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Florida woman's new home turned out to be a nightmare, but not for the reason she expected. Grace Cronkright, a Tampa Bay realtor, began experiencing strange symptoms shortly after moving in with her husband. At first, it was just a dull headache and rashes on her skin, but soon she was waking up with a stuffy nose, itchy throat, and puffy eyes.

    Cronkright initially dismissed the symptoms as minor issues, but they escalated over time. By June, when plumbers were working inside a wall during a renovation, Cronkright's husband also started feeling off, with itchy and irritated eyes. Concerned that the construction might have disturbed asbestos or lead-based paint, Cronkright called in environmental specialists to inspect the area.

    The culprit was mold, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp environments and releases airborne spores that can spread throughout a home. Mold exposure can cause inflammation along the respiratory tract, trigger asthma attacks, and even mimic flu symptoms like fever and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to lung infections or anaphylaxis.

    Cronkright's symptoms worsened after mold was disturbed during the renovation. She suffered from debilitating migraines, shortness of breath, numbness in her face and arms, and intense brain fog. Her mental health also took a hit, with dark circles under her eyes and feelings of exhaustion.

    To remediate the issue, mold specialists quarantined the affected areas, ran air scrubbers, and spot-treated contaminated materials. The process had to be repeated three times before air tests finally came back clear. Cronkright felt a significant improvement after the first round.

    Mold is a common problem in many homes across the US, with nearly half of all homes having some form of mold or dampness. It can grow in high-humidity locations like basements and showers, as well as behind walls, floors, ceilings, and even inside appliances.

    To reduce your risk of exposure, experts recommend addressing moisture issues immediately, fixing plumbing leaks, improving airflow, and cleaning or replacing wet items. If you spot mold, assess the situation and clean it yourself if the affected area is small, but call in professionals for larger areas.