About 25 million Americans suffer with asthma, a chronic condition that causes
inflammation and swelling of the airways. Up to 90% of Americans’ time is spent indoors, and indoor allergens frequently aggravate asthma symptoms. One of those allergies is mold.
The CDC says, “Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause a person to become
allergic to mold. Molds can trigger asthma symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing,
or cough in people with known allergies. Studies indicate that exposure to molds can make
pre-existing asthma worse.”
So, what can you do to prevent mold growth?
- The EPA advises: If mold is an issue in your house, you should clean it up and stop any sources of moisture.
- When taking a shower, cooking, or washing dishes in the kitchen or bathroom, use exhaust fans or open a window.
- Fix water leaks as soon as you can to prevent the growth of mold.
- Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30 and 50 percent relative humidity. Dry wet or damp things within 24 to 48 hours to minimize mold growth. Hygrometers, which can be found at nearby hardware stores, can detect humidity levels.
If you suspect you have mold in your home, please contact The Lab for testing.
