Mold Allergies

Mold Allergies

Molds are just as important in the cause of seasonal allergies as are trees, grasses and plant pollens. Molds can cause allergic rhinitis with symptoms forming usually from spring to late fall, but peaking from July to late summer. Unfortunately, mold is more persistent and can live even after the first frost. Snow may reduce the amount of mold spores in the air; however, it does not kill them. In fact, some mold can grow in subfreezing temperatures! Once spring arrives again, molds feed on the vegetation that was killed by the winter cold. In some areas of the United States, molds live year round causing some people to have to endure allergy symptoms all year. In addition, molds can lurk within the home causing allergic rhinitis all year even in the coldest of weather.

Definition of Mold Molds are simple, microscopic fungal organisms that are present nearly everywhere. They grow as networks of interlocking filaments or clusters that spread into and on organic matter thereby slowly decomposing it. As they become large enough, they can be seen by the naked eye and look like fuzzy growths (as seen on moldy bread). Molds live by secreting enzymes to break down organic matter such as wood, paper, dirt, leaves, or moisture. The only thing molds need to live is food which is probably why they are so prevalent.

The seeds or reproductive particles of fungi, known as spores, are released into the air and travel continuously until they find a damp spot to settle on. These spores can differ in size, shape, and color depending on the species. Once they find a new home, they begin growing clusters of filaments. Mold spores travel far distances in, more often than not, larger amounts than pollen grains from plants. The proteins in the secretions of the molds filaments are typically the allergy causing agent, although sometimes, it’s the mold spores themselves. When mold spores land inside the home, they may begin growing and digesting anything they land on whether it be paper, wood, fabric or leather.

Typical Mold Locations Molds are found primarily in warm, dark, damp locations, but can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen and some organic food source. Molds do not have as clearly defined seasons as pollens do, but are at there peak during months with high humidity. In the fall, mold usually grows on rotting logs, and fallen leaves especially in shady, moist areas. Some molds even attach to grains such as corn, wheat and barley making farms a likely spot to find some.

In the home, mold typically is found in dark, damp locations such as bathrooms, basements, closets, places where food is stored, house plants, humidifiers, air conditioners, mattresses, furniture, and pillows. Certain stores also will typically be more prone to having molds such as breweries, dairies, farms, bakeries and greenhouses because of the high level of humidity and dampness. Unlike plants, molds can grow in most any place that has organic material even with little to no sunlight. This represents a danger within the home because of all the areas that can accumulate mold quickly.

What Are Mold Allergies? Mold allergies occur when microscopic spores or fragments of the fungi filament are inhaled and evade the protective mechanisms of the upper respiratory tract or mucus membrane of the nose. These mold spores are so small that they can easily and quickly lead to allergy rhinitis and enter into the lungs. In some people, symptoms of mold allergies can be brought on by eating certain foods like cheeses, mushrooms, dried fruits and foods containing yeast, soy sauce or vinegar. Funny thing is, that there is no known relationship between the respiratory allergy to mold penicillium and the drug penicillium which is made from the mold.

Mold spores are found almost everywhere and in such large quantities that they frequently out number the amount of pollen grains in the air. Fortunately, only a few different types of molds are allergenic based on there chemical makeup: Alternaria and Cladosporium (Hormodendrum), Aspergillus, Penicillium, Helminthosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Aureobasidium (Pullularia).

Mold counts can predict an estimate of the amount of mold spores in the air at a certain time and place as pollen counts do with pollen.

Are Mold Counts Helpful? Similar to pollen counts, mold counts may suggest the types and relative quantities of fungi present at a certain time and place. For several reasons, however, these counts probably cannot be used as a constant guide for daily activities. One reason is that the number and types of spores actually present in the mold count may have changed considerably in 24 hours because weather and spore dispersal are directly related. Many of the common allergenic molds are of the dry spore type - they release their spores during dry, windy weather. Other fungi need high humidity, fog, or dew to release their spores. Although rain washes many larger spores out of the air, it also causes some smaller spores to be shot into the air.

In addition to the effect of day-to-day weather changes on mold counts, spore populations may also differ between day and night. Day favors dispersal by dry spore types and night favors wet spore types.

