Mold & Allergies

What is Mold?
Mold, also known as fungus, is a family of organisms that are found throughout nature. Unlike plants, mold need food and water sources in order to thrive. This food source is often in the form of a carbohydrate material, such as wood or cellulose.

Mold can be very dangerous. It can cause illness, allergies, and even death.


Which Molds are Known to Cause Allergies?
There are thousands of types of mold, however, only a few of these are currently available for allergy testing. The following are the most likely causes of allergic disease based on the types of mold spores collected in the air:
Alternaria. A common outdoor mold; allergy to this mold can be associated with severe asthma.
Cladosporium. The most common airborne outdoor mold.
Aspergillus. A common indoor and outdoor mold; also associated with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Penicillium. A common indoor mold; allergy to which is not associated with antibiotic allergy.
Helminthosporum. More commonly found in warmer climates.
Epicoccum. Found in grassland and agricultural areas.
Fusarium. Commonly found on rotting plants.
Aureobasidium. Common outdoor mold, commonly found on paper, lumber, and painted surfaces.
Phoma. An outdoor mold, especially common during wet periods.
Smuts. Found in areas of agriculture.
Rhizopus and Mucor. Commonly found on decaying leaves and damp indoor areas. Airborne forms of these molds are less common.
Yeasts. Commonly found in the air during wet periods in agricultural areas. Allergic disease to Candida albicans is controversial, despite some people having positive allergy testing to this type of mold.

What Measures Can Be Used to Decrease Indoor Mold Levels?
Prevent outdoor molds from entering the home by keeping doors and windows closed and using air conditioning equipped with allergen-grade air filters
1. Control indoor moisture with the use of dehumidifiers
2. Fix water leaks in bathrooms, kitchens and basements
3. Ensure adequate ventilation of moist areas
4. Clean (or replace) contaminated surfaces with diluted a chlorine bleach solution (one part household bleach in nine parts water), while using proper protective gear (mask and goggles)
5. Utilize HEPA filters on vacuums or as a stand-alone air filter
6. Limit indoor houseplants, and ensure those that are present are free of mold on leaves and in potting soil

Much of this information was found at weather.com and about.com