Why It's Important to Keep Your Home Mold-Free

Got mold in your home? If exposure to mold triggers your asthma symptoms, you'll need to heed these important steps to evict this unwanted guest.

Mold Allergies

Household mold can grow on a range of surfaces, including walls, cabinets, garbage pails, houseplants, paper, and food. The common denominator in all of these cases is that their locations are warm and damp.

While you can't prevent mold's existence, you can take steps to discourage it from settling in or remove it.

Preventing Mold Growth

Public health advocates recommend that asthmatics whose symptoms are triggered by mold should do whatever it takes to reduce moisture in their homes.

Here are some ways to accomplish this goal:

  • Repair leaks in your plumbing or appliances promptly.
  • Dry any wet areas completely.
  • Vent your bathrooms and dryer.
  • Run an exhaust fan when you run your dishwasher or cook on your stovetop.
  • Rely on your air conditioner on humid days to remove moisture from the air.
  • Protect areas prone to dampness (like your basement) by running a dehumidifier.
  • Insulate your home properly to reduce condensation from forming on the exterior surfaces.
  • Open doors to keep circulation moving between rooms.
  • Run a sump pump in your basement to prevent flooding.
  • Banish houseplants from indoors, since the soil can be a breeding ground for molds.

Remove Mold

Preventing mold is always your best bet, but if the mold already exists, buy a commercial cleaner (or mix up your own combination of detergent and warm water) and scrub affected surfaces.  Also, remove all items that show signs of water and mold damage such as rugs, ceiling tiles, and books.  For areas that tend to get damp on a regular basis, make an effort to clean and dry them thoroughly. Wash area rugs in hot water as often as you can to discourage mold from forming there.

Keep in mind that not all molds come from inside your home. Some molds/fungi occur naturally outdoors and can cause a respiratory reaction if you're particularly sensitive. Therefore, be aware that you can carry mold spores indoors on your hair, shoes, and clothing. To try to circumvent this problem by staying indoors when the mold count is high, or if you do venture outdoors, be sure to wash everything carefully when you come in. By minimizing your exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens, you can send mold packing and keep your asthma under control.

 

Sources:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)

http://www.aaaai.org/nab/index.cfm?p=faq

American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)

http://www.acaai.org/press/news-releases/2005/Pages/mold-allergy-a-bigger-health-concern.aspx

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

http://www.epa.gov/iedmold1/moldresources.html