Other Mold Related Disorders Fungi or microorganisms related to them may cause other health problems similar to allergic diseases. Some kinds of Aspergillus may cause several different illnesses, including both infections and allergy. These fungi may lodge in the airways or a distant part of the lung and grow until they form a compact sphere known as a "fungus ball." In people with lung damage or serious underlying illnesses, Aspergillus may grasp the opportunity to invade the lungs or the whole body.

In some individuals, exposure to these fungi also can lead to asthma or to a lung disease resembling severe inflammatory asthma called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. This latter condition, which occurs only in a minority of people with asthma, is characterized by wheezing, low-grade fever, and coughing up of brown-flecked masses or mucus plugs. Skin testing, blood tests, X-rays, and examination of the sputum for fungi can help establish the diagnosis. Corticosteroid drugs are usually effective in treating this reaction; immunotherapy (allergy shots) is not helpful.

How to Discourage Mold Growth Mold flourishes in dark, damp places which are poorly ventilated and in areas where water pools. Moisture and warmth can accelerate the growth of dormant mildew spores on most surfaces. Once the area of mold growth has been identified, a miticide should be used to kill the mold spores and an inhibitor used to prevent regrowth. Modifications such as increased ventilation and proper drainage should be used to discourage mold growth.

Indoor Care Keep humidity low, between 35 and 40% if possible, but in no case over 50%. Use a gauge to monitor relative humidity. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier in times of high humidity. To help trap airborne allergens, use a special air conditioner filter and/or a HEPA room air cleaner like the IQAir Advanced Air Purifier or an Air Sterilizer like the Air Oasis Air Purifier. Convection heat units can make mold spores non-viable and reduce the spread of mildew. Avoid over-humidification in the winter. Keep humidifier mold-free by cleaning with a diluted bleach solution or white vinegar. Central humidifiers should be checked and cleaned frequently. Clean all visible mold from walls and ceilings. Add a mold inhibitor to paint before applying. Mold is present on the bark of wood. If using a fireplace or wood burning stove, do not store any firewood inside.

Bedroom Care Ideally, carpeting should be removed. Encase bedding in allergen-impermeable zippered covers. Avoid foam rubber pillows and mattresses as they are particularly likely to become moldy. Because they are damp and dark, closets attract mold. Dry all shoes and boots thoroughly before storing. Use a chemical moisture remover in closets and storage spaces.

Bathroom Care Use an exhaust fan or open windows to remove humidity after showering. Use a squeegee to remove excess water from the shower stall, tub and tiles. Wash shower curtain, bathroom tiles, shower stall, tub and toilet tank with mold-killing and mold-preventing solutions. Do not carpet the bathroom.

Kitchen Care Use an exhaust fan to remove cooking vapors. Mold grows in refrigerators, particularly around door gaskets. Empty water pans below self-defrosting units frequently. Remove spoiling foods. Empty garbage containers frequently and keep clean to prevent the growth of mold.

Basement Care Dry all clothing immediately after washing and vent the clothes dryer to the outdoors. Allergic individuals should never have their bedroom on the basement level since it is a an area of high humidity and therefore, promotes mold growth. Carpet and pad should not be laid on a concrete floor. Vinyl flooring is a better choice. Correct seepage and/or flooding problems and remove water-damaged carpet. Cover dirt floor with plastic vapor barrier. Remove moldy items and keep basement clean. Add a mold inhibitor to paint especially on cinderblock or brick walls.

Outdoor Care Proper filtration can help prevent mold from entering living quarters. Air conditioners and vent openings are prime locations for trapping molds at point-of-entry. Vent or central furnace filters and room air cleaners are helpful in removing airborne spores. Units with heating elements to kill airborne mold spores can prevent the spread of mold. A tight-fitting face mask is important for preventing the inhalation of mold spores when doing yard work. Avoid exposure to soil, compost piles, sandboxes, hay, fertilizers and barns. Prune or cut trees and eliminate vines to prevent shading of the home. Correct drainage problems near the house as pooled water greatly increases mold formation. Avoid camping or walking in the woods where mold growth on rotted logs and other vegetation is high.