#310: Mold MENACE: From Chronic Illness to Expert | Why Women Are More Vulnerable and How to Protect Your Home With PJ Harlow
Feb 18, 2025
auto_awesome
In this discussion, PJ Harlow, a certified holistic mold consultant, shares her transformative journey from suffering chronic illness due to mold exposure to becoming a knowledgeable expert in the field. She highlights why women and children are particularly vulnerable to mold, revealing symptoms and initial assessment steps for concerned homeowners. PJ emphasizes the importance of reliable mold inspections, effective remediation strategies, and the role of dehumidifiers and air filters in maintaining healthier indoor environments.
The podcast emphasizes how mold exposure can significantly impact health, particularly among women and children who are more susceptible due to biological factors.
Proactive assessment and remediation of mold in homes are essential, starting with thorough investigations and consultations with knowledgeable experts to ensure effectiveness.
Experiencing mold-related health issues can lead to emotional trauma, highlighting the need for supportive guidance to help families recover and maintain a healthy living environment.
Deep dives
The Importance of Mold Awareness
Mold is a significant and often overlooked health concern that can impact individuals and families in various ways. Many households may not realize they are harboring mold, especially as it can be hidden behind walls or in ventilation systems, which makes it vital to be proactive about assessing home environments. The podcast highlights how modern living conditions, especially in homes with past water damage or poor ventilation, can foster mold growth. Moreover, understanding the potential health implications of mold exposure can empower individuals to take necessary health precautions.
Navigating the Mold Search
The process of identifying mold requires thorough investigation, often starting with identifying symptoms and environmental factors. It is recommended to conduct an ERMI test to assess mold spores in dust, providing insight into the microbial ecosystem of a home. While this testing can give preliminary data, it's crucial to understand that proper interpretation by a knowledgeable consultant is necessary for meaningful results. This careful approach can guide further actions, such as hiring skilled inspectors, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the property.
Understanding Mold Sensitivity
Certain demographics, particularly women and children, seem to be more affected by mold exposure, highlighting the need for targeted awareness and intervention. The podcast discusses how hormonal differences, smaller nasal passages, and a higher likelihood of engaging with various personal care products can increase women’s susceptibility to mold-related issues. Additionally, children, often less vocal about their feelings and symptoms, may experience mold-related health problems without their parents realizing it. Awareness around these trends can encourage families to be vigilant regarding symptoms and seek appropriate testing in their homes.
Empowering Homeowners Through Mold Remediation
Mold remediation is not only about removing visible mold but also understanding the underlying causes that allowed it to flourish in the first place. The discussion emphasizes the importance of working with holistic mold consultants who can provide valuable insights and advice throughout the remediation process. Empowering homeowners with knowledge about potential DIY cleaning methods fosters a sense of control over their living environments. By teaching clients how to effectively decontaminate their homes, consultants help renovate the relationship between families and their spaces, encouraging proactive maintenance.
Life After Mold Exposure
Experiencing mold-related health issues can lead to emotional distress, creating anxiety about living in potentially toxic environments. The podcast highlights the psychological effects of mold trauma, where individuals may feel paralyzed by the fear of recurrence. Supportive guidance from experienced consultants is essential for navigating these emotional landscapes, helping families rebuild their lives post-exposure. Ultimately, it becomes crucial to recognize that while mold exposure can be detrimental, it is possible to recover fully and maintain a healthy home environment.
Today we get to hear from PJ Harlow, a holistic mold consultant and healthy building pro, who shares her riveting journey from battling chronic illness caused by mold exposure in her own home to becoming an expert in mold remediation and consultation.
What We discuss:
PJ Harlow's mold experience and family impact ... 00:09:14
Why women are more affected by mold ... 00:20:09
Kids' symptoms of mold exposure ... 00:26:51
Initial steps in mold assessment ... 00:29:46
Choosing a reliable mold inspector ... 00:34:43
Considering home features and environment ... 00:43:02
Remediation decisions and property impact ... 00:48:53
Usefulness of dehumidifiers and air filters ... 00:50:03
Probiotic products for the home ... 00:52:23
Genetic susceptibility to mold illnesses ... 00:56:36
Mold's financial and emotional impact ... 01:00:33
Navigating mold issues during home buying ... 01:08:27
Our Amazing Sponsor:
Timeline - Improve your cellular energy, strengthen muscle, and boost endurance by taking Mitopure daily. Mitopure unlocks 6x more Urolithin A than diet alone. Visit timeline.com/nat10 for 10% off.
Puori - 21 grams of high-quality whey protein from pasture-raised cows with no hormones, GMOs, or pesticides. Ready to ditch the questionable protein powders? Visit Puori.com/NAT and use my code NAT to get 20% off your first order!
ProLon - Enjoy 5 days of nutrient-dense meals designed to mimic fasting without feeling deprived. You will feel AMAZING! Visit prolonlife.com/Nat to receive 20% off at checkout. If you’re in Canada you can go to Prolonfast.ca and use code NAT20 to save.