As with all allergies, mold allergies cannot be cured. However, there are steps people with mold allergies can take to avoid contact with mold and reduce the risk of allergy symptoms. There are both outdoor and indoor strategies that may significantly aid mold allergy sufferers.
Tips for reducing mold contact when outdoors include:
* Limit or avoid going to places that may contain mold.
* Limit or avoid touching substances that may grow mold or mildew.
*Avoid working outdoors when the published mold count is high.
* Avoid mowing grass (or being around freshly cut grass) and raking leaves, as these activities can stir up mold.
* Avoid going outdoors after a rainstorm.
* When working outdoors in areas likely to be damp or have mold (e.g., farms, construction sites), wear safety gear to limit exposure. This may include disposable dust masks, half-face respirators with charcoal cartridges, glasses or safety goggles, and rubber gloves. (NOTE: Latex gloves are also a potential allergen and should be avoided, if possible.)
Tips for cleaning or eliminating mold that has grown in a home or building include:
* Hiring a professional service to clean the home of mold or mildew. The release of mold spores becomes intensified when moldy material is damaged or disturbed. People with mold allergies are not encouraged to complete the cleaning themselves, since it is likely to trigger symptoms. Also, anyone with asthma or respiratory problems should not be present when the cleaning takes place.
* Repairing any moisture leaks that are entering a home or building from the outside. Wear a dust mask and gloves and discard moldy or damaged materials.
* Discarding any furnishings (e.g., mattresses, carpets, sofas) that were wet or have been stored in damp conditions.
* Scrubbing moldy areas with an unscented detergent solution (e.g., bleach), then sponging with a clean, wet rag and drying quickly (open windows or use fans to accelerate drying). Unscented detergents are recommended because they make it easier to detect moldy odors that remain.
* Cleaning moldy drywall using a damp rag with baking soda or some unscented detergent. Avoid wetting drywall too much when cleaning. If the mold returns after cleaning, it usually indicates that a source of moisture (e.g., leak from outside, sweating pipes) has not been removed.
* Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Tips for preventing mold in a home or building include:
* Keeping windows closed. This can prevent molds from entering the home. Instead, use air conditioners to cool the home because they also clean and dry the air. Central air conditioning with a HEPA filter attachment is best.
* Having family and friends remove shoes when entering a home. Shoes often have mold spores attached to them because of contact with soil, dust or dirt. Removing shoes at the door can reduce the spread of mold spores into the home.
* Keeping the interior as dry as possible. Check the interior for signs of moisture and molds regularly.
* Finding and fixing water leaks immediately.
* Drying any wet or flooded areas in the home as quickly as possible. This will help prevent mold growth. Use a dry/wet vacuum or clean, dry rags to remove moisture on surface areas. Fans and open windows may be used to accelerate the drying. If wood flooring has remained wet for more than a day, a vacuum sander may be needed. Severely moldy flooring or carpet should be replaced.
* Discarding clutter and excess stored materials – especially in basements, which tend to have more moisture. Molds grow on paper, fabrics, wood and anything else that holds moisture and collects dust. If you must store items like paper, clothes and fabric, do so in sealed containers.
* Cleaning and maintaining the home or building regularly.
* Using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the home during the warmer months. Dehumidifying a basement during the spring and summer, for instance, will help prevent the spread of molds. Windows should be closed when the dehumidifier is on. Raising the temperature in the basement can also help lower the humidity. The use of a humidifier should be avoided because these devices increase humidity levels.
* Measuring how much moisture is present in the air of the home or building. To find the relative humidity in a home, a hygrometer is needed. Relative humidity in the home should be under 45 percent in the winter (or lower to avoid condensation on windows). A dehumidifier will help lower the relative humidity.
* Not using carpet in basements. This will help avoid the trapping of moisture.
* Occasionally cleaning the drain in the basement floor by pouring in half a cup of bleach. Let it stand for a few minutes, then flush with water. Also, keep sump pits covered.
* Cleaning heat recovery ventilators (HRV). If there is a HRV in the basement, clean the filter inside the HRV often.
* Regularly cleaning and replacing furnace filters. Use a pleated 1-inch filter but not a coarse filter.
* Venting laundry dryers to the outside only. Remove lint every time the dryer is used to help prevent moisture buildup. Also, dry washing machines after each use and avoid hanging clothes to dry indoors or outdoors.
* Ensuring that bathrooms have a fan that exhausts to the outside. Turn the fan on when showering and leave on for several minutes after showering is completed to reduce moisture. Taking short showers will reduce mold as well. Wiping down wet surfaces after showering is also beneficial.
* Consistently cleaning and drying walls and floors that are wet. Remove carpeting in the bathroom and clean rugs frequently. Check for water leaks under the sink, around the tub, shower and toilet to prevent water damage and mold or mildew. Clean and maintain drains in the bathroom to prevent extra moisture.
* Ensuring that kitchen exhaust fans are vented to the outside and used regularly when cooking. Use a cover when boiling to prevent moisture buildup.
* Maintaining sink drains and not allowing water to overflow the sink. Also, check under and around sinks for leaks and moisture buildup. Sinks and tubs should also be scrubbed at least once a month.
* Frequently cleaning the drip pan at the back of the refrigerator. Also vacuum dust from refrigerator coils.
* Discarding old food from cabinets and refrigerators. Some moldy foods, however, such as cheeses, hard fruits and vegetables can be salvaged by cutting out a large area surrounding the mold.
* Cleaning garbage cans frequently. Taking the garbage out daily will prevent mold and mildew growth as well.
* Keeping closets and bedrooms clean and neat to make it easier for air to circulate and harder for mold to thrive. Throw out old clothes and other stored items that are not used.
* Not bringing furniture, clothing, books or other items that have been water damaged or stored in a damp or moldy place into the home.
* Reducing the number of potted plants in the home. Soil is an ideal place for mold to grow.
* Increasing circulation throughout the home by using fans and opening doors and closets often.
* Checking outside of the home (e.g., the roof and exterior walls) on a regular basis for any place water may enter. Eaves, troughs and downspouts should be checked often to make sure that they are connected, working properly and debris-free. Installing downspout extensions to lead water farther away from the home will also help in reducing potential interior water seepage.
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