There’s a fungus amoung us!

What is mold?

Molds are tiny fungi whose spores float through the air and can be found both indoors and outdoors.  They like damp environments and need four things to grow: food, air, appropriate temperature and water.  Inhaling these spores can cause allergic reactions in some people.  Allergic symptoms from fungi spores are most common from July to late summer, but with fungi growing in so many places, allergic reaction can occur year round.

Molds grow on rotting logs, fallen leaves, on grasses and in compose piles.  Molds do not die with the first killing frost.  Indoor fungi (mold) grows in damp areas such as the bathroom, kitchen and basement.

Although there are many types of molds, only a few dozen cause allergic reactions. Alternaria, Cladosporium (Hormodendrum), Aspergillus, Penicillium, Helminthosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus and Aureobasidium (Pullularia) are the major culprits. Some common spores can be identified when viewed under a microscope. Some form recognizable growth or colonies.

Mold spores can deposit on the lining of the nose and cause hay fever symptoms. They also can reach the lungs, to cause asthma or another serious illness. Sometimes the reaction is immediate, and sometimes the reaction is delayed. Symptoms often worsen in a damp or moldy room such as a basement; this may suggest mold allergy.

Symptoms of mold allergies are:

• Wheezing
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Itch, watery eyes (rarely)
• Pressure headaches
• Rash or hives
• Fatigue

How Is Mold Allergy Treated?

As with most allergies, patients should

• Avoid contact with the spores. Wear a dust mask when cutting grass, digging around plants, picking up leaves and disturbing other plant materials.
• Take medications for nasal or other allergic symptoms. Antihistamines and decongestants are available over the counter—without a prescription. For moderate and severe allergy symptoms, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid nasal sprays.
• If these medications are inadequate, talk to your allergist about taking allergy shots (immunotherapy). This works for some carefully selected patients.

How Can I Prevent a Reaction to Mold?

Symptoms of the allergy can be reduced by avoiding contact with the spores. Several measures will help:

• Stay indoors during periods when the published mold count is high. Use central air conditioning with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter attachment. To prevent mold and mildew build up inside the home, especially in bathrooms, basements and laundry areas, be aggressive about reducing dampness:
  • Put an exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom.
  • Quickly repair any plumbing leaks.
  • Remove bathroom carpeting where moisture is a concern.
  • Scour sinks and tubs at least monthly. Fungi thrive on soap and other films that coat tiles and grout. For problem areas, use ordinary laundry bleach (1 ounce diluted in a quart of water).
  • Clean garbage pails frequently.
  • Clean refrigerator door gaskets and drip pans.
  • Use an electric dehumidifier to remove moisture from the basement. Be sure to drain the dehumidifier regularly and clean the condensation coils and collection bucket.
  • Raise the temperature in the basement to help lower humidity levels.
  • Polyurethane and rubber foams seem especially prone to fungus invasion. If bedding is made with these foams, it should be covered in plastic.
  • Throw away or recycle old books, newspapers, clothing or bedding.
  • Promote ground water drainage away from a house.

References

1. AAFA (Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America) Mold Allergy
2. AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology) Mold Allergy