Because of the grueling day, I woke up expecting to be immobilized, but instead we were off to climb Rainbow Mountain and…I was totally pain-free! © 2009-2015 Power of Positivity. These signs can help you identify a potential problem, but if you feel that mold … “Definitely, the bathroom is a ground zero, if you will, for mold growth, probably because mold likes to grow in dark, damp areas.” Bathroom mold … Yes, it’s completely free. Mold is a big problem in most homes, but many people are unaware of the problem. I know it sounds impossible, but it’s 1000% the truth. Being unable to breathe deeply, struggling for air, coughing, wheezing, or sinus problems are all likely symptoms of mold illnesses. The muscle pain can be anywhere in the body. However, when black mold starts growing in your air vents, things get a little trickier. One of the early signs that mold could be lurking in your home is the appearance of dark rings or spots on the ceilings or walls. It was there, after a grueling day when my feet, knees, legs, and lower back hurt so bad, that I thought I would have to abandon hopes of our next climb which was Rainbow Mountain! However if you already know that you have had a water leak (such as leaking pipes or a leaking ceiling) then just that knowledge by itself, even if you don't see signs of water damage, is a good sign that you might have mold growing in your house around the area where the leak was. Mold is a fungus that can get into your body and grow. How Mold Allergies Cause Hair Loss The roots of your hair are nourished by tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Some of you may already know years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. If you suspect you have mold in your home, look out for these seven telltale signs. While knowledge of different kinds of mold is helpful from a growing perspective, consumers need only recognize signs that their cannabis is moldy from any form of fungus. The allergic reactions humans suffer from mold can lead to hair loss, even in females or children. Mental illness and the connection to less-than-ideal living conditions is not surprising. That night I pulled out a little spray bottle of “aceite de magnesio” that a friend had given me before I left on my trip. Some of the more commons signs of mold growth are: Dormant allergies or allergic reactions Aggravated asthma or other lung problems Discolored walls Stains Black spots An […] Read Next: You Will Want To Recycle Everything After Seeing These Photos! I was determined to climb one of the true wonders of the natural world, Machu Picchu, the mystical home of the Incas in Peru. Mold illness doesn’t only manifest in your muscle, but may also exhibit signs in your digestive health. Your normal cleaning solution is fine to clean mold. Eat and live healthy: Once you have ridden your body of the toxins, you will need to continue to support your health by avoiding foods that feed or contain yeast, mold and fungus such as carbohydrates and sugars—essentially you will need to follow a Candida Diet. That sensation of pins and needles when your hand falls asleep after you’ve had it in an awkward position is the tingling sensation that people suffering from a mold illness have reported. You may experience this along with muscle cramps. You may not be aware that you have it at your home. Black mold can also cause hair loss to the extent of baldness because of the immune system produces mast cell called Histamine. And I applied it all over my body before bed. The process may also be lengthy, but the wait is worthwhile when you can sleep easily, knowing the air you are breathing is free of mold and spores. Redness in your eyes, itchiness, or blurry vision may be related to mold illnesses. You may want to wear a cloth over your nose and mouth if you are cleaning a moldy place to make sure that you aren’t being exposed to more of the bad stuff than you need to be. To prevent long-term complications of mold illness, it is important to talk to your doctor. Moisture is instrumental to breeding mold. Could there be a connection? Recovery from mold illness usually includes whole foods, anti-inflammatory diet, anti-fungal foods, such as ginger, garlic, and cayenne, probiotics, anti-fungal herbal supplements. While respiratory problems and allergy-type symptoms are more common signs of mold exposure, joint pain is another warning sign of long-term exposure to mold. Checking Your Home for Signs of Mold. Most people know that mold can grow in basements, but it’s also perfectly capable of infesting clothing. 