Mold Basicsby Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 06 Dec 2007 04:09 PM I'm allergic to mold. Allergic enough that I can't take penicillin when I'm sick -- I break out in hives. I can't even eat bleu cheese -- it makes my mouth burn. Fall is one of my big allergy seasons thanks to leaf mold. Mold is a definite health problem for certain people. You may be more sensitive to mold if you:
Exposure to mold can cause a number of different symptoms in a mold-sensitive person. You may experience a stuffy nose, eye irritation, skin irritation, or wheezing. If you are especially sensitive or allergic to mold, you may have shortness of breath or another breathing difficulty. People with weakened immune systems or some kind of chronic lung disease can actually develop mold infections in their lungs. So how do you know if you've been exposed to mold? Use your senses. You may see mold on the walls, ceiling, or floor. Mold will discolor the area, or you may see signs of water damage. You may also be able to smell mold. It may smell musty or earthy, or just plain bad. If you do find mold growing in your home, it's time to get cleaning. But first, check for water problems -- controlling moisture in your home is key to preventing mold growth. If you have leaks in your roof, walls, or plumbing, you're inviting mold to come and stay. There are plenty of commercial products available to help clean up mold, but you can also use good old soap and water or a cup of bleach in a gallon of water. Use a stiff brush to scrub mold away rough surfaces. Be sure to open a window to provide fresh air and you probably should wear a mask while you're cleaning. Dry the room completely after cleaning or the mold can come back. Learn more about Aimee Amodio  Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover... Relevanthealth tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags allergies, asthma, black mold, mold, moisture Discuss this article
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