Molds can grow anywhere with humid, damp or warm conditions. Indoor molds commonly thrive in basements, bathrooms and kitchens. Outdoor molds grow in moist, shady areas such as compost piles, fallen leaves and rotting logs. People with mold allergy may experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, cough, itchy eyes, nose and throat, or even asthma when they inhale or touch mold or mold spores. Although there is no cure for a mold allergy, preventing contact or exposure to mold spores can reduce the symptoms.
Step 1
Avoid exposures to places with poor ventilation such as basements and crawl spaces, or occupations where mold exposure may be high, such as farming, dairy work, logging, baking, carpentry and greenhouse work.
Step 2
Stay indoors when the published mold count or outdoor humidity is high. Wear a dust mask if you must venture outdoors during these days. Wear a dust when gardening or cleaning the yard to prevent inhaling spores from outdoor molds.
Step 3
Use a dehumidifier and reduce indoor humidity to about 35 or below 45 percent. Use an exhaust fan or open the bathrooms doors 30 minutes after a shower or bath, and wipe the shower walls after use. Ventilate the basement to reduce moisture.
Step 4
Clean air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers and garbage pails twice a week, and sinks and tubs -- and other damp spots where mold tends to grow -- monthly.
Step 5
Use a high-efficiency particulate air filter to trap spores present in the air.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor for any allergy medication or treatment options that can help reduce severe symptoms of a mold allergy.
Things You'll Need
- Dust mask
- Dehumidifier
- High-efficiency particulate air filter