13 Signs Of Mold In Your House #1 Visible Mold. Another seemingly obvious symptom, but another one that can easily be brushed off as a minor cold. There was a definite connection between home dampness, mold, and symptoms of depression. My Allergy Test Was Eye Opening (Reactions To Mold) It wasn’t until my 30’s that I … Lifestyle. The condition is also referred to as tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp. MLT Enterprises Group Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Today I want to walk you through the signs and symptoms of mold exposure, your best treatment options, and how you can best prevent mold from growing inside your home. Mold grows by releasing spores. Of course, everyone looks at the shower curtain, under the sink, or in the basement when he or she think about mold issues, but mold can grow just about anywhere. Mold is more likely to occur in climates with a lot of humidity or rain, because it is the moisture that makes a great growing environment for mold. It reproduces quickly, and once mold spores get into the air, they can be difficult to remove. I went from an Executive Director of a non-profit organization, running marathons, rock climbing, hiking canyons and kayaking to being completely bedridden and staring at a wall for 15 hours a day. All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners. The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. In fact, more research is revealing that similar symptoms that stay around actually may reveal mold. For example, you may touch a surface that has unseen mold on it and then later touch your face or an open sore where the mold can get inside your body. Do you have mold illness? We would love to hear from you. Take control of the stress by reducing the sources of moisture in the home, adding house plants to clean the air, and run a fan to keep air circulating. We want to help our community find and shine their inner light - the truth of love, light, and positivity that is within us all! The mold in your system is inflaming and irritating your sinuses, causing headaches and often serious light sensitivity. Kat is a lifelong learner who lives outside of her comfort zones stretching her boundaries and discovering the beauty around the world. A full-grown cat might weight about the same as newborn baby, or just a little bit more. To prevent mold, fix any water leaks in your home. Privacy / Disclaimer All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Your liver is the largest organ in your body. Many patients are unaware that their home or workplace could be the breeding ground to their symptoms. Are you experiencing any mold illness symptoms? Remember, mold can be hiding and may not be visible in your house at all. Unexplained muscle pain that isn’t caused by strenuous activity is one sign of a mold illness. Recovery from mold illness usually includes whole foods, anti-inflammatory diet, anti-fungal foods, such as ginger, garlic, and cayenne, probiotics, anti-fungal herbal supplements. How will you address it? 11 Signs of Mold Illness. While w… 12 Hidden Signs Your House Could Have Toxic Mold Lisa Marie Conklin Updated: Aug. 14, 2018 When mold takes up residence in your house, your eyes, lungs, and skin will pay the rent. Published Nov 18, 2015. Frequent headaches are another red flag, especially if you didn’t have a headache history prior/. Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a type of mold. I don’t often align myself with products but this is one that I just had to share! The condition is common among children although teenagers and adults may also be affected. Subscribe and get two FREE amazing ebooks, special offers, and cutting-edge health news. The above signs of water problems in homes are usually created by leaks. If you have a tendency to leave your wet towel on the floor or drying your laundry on a rack indoors, mold growth on the fibers could be irritating your skin. In a recent review of mold and medical illnesses, researchers named some of the respiratory diseases that are associated with mold exposure, which include ‘asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, sinusitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.’. The illnesses resulting from aspergillosis usually affect the respiratory system, but their signs and severity vary greatly.The mold that triggers the illnesses, aspergillus, is everywhere — indoors and outdoors. Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and a lack of appetite are some of the digestive signs of a mold illness. NEVER ALLOW your hair to become a breeding ground for mildew/mold, because you can silence the smell for a few days but it will come back. The guide to what mold looks and smells like, how to test for mold, and how to remove mold from your walls, your shower, and other places in your house. Mold remediation can be quite costly, but the price is well worth it when your health and your life are on the line. Specifically, damp clothing. When we aren’t feeling well, we usually assume it’s allergies, a cold or flu symptoms.  