Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness. Minus Related Pages. How common is mold in buildings? How do molds get in the indoor environment and how do they grow? How do you know if you have a mold problem?
Large mold infestations can usually be seen or smelled. How do molds affect people? Who is most at risk for health problems associated with exposure to mold? How do you keep mold out of buildings and homes? Inside your home you can control mold growth by: Controlling humidity levels; Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes; Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding; Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.
An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months. Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture. How do you get the molds out of buildings, including homes, schools, and places of employment?
Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold: Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes. Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear. Small areas such as a shower, or an area the size of a door can often be cleaned by residents, but larger areas might need more professional help.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC state that there are very few reports of unique or rare health conditions resulting from mold in the home. It appears that many types of indoor mold — not just black mold — may cause health problems in some people, but not in everyone. People who are most at risk of the symptoms of mold exposure are:. The main health concerns seem to relate to allergies and irritation, which typically cause respiratory symptoms.
They may also perform tests, including:. To diagnose a systemic fungal infection in someone with a weakened immune system, a doctor may take a blood sample. In some cases, further testing may be necessary. Treatment for a mold allergy is similar to treatment for other types of inhaled allergies. Options include:. For a long term solution, a doctor may recommend immunotherapy.
This involves getting a series of allergy shots over a few years. Immunotherapy can be highly effective, but it is only suitable for certain types of mold allergy. Individuals should treat all molds the same when it comes to removing them from the home.
The most effective way to prevent mold growth is to monitor the humidity level in the home. Also, use proper safety equipment when cleaning up mold in an industrial setting or after a natural disaster. Dehumidifiers are available for purchase online. Based on current research, black mold exposure is no more dangerous than any other type of mold exposure.
In high amounts or in people with allergies, exposure to any mold may cause allergy symptoms. In people with underlying health conditions, it may lead to more serious complications. Regardless of the type of mold, it is important to remove it from the home for hygiene and health reasons.
Read this article in Spanish. What exactly is mold, and what causes it? What are the signs of mold? Can you get sick from having mold in your home? What helps with mold-induced nasal and sinus symptoms? How to get rid of mold. How to prevent mold in your home. The bottom line. Read this next. Dangers of Red Mold and How to Remove. Medically reviewed by Dr. Sirisha Yellayi, DO. Black Mold Spores and More. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.
Medically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis : Symptoms include breathing problems, a cough, and weight loss. Mold can also trigger the production of microbes and bacteria. Exposure to these bacteria may trigger an inflammatory response in some people, according to the World Health Organization WHO.
The WHO also note that mold and the microbial agents it produces may increase the risk of bronchial and fungal infections. Some evidence from the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC suggests that people have experienced the following symptoms after spending time in an environment where mold is present:.
Mold can trigger bronchitis in some people. Which home remedies can help treat bronchitis? Controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold from growing indoors. It is also important to keep the home clean and well ventilated. It is not always possible to prevent mold from growing, but regular cleaning and wiping can reduce the risk of it appearing or getting worse.
Wipe hard surfaces with a suitable commercial product, soap and water, or a heavily diluted bleach solution. Always dry the surfaces after use to prevent mold from reappearing. Wash or wipe porous surfaces and check regularly to see if mold has returned, as it can infiltrate these materials. If mold continues to reappear, consider disposing of these items. Ask at the local hardware store about antifungal paints and other products that can help prevent mold from developing.
However, people with a compromised immune system may have a higher risk of illness, and especially lung problems, if there are mold spores and mold in the environment. Others may experience allergic reactions. Keeping an indoor space clean, dry, and well ventilated is the best ways to prevent mold from developing.
Anyone who has concerns about mold in the home, the workplace, or an educational or other setting should ask their healthcare provider or state health department for advice.
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