronic inflammation in response to biotoxins experience prolonged inflammatory activity, and this chronic inflammation may take months or years for tissue damage to occur.
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Genetic and Environmental Predisposition to CIRS
Not everyone exposed to mold will develop CIRS. Genetics are known to contribute to the likelihood of an individual having variations in their immune system that cause them to respond to mold-related biotoxins with a longer-lasting inflammatory response than the average population.
Based on research, roughly 25% of people will present with some form of genetic variant that causes them to respond longer than normal when exposed to molds and their biotoxins.
Common CIRS Symptoms
CIRS symptoms are vast and nonspecific, and as such, many people have been misdiagnosed or experienced a delay in diagnosis due to the wide-ranging nature of this illness. While CIRS occurs in conjunction with many systems, symptoms vary greatly between individuals.
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Respiratory and Immune Systems Symptoms
Individuals with CIRS commonly experience:
- Chronic cough and wheezing
- Recurrent upper respiratory infections
- Chronic nasal obstruction
- Allergy-like responses with no obvious trigger
These symptoms result from continual immune activation within the respiratory and other systems.
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Neurological and Cognitive Symptoms
CIRS can affect the brain’s functioning as well, producing symptoms that include:
- Cognitive difficulties (e.g., brain fog, inability to concentrate)
- Memory problems
- Headaches or migraines
In individuals exposed to mold for long periods of time, structural changes in the brain may occur, suggesting that unresolved inflammatory responses can impact neurological functions.
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Fatigue and Systemic Inflammatory Response
Those who have CIRS will often report:
- Exhaustion or fatigue despite adequate rest
- Joint and muscle pain
- Flu-like symptoms without infection
These symptoms are reflective of systemic inflammation, a result of the immune system continuing to react to environmental stimuli.
The Dangers of Leaving Mold Untreated
Long-term health consequences are possible if an individual has prolonged exposure to mold or experiences prolonged inflammatory reactions. Long-term exposure to mold and continuous reactive inflammation in individuals still living or working in conditions of mold exposure can produce a wide variety of respiratory diseases.
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Respiratory Diseases Related to Mold Exposure
The relationship between mold exposure and respiratory diseases, particularly asthma and bronchitis, is well established. Mold specifically affects asthma and bronchitis in sensitive individuals, leading to worsening respiratory symptoms and, in severe cases, potentially death.
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An Impaired Immune System Due to Sensitivity to “Mycotoxins”
Chronic activation of the immune system through Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) increases an individual’s susceptibility to infections and other health conditions caused by immunological dysfunction. A mycotoxin that has been widely reported to decrease immune system strength, and therefore impair the elimination of contaminants (i.e., toxic substances), is most notably produced by fungi.
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Mycotoxins Have a Potentially Widespread Impact
The potential long-term effects of mycotoxins on the human immune system include immune deficiency, neurological problems, and an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) when individuals are exposed to high concentrations of mycotoxins due to prolonged exposure.
Preventing and Detecting Mold in Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City poses a risk for moisture accumulation due to seasonal humidity, snowmelt, and the age of homes. This accumulation of moisture creates a breeding ground for the growth of various molds. Therefore, it is essential to detect and prevent any source of moisture as soon as possible.
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Identifying the Moisture / Mold Problem Areas of Your Home
Areas of homes that harbor moisture and mold include:
- Basement and/or crawl space areas
- Bathrooms and showers with inadequate ventilation
- Areas of the home that contain leaking pipes or roof leaks
- The backside of drywall or insulation that is damp due to a lack of ventilation
Routine inspections for moisture intrusion should be conducted regularly so potential sources of moisture intrusion can be repaired quickly to limit the development of mold.
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Awareness of Your Health and Screening for Mold Exposure
If you experience continuous or increasing symptoms while at home or feel better when you leave your house, speak with your healthcare provider about potential exposure to molds. Early recognition provides an opportunity for identification and assessment of mold and the environment.
Superior Disaster Cleanup provides professional mold remediation in Salt Lake City, along with complete mold inspection, testing, and removal services. Our certified professionals know how to locate sources of hidden mold in residential and commercial properties. We use proven mold remediation processes to restore indoor air quality for a healthier environment.
We are your local experts delivering proven mold removal in Salt Lake City using the latest equipment and superior methods. Whether you can see mold or suspect water damage, we provide safe, fast, and effective options for protecting your health and your property.
Let’s Explore Some Commonly Asked FAQs About CIRS
- How does CIRS develop?
CIRS is caused by a long exposure to mold toxins or other biotoxins, which lead to a chronic inflammatory response by the immune system.
- How can I tell if the indoor mold in my house is affecting my health?
Chronic fatigue, respiratory issues, cognitive issues, and other unexplained inflammatory responses that go away when you are away from home are indications of a potential allergic response due to indoor mold exposure.
- Can cleaning stop the negative health effects of surfaces contaminated with mold?
Cleaning helps prevent infections; however, to truly prevent health-related problems from indoor mold, you must find the source of moisture problems, fix any actual leaks, and eliminate any concealed or hidden mold from expanding.
- Can CIRS be cured?
Curing CIRS usually involves the removal of the source of exposure and medical treatment to reduce the immune response, as well as changes in lifestyle. Successful treatment will require working with a healthcare provider and a remediation company.
- Should I get my Salt Lake City home tested for mold?
If you have experienced water damage, ongoing musty odors, or have had tenants or occupants with unexplained symptoms, it is highly recommended to have the home professionally tested for mold.
Preventing CIRS Starts with Better Disaster Response & Environmental Control
Knowing about the CIRS, as well as the health impacts from mold exposure, is essential for anyone who lives or works in an environment susceptible to mold growth and water-related moisture. Early detection and intervention are critical due to the numerous health-related symptoms associated with mold exposure affecting the brain, lungs, and immune system. Mold exposure is not always obvious; however, the long-term consequences can be devastating.
If you are in Salt Lake City, Superior Disaster Cleanup is your top choice for mold remediation and water damage restoration services. Our company is dedicated to assisting clients in identifying and eliminating mold-related issues, enabling you and your family to breathe and live healthier. Contact us today to schedule a mold removal service.