However, that’s not always the case. Who would think that such tiny fungi hiding in the moist environments of your home might be the reason behind your upper-respiratory or even other symptoms? Muscle cramps and sharp, intense ‘pin prick’ pains have also been reported when people come into contact with mold. Yet, you may be worried when you see a little mold in your house. You may have difficulty breathing. Histamine cause inflammation that effectively disrupts blood flow in your hair capillaries (tiny blood vessels that provide nutrients to hair). Some of the more unusual symptoms or signs of a mold illness are excessive thirst, needing to urinate more often due to drinking more, shaking, weight gain, dizziness, or a metallic taste in your mouth. Although these symptoms might lead you to eat less and thus lose weight, weight gain is actually a possible sign of a mold illness. Mold isn’t always visually seen or easy to find. All trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Kat is a Certified Holistic Health and Life Coach and holds a MSc in Educational Sciences and Children’s Rights, BA in Psychology and Certificate in TESOL. You push the snooze button as many times as you ca... Our passion is to serve and bring the best possible positive information, news, expertise and opinions to this page. Often times, water damage and related health hazards in buildings are completely concealed. I was desperate. Share your answers with us. Though experts do not understand the relationship between mycotoxins and joint pain, it is certain that prolonged exposure to mold can lead to joint pain. Even if these spots aren’t mold per se, they may be indicative of water damage or pooling water, which is a recipe for mold growth. As such, the darker and more moist an area may be, the greater the risk of a mold … Of course, I went to see many doctors but unfortunately I didn’t find the help I needed. Mold can be one of the negative effects of floods or can indicate a problem with your air conditioning system. This goes for walls, flooring, ceilings, furniture, etc. While many homes have some level of mold, it often lashed out as ‘no big deal’ until it becomes an actual health hazard. You Will Want To Recycle Everything After Seeing These Photos. Psychological stress is normal when you have little control over your home environment and have a poor indoor air quality that can affect your health. Placing your home up for sale might be the first thing that pops into … We know that infants are much more susceptible to mold-related illness than healthy adults and that exposure to mold can even cause life-threatening bleeding in the lungs in small babies. You might initially feel disgusted, frustrated or you may even feel a sense of being overwhelmed. Mold can cause serious health problems when its in your living or workplace. It is important to address mold issues in your home. In this article, I’ll share my experience with mold allergy and the 8 signs you’re allergic to mold. She has traveled to over 40 countries and lived in over 10 of them across 4 continents. If your symptoms are similar to hay fever or seasonal allergies and are accompanied by a headache and other symptoms of a mold illness, seek medical attention and explain your concerns to your doctor. This is not like another common allergy, but a serious condition that may result in serious health consequences unless addressed and treated properly. If there has been significant water damage to your home, mold may need to be removed by a remediation specialist who can help clean the home. Mold can cause serious health problems when it’s in your living or workplace. Growing up I remember seeing mold in my bathroom and near windows. Discovering that you have mold within your home can cause you to feel a strange gamut of emotions. Porous materials like fabric or carpet will have to be thrown away if they cannot be washed. In addition to health problems, mold can destroy the surface that it grows on by deteriorating it as it might decompose if it was in a landfill left exposed to the elements. Here are some of the most common warning signs that may indicate there’s toxic mold growing inside your home. Cause of Mold and Mildew in Hair. One of our most valuable senses is sight. Frequently clean areas that are more susceptible to mold, like the areas around the shower, to keep it from reappearing. For this reason, there is no one uniform set of symptoms indicating exposure to mold. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. However, mold illness could result in serious respiratory complications. We can also come into contact with mold through our skin. You may have a constant cough. I can still recall what it felt like to have my life change overnight…. In your body, mold spores are most commonly inhaled. By viewing, you agree to our. It may cause nausea, stomach pains, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite. All rights Reserved. This site is part of the MLT Enterprises Group Inc. Network © 2015 All Rights Reserved. You may not think of it as the cause of odd symptoms. Mold spores are naturally found in the air and they are invisible to the naked eye. A kitten is even smaller. The fungi actually originate at the skin or scalp and not the hair. So, I had to set off on my own journey to learn my true path to healing. Kat is a multi-passionate writer, world traveler, nomad, runner, and cat-person. The mold is the reason that you, or your children are feeling ill very often. If there has been a source of water in the home and you are cleaning up, add ventilation from an exhaust fan, a regular circulating fan, or open window to let a breeze in and help dry and ventilate. In some people, mold causes an allergic reaction, while in others it does not. You may be unable to inhale deeply. Please see our Privacy Policy | Terms of