TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC NOSES: THREE Ds OF AVOIDING MOLD SPORES
December 21st, 2010The three Ds of avoiding mold spores are darkness, dampness, and drafts: molds abound in environments of low or no light, increased humidity, and the absence of ventilation or drafts.
Keep the three Ds in mind as you review the following actions you might take to reduce your exposure to outdoor mold spores:
Dampness
1. Avoid, if and when possible, places where the humidity is high: basements, camps on the lake, clothes hampers, greenhouses, stables, and barns.
2. Dampness in the home caused by water leakage is a prime source of mold-spore accumulation. If your home seems continually damp, look for possible sources of leakage and correct them.
3. Carpeting, including padding, that has been extensively wetted and wood that has rotted as a result of water leakage are best replaced.
4. Although indoor plants cause few mold problems, the containers in which these plants are housed can be a problem because they are frequently wet from the water for the plant. 5. Sometimes, plants may even rest in containers of water.
5. Keeping your windows sealed as tightly as possible will help. In older homes, weather stripping or plastic tape may be needed. In newer homes, the windows generally seal properly.
6. Dehumidifiers are infrequently helpful. Your resources will be better spent on improved sealing of windows and doors.
Darkness
1. A light in a basement may help decrease mold growth. Connected to a timer, it should be easy to light this space several hours each day.
2. Consider a small light in closets, one that comes on when you turn on the room light.
3. Consider the addition of windows to any dark room.
Absence of Ventilation (Drafts)
1 .Ventilate closed rooms: open doors, install fans.
2. Check your ventilation system to be sure that it is working optimally.
3. If you are using a basement as part of your living area, its ventilation should be included in that of the other parts of your home.
4. Install a small fan in an area that is poorly ventilated and turn it on regularly.
*35/322/5*