Mold Allergies Mold Allergies After pollens, molds are the leading cause of outdoor airborne allergies. Mold forms on fallen leaves, soil, debris and other moist surfaces; a compost bin, for instance, is the perfect breeding ground for outdoor mold. Like many pollen allergies, outdoor mold tends to be bothersome from the spring to late fall. But unlike pollen, mold counts tend to peak in the afternoon, not the morning.
Still, escaping the Great Outdoors won't eliminate all mold allergies. Indoors, only a few molds produce spores light enough to cause allergies, but they lurk everywhere. They thrive in damp basements and closets, window moldings, bathrooms, food-storage areas, drip trays under refrigerators, air conditioners, humidifiers, garbage pails, house plants, and even mattresses, upholstered furniture and pillows--basically, anywhere with enough surface moisture to keep them alive. Unless you live in the Southwest, chances are your home is humid and moist enough to harbor molds. And unlike outdoor molds, indoor varieties can cause allergies year-round. Here's how to master mold allergens, both indoors and outdoors:
Banish it with bleach
While some fungicides are made especially for molds, you can also treat your home as
you would your toughest laundry--with chlorine bleach. Have someone who isn't allergic mix
one cup of bleach with 10 cups of water and scrub areas of your home that are damp and
inviting for molds: bathroom fixtures, floors and walls, shower curtains, tile, and behind
the toilet; window moldings; basement walls, floors and ceilings; and around the laundry
room. You should also wash shower curtains periodically in hot water, with laundry
detergent and bleach.
Modulate the moisture
Continuously running the air conditioner or a dehumidifier can lower the moisture
enough to prevent the growth of mold--providing you keep these machines clean. Filters on
dehumidifiers and air conditioners should be scrubbed regularly; if you detect a musty
odor, also spray the filters with a aerosol mold killer. Problem: Running the air
conditioner or dehumidifier without proper cleaning can contaminate them with mold,
possibly worsening allergies.
As with the control of dust mites, a dehumidifier should keep the humidity at a level below 50 percent--ideally, between 35 and 45 percent.
Clean those closets
Mold can grow in old shoes, and on mattresses and furniture. If you notice your
allergies aren't improving with other measures, do some Spring Cleaning to get rid of
potential breeding grounds. A sure bet is any carpet in the basement--no matter how new.
It's nearly impossible to keep these carpets dry enough to prevent the growth of molds,
even if your basement "doesn't leak." If you have any concerns about your
mattress (whether it's old or new), encase it in plastic.
Inspect home appliances
Proper outdoor ventilation is especially important for people with mold allergies, so
be sure your clothes dryer and stove are vented outside. While you're at it, also clean
the refrigerator drip pan and check the fridge for excess moisture--you'll notice it on
the sides.
Take care on holidays
Planning a vacation? Well, plan on this: People with mold allergies are more likely to
have problems at the beach or in the woods because hotels, homes and cabins there tend to
be very damp.
Christmas trees can cause problems for some folks with mold allergies. If your holiday cheer has left because of an allergic reaction, you might want to replace the evergreen with an artificial tree.
Clean the gutters
It's also important to control excess moisture outside your home, so be sure that
drains and gutters are free from any blockage that could encourage mold development.
Compost with care
Besides keeping garbage cans clean and secured, it's a good idea to locate the compost
pile far from your house. When it's time to "turn it over," wear a dust mask to
keep from breathing in any molds that becomes airborne.
Let the sun shine
Taking measures to keep your lawn and home from being too heavily shaded can help
reduce mold allergies. Sunshine dries some of the moisture and dampness that help molds
grow.
Face yard work with a face mask
Ideally, anyone with mold allergies shouldn't be mowing the lawn, raking the leaves or
tending to the garden. But if you must do yard work, wear a face mask--or do it after
you've taken your allergy medicine. Raking leaves, mowing or even digging can kick up mold
allergens and cause a reaction. A face mask can keep these allergens from entering your
respiratory system. And try to do it in the morning, before mold counts peak......Back to Mold Part
I
Back | Home | Resources | Our Products
| Products by
Price | Our
Competitive Edge
| View Cart |
Filters | Cash
Out | Contact Us
Dustmites | Mold Allergies | Asthma | The Air We
Breath | Chemical
Allergies | Ozone Free
| Pollen Allergies
| Common
Contaminants
Email
for Info:
Intuition Marketing
Authorized Distributor
©1999 Intuition
Marketing. All rights reserved.
Thisl information is intended for your general knowledge.