Spring Allergies May Suggest It’s Time to Take Care of Mold

The warm, damp weather of spring lies only days ahead. For many western North Carolinians, the lingering flu-like symptoms of seasonal allergies won’t be far behind. But did you know spring allergies may have little to do with flowering trees and plants? Instead, the allergen responsible may be mold.

As we live in a deciduous rain forest climate, the moisture outside creates the perfect conditions for mold to grow in humid home interiors – particularly in energy efficient homes. Molds and spores live everywhere: in our homes, in the air we breathe and on every surface, from towels to coffee cups.

Exposure to mold can cause long-term health problems as well. In addition to allergies, molds can exacerbate asthma symptoms and trigger asthma attacks in sufferers. Children and infants are particularly susceptible to molds. Early exposure to three common molds, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus unguis and Penicillium variabile, have been linked by researchers to increased probability of asthma development later in life. Individuals suffering from compromised immune systems, such as the elderly and the sick, are highly also susceptible to mold infections.

Molds Affect Your Home and Body

A type of fungus, mold reproduces by emitting spores, or tiny, extremely hardy cells, small enough to float on air. Mold spores germinate when they encounter the right habitat, bursting and forming filaments that eventually release more spores.

Inside homes or work places, trapped heat and humidity increase the conditions favorable for mold growth. Once inhaled, the spores can also grow inside the human body, where the lungs may offer ideal conditions for spore germination. A group of “toxic molds” produce hazardous biological and chemical agents as they grow. These molds release mycotoxins, which target and actively destroy other biological cells. Toxic black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, can be quite dangerous and grows readily in Western North Carolina. Toxic black mold can cause a range of symptoms including respiratory problems, skin inflammation, hemorrhaging, internal organ damage and mental impairment. Exposure can result in permanent damage to your health.

Fortunately, the Mycotoxins are not always harmful to humans. For example, penicillium fungi produce mycotoxins that kill bacteria but are harmless to human cells. The resulting antibiotic, Penicillin, acts as an antibiotic that cures bacterial infections and saves lives.

Risk Factors for Mold

How do you know if you have a mold problem in your home or business? First, large mold infestations can usually be seen as a discoloration on floors or walls. Second, mold can be accompanied by a stale or musty scent. Third, you might notice a powdery film on your fingertips if you brush against the surface in question. The question of “if” then becomes a question of “how.”

How do you know if you need an environmental assessment to address the mold and keep it from being a recurring problem?

Use this simple checklist:

________ 1. Does the room or structure have adequate ventilation? If air is allowed to pass through a room, it will encourage evaporation of excess moisture.

Do It Yourself: Place a fan in a damp, humid room to help dry the room and disperse spores to non-toxic levels.

________ 2. Is the structure sealed properly? Homeowners can prevent moisture seepage by sealing doors and windows, and checking plumbing for leaks.

Do It Yourself: Spring is a great time to look for any external damage that the severe Western North Carolina winter has caused to your roof, siding and foundations.

________ 3. When is the last time the space was deep cleaned? Clean around windows, doors and floorboards, checking for signs of water damage and discoloration.

Do It Yourself: A thorough spring-cleaning with an anti-fungal agent is a good way keep down mold growth and to determine if you have a problem.

________ 4. Is the mold infestation more than you can handle, or does it appear to be toxic? Do not attempt to clean the area yourself, even with a strong disinfectant, as you could become exposed to harmful levels of spores, placing yourself at risk for a range of health issues.

Do It Yourself: Contact an environmental health professional to test the area for toxic mold, and assess the cause of the problem.

Unsure if you have a problem? Reach out and ask me if it’s time to do a professional home inspection or test for toxic molds.

Wishing you a beautiful and healthy spring,