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Allergies and Mold

© Colleen Kaemmerer

Molds are fungi that can grow in almost any environment, indoors or out. Airborne mold spores are a major cause of allergy and asthma symptoms; they can also be dangerous. A few molds, such as Stachybotrys, produce toxins that can cause "breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, or bleeding in the lungs." This is discussed further in the December 3-5, 1999 issue of USA WEEKEND. Fortunately, potentially lethal molds are uncommon; however, even 'everyday' molds can be detrimental. As I mentioned in my October allergy article, a 1999 Mayo Clinic Study determined that most chronic sinus infections are caused by fungi, not bacteria. In addition, according to USA WEEKEND, other studies have indicated that reactions to molds have led the asthma rate to triple over a 20 year time span. The article also stated that a Harvard University study of 10,000 homes showed that 50% had a mold problem.

How can you tell if your home has a mold problem? At http://energy-publications.nrcan.gc.ca/p... I found these questions to consider:

• Is there persistent mold growth in your home?
• Are there musty smells, particularly in the basement?
• Have you had a problem with basement flooding?
• Do the windows of your home fog up during the winter?

Mold spores are almost always present in the air, indoors and outdoors, and they grow on most surfaces. Cleaning can control mold and mildew, but it does not eliminate it. Moisture control is a key factor. Additional measures that can be taken to deal with mold include:

• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms.
• Clean refrigerator, de-humidifier, and air-conditioning drain pans.
• Throw out moldy or musty items that are in storage.
• Vent the clothes dryer to the outside.
• Keep gutters and drains clean.
• Fix water leaks immediately.
• Repair cracks in basement or foundation.

An additional problem with mold is that "allergy skin extract tests...for molds aren't quite as accurate as those for pollen, dust mites, and animals. Part of the reason is that there are just too many types of molds", according to Dr. James T. Li of the Mayo Clinic. "In addition," he says, "allergy shot treatment for mold allergies isn't quite as effective as the allergy shots we have for pollen." You can read more of this article at http://www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9806/htm/...

People with allergies are often sensitive to many cleaning products as well. There are milder but effective cleaners that can be used against mold. These cleaners are available from allergy product suppliers; vinegar or borax can also be used.

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