Got dampness and mold in your home? If so, your household mold could be causing your asthma, or at least making your existing symptoms worse. In fact, the latest research confirms that damp living conditions that contribute to the growth of home mold seem to play a large role in triggering persistent asthma.
Mold and Asthma
While people of all ages may experience the mold and asthma connection, some researchers believe that in particular, children with severe forms of asthma may be able to trace the cause of their condition back to their damp home environment. In fact, a recent study even found that a child's risk factor for asthma is more than doubled when mold exposure exists in the home. And you don't have to see household mold for it to spark respiratory symptoms. Just the smell of home mold seems to be enough to trigger the illness or make it worse.
Further, while experts believe that exposure to mold actually causes asthma, some believe that you must have a predisposition to this condition already in order for household mold to worsen the symptoms. Either way, though, the link between asthma and mold exposure is enough to make people sit up and take notice.
Home Mold Concerns
You can find household mold in a variety of places, but some of the most common spots are basements, kitchens and bathrooms, since these areas tend to be more susceptible to moisture concerns and can serve as breeding grounds for home mold. Mold can also often be found on paper, carpets and wood, as well as on old foods.
Take Control of Household Mold
It is impossible to completely eliminate all mold, but you can take steps to minimize your exposure to it in your home. The most important thing you can do is to take control of damp and high moisture areas to remove your risk of mold and asthma. When home mold already exists, you will need to clean it with detergent or bleach and water to remove it in full, and then allow the area to dry out completely so it won't return.
Some Things You Can Do
If you suspect dampness issues could be a problem in your home, here are some other things you can do to minimize your mold exposure:
- Remove carpets and ceiling tiles that have been exposed to water damage and/or mold.
- Repair leaky faucets and pipes to eliminate unnecessary moisture in your home.
- Monitor the humidity level and make sure it doesn't get above 50 percent or so.
- Vent bathrooms and driers to keep humidity low.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas but be sure to clean and empty the water pan regularly.
- Use your air conditioner to keep air dry and allergy-free, and change your filters often.
- Use anti-mildew paint in areas that tend to get damp.
Get Expert Help
If you find that your home mold problem is severe and you can't effectively control it on your own, it is important to seek professional help to protect your home and your family's health.
