Coping with Mold Allergies
Coping with Mold Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal sniffles, itchy eyes and a chronic cough, you are probably the victim of allergies. And if your symptoms span the time between late spring and early fall, it is possible that mold is the culprit of those allergies. It is also likely that you have mold allergies if your sneezes seem to go on year-round, since molds can thrive in certain environments and warmer climates. Because of this, mold allergies can be difficult for many people to cope with. The good news is that there are many steps that you can take to prevent your allergy symptoms before they ever begin.
What Mold Likes
Mold can be found in almost any area, both indoors and out, but there are certain circumstances that are particularly conducive to the health of these substances. The main ingredient that mold requires is moisture and it can come in the form of a leaky pipe, a perpetually moist shower stall or a damp basement. Therefore, it makes sense that the first step in ridding your environment of mold and saying goodbye to your mold allergies, is to dry out your wet areas.
The first place to check for moisture is the bathroom. To prevent mold growth and mold allergies in this room, you can replace carpeting with vinyl flooring or tile. Repaint the room using a mold inhibitor in the paint to prevent growth on walls. Add exhaust fans to reduce humidity in the room and repair any water leaks that you might have. When it comes to your shower, toilet and tub, use a mold-killing solution everywhere you can, including on shower curtains. These steps should go far in preventing mold growth and mold allergies.
Another way to prevent mold allergies is to ensure that the humidity in your home does not rise above 50%. In a humid climate, this may mean installing a dehumidifier to keep your humidity levels lower. You can also install a high-performance filter in your central air and heating unit that will trap mold spores before they are released in the air. And make sure that you change those filter frequently to increase their effectiveness. All of these steps can help you to reduce the moisture levels in your home, which will lessen the likelihood that you will have mold and mold allergies.
There are also things that you can do to keep mold allergies at bay outdoors. For example, it is important to keep natural plant containers clean and dry. It is also important to keep rain gutters clear and remove vegetation from around the foundation of your home to ensure that water drainage works at peak efficiency. Mold allergies can be difficult to manage, but you can do much to prevent them before they start. By focusing on moisture issues both inside and outside your home, you can effectively prevent mold allergies.