Sophia was the picture of health—young, fit, and full of life—until an unexpected threat hiding in her own home began to take its toll. What started as mild symptoms soon spiralled into a concerning health crisis, leaving her searching for answers.
The swimwear designer’s move to Sydney’s Darling Point turned into a nightmare due to an insidious yet common household irritant.
Sophia, originally from California, was fit and healthy until she began experiencing unexplained and severe allergic reactions. ‘I moved in September [of] 2023, and I started getting hives. I just didn’t understand what was going on,’ she recounted.
The sudden onset of hives was just the beginning of her ordeal. Despite seeking medical attention and receiving steroid creams, her condition persisted, accompanied by fatigue and a weakened immune system.
For Sophia, the connection between her symptoms and her living environment wasn’t immediately clear. It wasn’t until her mother pointed out that she had ‘been sick all the time’ and a cleaner told her that she ‘need[s] to move out.’
‘I don’t think I realised how serious it was until the cleaner told me… He saw the mould everywhere and said it wasn’t worth just cleaning it,’ she said.
The culprit behind her battle was exposure to mould. Mould poisoning, as reported by Medical News Today, can manifest in a variety of symptoms, including body aches, headaches, skin rashes, dry coughs, and in rare cases, shortness of breath.
Mould infiltrated Sophia’s belongings, from designer shoes to her cherished childhood guitar. The real estate’s attempt to clean the property proved futile as the mould returned, prompting her to make the difficult decision to finally leave her home and start anew in the northern suburbs of Sydney.
Sophia’s experience is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in our homes. Australia’s leading biohacker, Camilla Thompson, spoke on Sunrise about the prevalence of toxic black mould in the country.
‘[Australia] is a breeding ground [for mould],’ Thompson explained, adding, ‘It’s an ideal climate for it, and most of us are exposed to spores every day.’
She also highlighted that while our bodies typically expel mould spores, a genetic predisposition in 25 per cent of the population can lead to an inability to eliminate them effectively, causing significant health issues.
The battle against mould is not only about awareness but also about prevention. With this, she recommends the use of dehumidifiers and air purifiers with carbon filters to reduce moisture and spore count in the air, creating a healthier living environment.
‘You’ll be blown away by how much water you take out of them but definitely, dehumidifiers and air purifiers that take some of the spores out of the air with carbon filters. That makes it a much better environment for us to be in,’ she said, emphasising the effectiveness of these devices.
Sophia’s journey to recovery is a testament to the importance of being aware of our environment and listening to our bodies.
‘It takes a while to detox but the hives have gone away. So, it just goes to show you that it is 100 per cent from that apartment,’ she said, relieved that her symptoms have subsided since moving out.
‘Now that I’ve moved out, the symptoms are all gone. I think I am relieved I am out of there. Mould is really bad for you, especially if you’re exposed to it for a long time…’
For our readers over 50, who may be spending more time at home, it’s crucial to be vigilant about the quality of your indoor environment. Regularly inspect your home for signs of mould, especially in damp areas, and consider investing in a dehumidifier and air purifier to safeguard your health.
If you suspect mould is affecting your well-being, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice and take action.
Have you or someone you know been affected by mould? Share your experiences and tips for dealing with this silent threat in the comments below. Your story could help others in the YourLifeChoices community recognise the signs and take the necessary steps to protect their health.
Also read: Common conditions caused by a mouldy home