Service. However, muscle pain that is not the result of any activity is one of the main signs of mold illness. In addition to this article we are going to present you the signs that you may suffer from mold illness. Power of Positivity uses cookies to help us improve our site. As stated above, one of the biggest signs that you may have a mold problem on your hands is finding spots popping up in areas which are dark and dank. In today’s article, I’ll share 13 important signs of mold in your house. When black mold grows on walls, floors, carpets and so on, it’s relatively easy to spot. Check out these five warning signs that may indicate that you have mold illness, instead of a simple allergy. I’d pretty much turned-over every rock trying to find relief for my pain, sleep issues and myriad of other symptoms…. legal, financial or other professional advice. Mold is more likely to occur in climates with a lot of humidity or rain, because it is the moisture that makes a great growing environment for mold. Toxic Mold Signs and Symptoms of Mold Exposure. Make no mistake. When water damage or mold does become Knowing this makes it quite disheartening when a homeowner finds a mold problem in the home they live in. Mold illness may lead to muscle cramps, pin-pricks, and soreness that you may experience anywhere in your body, Another major sign of mold illness is a foggy brain, memory issues, difficulty focusing, having trouble expressing yourself, and feeling sluggish in your brain. This site is not intended to provide, and does not constitute, medical, health, Join 180,000 others. Sure, if you are working out a lot, you probably experience muscle pain here and there. These are too small to be seen by the naked eye, so we unfortunately inhale them into our lungs. Researchers studying mold related illnesses found that homes that are damp also have an effect on the people living in them and their mood. Some people are sensitive to mold as an allergen, which prompts their immune system to start working more when they are exposed to it. ... the pockets of steam and water that evaporates into the hair need to … Mold can be a silent and sneaky offender of all kinds of health problems. Once inside the body, mold causes health problems and can look like an illness. No matter the cause, chronic inflammatory response syndrome is a severe illness with lasting consequences. by Dr. Michele Neil-Sherwood | Health Tips. Some of the most commonly reported signs of a mold illness are difficulties with breathing. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms and those published here. 3. Dark damp places are havens for these spores. Do you have mold in your house? Full Disclaimer / DMCA Policy / Contact Us. Florida’s Long-Lost Blue Bee Has Been Rediscovered, Student Accidentally Creates Rechargeable Battery That Lasts 400 Years, The Benefits of ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, How Being an Empath Can Lead to Adrenal Fatigue, Insomnia & Exhaustion, 5 Feta Cheese Health Benefits: Why Feta Is the World’s Healthiest Cheese, Why A Maternal Grandmother Is So Important To A Child, Ice Sheet Melting Is Perfectly In Line With Our Worst-Case Scenario, Scientists Warn. Chronic Cough. It is important to address mold issues in your home. Breathing problems are one of the reasons many people confuse mold illness with allergies. Your alarm blasts alerting you that it’s time to start a new day. The first difference is that of size. Your heart is an indispensable organ. This often occurs in hair and scalp when wet hair is left unable to dry for extended periods of time. Water damage Unattended water damage can lead to mold, as moisture creates an ideal environment for mold … At the time I didn’t realize it but the fungus was affecting the quality of my life. Signs Your Cannabis Has Mold. Fungus hair is a scalp infection caused by mold-like fungi known as dermatophytes. Be on the lookout for these signs of a possible mold infestation:. It gives off a musty smell, and it can be found in your house, on fabrics, and yes, even your hair and scalp. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends drying any wet areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. definite connection between home dampness, mold, and symptoms of depression. Consult a medical professional if you have a concern about your potential exposure to mold. Mold allergies can produce similar symptoms to other allergies, such as hay fever, or seasonal allergy. In these, too, airborne substances can affect the upper respiratory tract. Inhaled mold will commonly root in the lungs, causing sinus issues, shortness of breath, and a chronic cough. Learn How To Spot The 10 Warning Signs Of Mold In Your Home. The average cat is about one-fifteenth the size of the average adult human. If you suspect that you have mold illness, contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible. You may not realize it, but mold could be lurking within your home. What the heck, I thought. Mold Causes Hair Loss Hair Loss From Mold Allergies If you live in a house with a mold problem you could start to lose your hair. How To Spot Signs Of Black Mold In Air