Healthy Living

TAKING THE MISERY OUT OF
MOLD ALLERGY

Symptoms of a mold allergy are very similar to other allergic symptoms. Sneezing, coughing and itchy, watery eyes are common. There are many types of molds both indoors and outdoors, and not all of them cause allergic symptoms. And while mold allergy symptoms aren’t dangerous unless you also have asthma, they can certainly cause misery and reduce quality of life. While medications can help with serious cases, here are simple ways to keep mold at bay and symptoms away:

• Mold flourishes in humid conditions. Keep the humidity levels in your home at 50% or below. An inexpensive hygrometer, available at hardware stores, can monitor home humidity levels.
  
  
• Check basements and all pipes for leaks and dampness, and make necessary repairs. Clean areas of damage with a mild bleach solution.
  
  
• Keep bathrooms well ventilated with windows or fans. Ideally, run a bathroom fan for 30 minutes after showering to dry the indoor air.
  
  
• Sleep with windows closed. Night air is damp air and mold count is highest during those hours.
  
  
• If you are particularly troubled by mold allergy symptoms, avoid going outdoors right after it rains or on particularly humid days.
  
  
• If possible, install central air conditioning, and use a high-efficiency air particulate attachment (HEPA) filter. At the very least, use a window unit in the bedroom during warm months.
  
  
• Change filters regularly in air conditioning units and furnaces.
  
  
• If you have plants, avoid overwatering, and keep all woven liners such as baskets very dry.
  
  
• If you work outside, mowing lawns, raking leaves, or planting a garden, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling mold spores.
  

Attack Allergens

Sneeze - Free DO's and DON'TS

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