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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffYou can take steps to reduce mold growth in your home. Consider these tips:
- Eliminate sources of dampness in basements, such as pipe leaks or groundwater seepage.
- Use a dehumidifier in any area of your home that smells musty or damp. Keep your humidity levels below 50 percent. Remember to clean the collection bucket and condensation coils regularly.
- Use an air conditioner, and consider installing central air conditioning with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter attachment. The HEPA filter can trap mold spores from outdoor air before they're circulated inside your home.
- Change filters on your furnace and air conditioners regularly. Have forced air heating ducts inspected and if necessary, cleaned.
- Be sure all bathrooms are properly ventilated, and run the ventilation fan during a shower or bath and immediately after to dry the air. If you don't have a ventilation fan, open a window or door while you're showering or bathing.
- Clean bathroom and basement wall surfaces regularly with a bleach solution.
- Promote groundwater drainage away from your house by removing leaves and vegetation from around the foundation and cleaning out rain gutters frequently.
- Keep organic plant containers clean and dry, such as those made of straw, wicker or hemp.
References
- Storey E, et al. Guidance for clinicians on the recognition and management of health effects related to mold exposure and moisture indoors. The Center for Indoor Environments and Health. http://oehc.uchc.edu/images/PDFs/MOLD%20GUIDE.pdf. Accessed June 8, 2010.
- Mold allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=15&cont=58. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- Basic facts: Molds in the environment. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- Atopic and allergic disorders. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec13/ch165/ch165c.html. Accessed June 9, 2010.
- Weber RW. Allergic Rhinitis. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2008;35:1.
- Tips to remember: Allergy and asthma medications. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/asthmaallergymedications.stm. Accessed June 9, 2010.
- Seltzer JM, et al. Health effects of mold in children. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2007;54:309.
- Saline sinus rinse recipe. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/sinusitis/rinse_recipe.pdf. Accessed June 9, 2010.
- Li JT (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 21, 2010.
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