Sensible Mold Allergy Information

A friend of mine recently joked that he might just paint his auto yellow so that it would match the pollen that covered his car every day. The overabundance of pollen may seem like a nuisance to some, but spring is an especially miserable season for people with allergies. Whether they are seasonal and change with the weather, or year long and change when you go indoors or outside, allergies are at least irritating, and at their worst can cause real damage to your health if not diagnosed and treated properly. One of the most common types of allergy is an allergy to mold. Since mold occurs so often in nature and inside buildings and requires so little to grow, it's only sensible to find out more about it.

Mold allergies have many of the same symptoms as other allergies-watery, itchy eyes; runny nose; coughing; and nasal, throat, or sinus irritation. The presence of these may be a sign of mold allergies, especially if they won't seem to go away. The condition of a person's health when they experience mold exposure can also be an important factor. For instance, if you have or have had lung problems like asthma, COPD, emphysema, tuberculosis, or cystic fibrosis, you should be especially careful about mold exposure.

Of course, it's also wise to consider where you've been recently. If you've spent any time outside, mold is almost impossible to avoid because it travels by means of airborne spores. However, where are some places that would be especially likely to have large quantities of mold? Have you been near a compost heap? It's a perfect place for decay and mold propagation. Do you have any places in your home, a basement for example, that may have moisture or water leaks that support or encourage mold growth? The heating and air conditioning system in your home may circulate mold. Have you had it tested lately? Have you actually seen what appears to be mold anywhere on your property?

If you're suffering from mold allergies, or if you suspect that your property has damaging mold, it's time to seek the experience and expertise of a professional to diagnose the mold problem, remediate it, and remove anything that is contaminated. A mold inspection should at the very least be your first step. Depending on what is uncovered from the inspection will determine your next course of action. If you are renting a property that you believe may have mold in it, talk to your landlord. It is their responsibility to fix the problem since there is a health risk associated, or at the very least nullify your lease so that you are free to move elsewhere.