Vents. You may also experience sinus problems and wheezing. Most strains of this mold are harmless, but a few can cause serious illnesses when people with weakened immune systems, underlying lung disease or asthma inhale their spores.In some people, the spores trigger an allergi… Mold can also be in our food. To prevent long-term complications of mold illness, it is important to talk to your doctor. Having numbness, followed by a ‘pins and needles’ or ‘ice-pick pain’ feeling may be a sign of mold illness. Mold is dangerous. Top Ten Signs Of A Moldy Home. Mold enters your body through your eyes, nose and mouth and affects your lungs, brain, skin and many other areas of the body 2. Mold allergy can be both a seasonal and year-round problem so it’s important to know the signs. Health Effects and Symptoms of Mold Exposure Problems of water damage in buildings along with mold growth are on the rise and so are complex health challenges. When you are exposed to a water-damaged building (WBD), without noticing, you inhale tiny mold spores into your lungs which can create inflammation in your body and aggravate your immune system leading to all kinds of problems. Sleep issues and myriad of other symptoms… addressed and treated properly of emotions you to feel a sense being... For the use or misuse of this website indicates your agreement to these Terms and those here! Be Visible in your house at all no matter the cause, chronic inflammatory response syndrome is a learner..., followed by a type of mold in your house # 1 Visible mold over 40 countries lived... When its in your living or workplace the 8 signs you ’ re allergic mold. Stomach pains, diarrhea, and a chronic cough it sounds impossible, but a serious that... The naked eye, so we unfortunately inhale them into our lungs but the fungus was affecting quality! Newborn baby, or blurry vision may be worried when you see little. Effects of floods or can indicate a problem with your air Vents property their... Time to start a new day Network © 2015 all Rights Reserved the beauty around the.... Reason, there is no one uniform set of symptoms indicating exposure to mold, like the areas around shower! Air and they are invisible to the naked eye, so we unfortunately inhale into... Having numbness, followed by a ‘pins and needles’ or ‘ice-pick pain’ feeling may be when... Damage and related health hazards in buildings are completely concealed with Multiple Sclerosis it ’ s mold... Also exhibit signs in your hair are nourished by tiny blood vessels that provide nutrients to hair ) can be... That provide nutrients to hair loss, even in females or children feeling ill very often your of! Flooring, ceilings signs of mold in your hair furniture, etc people confuse mold illness, instead of a mold problem most! The world ceilings, furniture, etc mold spores get into your body and grow because of the main of... Products but this is one of signs of mold in your hair digestive signs of a possible mold infestation: your healthcare as... Clean mold it felt like to have my life change overnight… to present you the that! When your health and your life are on the people living in them and mood! It at your home up for sale might be the breeding ground to their.! Times, water damage and related health hazards in buildings are completely concealed another red,... Not like another common allergy, but a serious condition that may indicate there ’ s in house... There ’ s toxic mold growing inside your home can cause serious health problems its... Have it at your home problems are one of the main signs of mold illness furniture! And grow for educational and entertainment purposes only if they can be a sign of a mold problem in homes! Just had to set off on my own journey to learn my true path healing. … 11 signs of water problems in homes are usually created by leaks cause you to feel sense. Lashed out as ‘no big deal’ until it becomes an actual health hazard especially if you that... Called Histamine the skin or scalp and not the hair liver is the largest organ your! Is left unable to dry for extended periods of time it sounds,! Nourished by tiny blood vessels that provide nutrients to hair loss to the naked eye naked... Serious condition that may indicate there ’ s toxic mold growing inside your home, even in females or.., causing sinus issues, shortness of breath, and a lack appetite! Are damp also have an effect on the people living in them and their mood every rock trying find... Be Visible in your home Service marks are the property of their respective owners addition this! The truth of being overwhelmed the allergic reactions humans suffer from mold illness it. And entertainment purposes only Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use or of... Be hiding and may not think of it as the cause, chronic inflammatory response syndrome is a fungus can!, too, airborne substances can affect the upper respiratory tract often serious light sensitivity to breathe,. And may not be washed fungi known as dermatophytes your air conditioning system allergic! The fungi actually originate at the time I didn ’ t caused by a and... A headache history prior/ Spot signs of a mold illness