Mold, also called mildew or fungus, is an organic substance that is often recognized by its musty smell. In most cases, however, we breathe mold spores in our homes, schools, work places, and even outdoors, and are not even aware of their existence. That is, until we begin to have allergic symptoms from inhaling the mold spores. Because mold spores are ubiquitous to most environments, the mold allergic individual can be symptomatic daily, or can exhibit symptoms when spore counts are highest, generally from July to late summer.
What are the symptoms of mold allergy?
The symptoms of mold allergy are generally indistinguishable from those of dust mite allergy or other sources of perennial or year-round allergies, including runny nose, nasal congestion, sinus pain and pressure, post-nasal drainage, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, or throat. A more serious complication which can result from the inhalation of mold spores is chronic fungal sinusitis. When breathed into the lungs, mold spores can result in recurrent or chronic asthma. In rare cases, inhalation of the mold spores of the aspergillus family can result in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
There is only weak evidence that the eating of food fungi such as mushrooms or yeast cause symptoms of mold allergy. A more likely explanation for symptoms which result from the ingestion of food fungi are the foods’ direct effect on the blood vessels, such as the effect of histamine which can be produced with the fermentation of red wines. It is important to note that there is no correlation between an allergy to the mold penicillium and the antibiotic, penicillin.
What are molds?
Molds (and yeast) are neither plants nor animals. They are microscopic fungi, related to mushrooms and yeast. The allergenic component of the mold is the reproductive seeds called spores. These spores are extremely unique and their identification can only be differentiated microscopically based on the size, shape, color, and other characteristics. Each spore has the capability of germination and creating millions of new spores. These spores become problematic when they become airborne and are breathed into the nose or lungs of the mold allergic individual. One can inhale up to one-half million more spores per minute without even knowing it!
There are literally thousands of types of molds, but only a few are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions. The major culprits are: Alternaria, Cladosporium (Hormodendrum), Aspergillus, Epicoccum, Helminthosporium, Penicillium, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Aureobasidium (Pullaria).
Where are mold spores commonly found?
Molds live on a diet of moisture and oxygen and are therefore found in damp areas, both indoors and outdoors. An environment with high humidity, especially indoors in homes and “sick buildings”, sets the stage for mold growth and the potential for adverse health affects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that between one-third and one-half of all buildings in the United States have enough moisture to facilitate mold growth. In the home, bathrooms (especially shower stalls), damp basements, crawlspaces, and kitchens are the most likely sources of mold spore production. If any part of the home has experienced water damage, it is almost certain that mold can be found in that area. Fungi on house plants and soil can also be a source of exposure, but generally only if the soil is disturbed.
Outdoors, mold and mildew will be found on rotting logs and fallen leaves, especially in shady, moist areas. Compost piles, grain bins, and silos will also contain extremely high levels of mold spores. Some molds attach themselves to grains such as wheat, oats, corn and barley. It is not surprising that farmers, dairymen, loggers, mill workers, greenhouse employees, and bakery and brewery workers are at high risk for developing mold spore allergies.
What is the treatment for mold spore allergies?
Once the diagnosis of mold allergy is made by your allergist, it is important that all efforts are made to minimize exposure to mold spores, especially in the home.
In practical terms, however, it is impossible to totally rid one’s home or environment of mold, but lessening exposure can go a long way toward allergy relief. It is therefore worthwhile investing the time and effort in trying to make the home as mold free as possible.
Firstly, one should repair any leaks or problems leading to mold growth in your home immediately, and remove all materials that may have been damaged by water, including wood surfaces or flooring, wall paper, and carpet. Keep exterior surfaces of your home properly sealed, and avoid piling wood or leaves near your home, as they collect moisture. Clean showers and tubs at least once a month with bleach, and wash out garbage receptacles frequently. Reducing the number of indoor plants can also reduce the mold spores circulating in the air.
Make sure your home is adequately ventilated. Hidden mold often grows inside HVAC systems. An allergy relief vent filter will trap the mold before it reaches you.
A HEPA air purifier will remove a minimum of 99.97% of all mold spores in your home. Whole house HEPA filters are available for the central HVAC system, or relatively inexpensive portable units are available for the individual rooms. A HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner can be very effective in removing microscopic mold spores deep in carpets and rugs.
It is very helpful to monitor the humidity in the home with a hygrometer, or humidity gauge. Since mold needs high moisture content to grow, keep the indoor humidity between 40 and 50 percent. If the humidity is above 50-55%, use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
Mattress and pillow encasements should be placed on bedding made of polyurethane and rubber foams, as these materials are especially prone to fungus invasion. These encasements also serve as a barrier between the allergic patient and dust mites, another common cause of year-round allergy symptoms.
Mold problems affecting less than 10-square foot areas are generally manageable by homeowners. When the affected area is greater than this, the EPA and other agencies advise seeking professional assessment. If you are concerned with specific items that may have mold infestation, particularly those of sentimental or monetary value, consult a specialist to help you clean these items.
