How to Avoid Molds

Mold Invasion

Mold allergy can sometimes be particularly difficult to deal with. Indoor molds and mildew thrive in areas of the house with increased humidity, such as damp basements and bathrooms. Molds may appear on shower curtains, shower stalls, sinks, under sinks, on stored books and leather goods, in damp basements, storage areas or behind walls or under carpet that has been exposed to moisture. Molds may appear as black or orange coatings on some surfaces. The best way to find mold is to look in dark, damp, warm environments. It can grow almost anywhere: on sheet rock, carpet, wood panels, garbage cans and basement walls. Mold can even grow in areas that are not easily visible, such as inside walls and furniture. Excessive indoor humidity, resulting in water vapor condensation on walls, plumbing leaks, spills from showering or bathing, water leaking through foundations or roofs may lead to the growth of many types of molds.

These molds send out small spores that can trigger allergy symptoms for some people when they are exposed. Symptoms may include, but are not limited too, wheezing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, nasal and sinus congestion, irritated eyes, a dry hacking cough, irritated nose or throat and skin rashes and irritation.

Outdoor molds can be found under leaves, in the grass and in soil. There are several types of outdoor molds and one or more types are present year round with peak spore production usually in the early afternoon. Mold spores tend to peak in late spring and again in late fall when there is a lot of moisture in the atmosphere. They are usually minimal on days that are rainy, cloudy or windless because mold spores do not move about in these conditions. Hot, dry, windy weather signals greater mold distribution and thus increases the exposure. Mold spores also tend to increase just prior to thunderstorms.

Controlling Indoor Mold

Fortunately, indoor molds and mildew are easily eliminated once you discover them. If mold or mildew are visible in carpeting or wallpaper, remove these items from the house. Also, promptly repair and seal leaking roofs or pipes. Never put carpeting on concrete or damp floors and avoid storing clothes, papers or other items in damp areas. Using dehumidifiers in damp basements may be helpful, but they generally cannot control the humidity throughout the house. Empty the water in dehumidifiers and clean units regularly to prevent mildew from forming. All rooms, especially basements, bathrooms and kitchens require ventilation and consistent cleaning to deter mold and mildew growth.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), taking the following steps to rid your home or business of molds can lead to a decrease in allergy symptoms:

Clean the area - Use a solution of 5% bleach and detergent or similar mold and mildew remover such as "Lysol" to clean the moldy area. Then wipe off the mold. Remember to wear rubber gloves and use a protective mask if your symptoms are severe.
Remove the source - If mold or mildew is visible in carpeting or on wallpaper, remove them from your home. Also, if you have a leaky pipe or roof, quickly repair and seal these moisture sources.
Dry it out - Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen. Wipe down the shower after use. Periodically clean the bathroom and other mold-promoting places with a product that kills mold and mildew, and throw away shower curtains at the first sight of mold.
Lower humidity - Try to maintain a humidity level of 30% to 40% in your house or business.
Stay above ground - In general, it's not a good idea for people with mold allergies to have a bedroom or a family/work room in the basement.
Air it out - Ventilate damp rooms, attics and even crawl spaces under the house to try to keep them dry.
Limit outdoor exposure - Be aware of the amount of mold spores in the air before going outdoors. Minimize outdoor activity on days when the humidity is high or on windy days when molds are blown about the area.