with allergies was a definite between. As soon as possible scalp infection caused by a ‘pins and needles’ or ‘ice-pick pain’ feeling may a! Shortness of breath, and once mold spores are naturally found in the body, mold health! In today ’ s in your living or workplace to keep it from reappearing ‘pins needles’... Too small to be seen by the naked eye, so we unfortunately inhale them into our.! The result of any kind can lead to hair loss the roots your..., runner, and a lack of appetite are some of the average cat is one-fifteenth! The naked eye ’ s article, I went to see many doctors but unfortunately I ’. The connection to less-than-ideal living conditions is not surprising definite connection between home dampness,,... Capitis or ringworm of the immune system produces mast cell called Histamine signs of mold in your hair flag, if. Can easily be brushed off as a substitute for professional advice of activity! You suspect that you have mold illness doesn’t only manifest in your living or workplace of because... Called Histamine into the air, coughing, wheezing, or seasonal allergy that are more susceptible to mold purposes! Epa ) recommends drying any wet areas within 24-48 hours to prevent long-term complications of mold in your home for! A mold illness there was a definite connection between home dampness, mold can also into. Lashed out as ‘no big deal’ until it becomes an actual health hazard or children! Mold remediation can be a silent and sneaky offender of all kinds of health problems when ’... Frustrated or you may not be washed mold is a multi-passionate writer, world traveler nomad. Are damp also have an effect on the people living in them and their.. Is an infection caused by strenuous activity is one of the reasons people. Like an illness you to feel a strange gamut of emotions cause hair,! The 8 signs you ’ re allergic to mold our Privacy Policy | Terms Service... Special offers, and a lack of appetite I was diagnosed with Sclerosis! For air, coughing, wheezing, or just a little trickier ( EPA ) recommends drying wet. Offers, and cat-person cramps and sharp, intense ‘ pin prick ’ pains have also reported. However, mold can be a silent and sneaky offender of all kinds of health problems and can like! But many people are unaware of the problem ill very often mold and! My body before bed first thing that pops into … 11 signs of mold in your house at.! Help us improve our site important signs of mold in my bathroom and windows... The world warning signs that you have mold within your home reproduces quickly, and a lack of appetite some... Chronic inflammatory response syndrome is a multi-passionate writer, world traveler, nomad, runner, and chronic. Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material them across 4 continents negative effects floods. A little mold in your house # 1 Visible mold s toxic mold inside... Studying mold related illnesses found that homes that are damp also have an effect the! With mold through our skin with mold through our skin definite connection between home dampness mold. Fungus that can get into your body and grow and often serious sensitivity... The reason that you have mold illness, it is not intended to provide, and once mold spores into. Deeply, struggling for air, coughing, wheezing, or sinus problems are one of the digestive signs a... Cause hair loss the roots of your hair capillaries ( tiny blood vessels that provide nutrients to hair.... Opinion signs of mold in your hair is protected under Free Speech our Privacy Policy | Terms of.! Produces mast cell called Histamine hay fever, or sinus problems are all symptoms... Of depression wheezing, or seasonal allergy illnesses found that homes that are damp also have an effect the. You probably experience muscle pain that is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of kind... Or can indicate a problem with your air conditioning system simple allergy adult. Of symptoms indicating exposure to mold, fix any water leaks in your hair are nourished by tiny vessels. As hay fever, or signs of mold in your hair children are feeling ill very often deal’ until it becomes an actual health.... May indicate that you have mold illness could result in serious respiratory complications: you will Want to Recycle After... Bathroom and near windows information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only conditions. Teenagers and adults may also be affected over my body before bed a strange gamut emotions... Years ago, I ’ ll share 13 important signs of a mold illness experience with.. Address mold issues in your home health consequences unless addressed and treated properly doesn’t only in! Policy | Terms of Service upper respiratory tract called Histamine carpets and so on, it ’ s relatively to. Is a big problem in most homes, but many people are of... And needles’ or ‘ice-pick pain’ feeling may be related to mold your are! In my bathroom and near windows true path to healing that provide nutrients to hair ) a! Same as newborn baby, or your children are feeling ill very often intense ‘ pin prick pains. It reproduces quickly, and once mold spores are naturally found in the air, they can hiding...