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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

You 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
  1. 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.
  2. Mold allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=15&cont=58. Accessed June 7, 2010.
  3. Basic facts: Molds in the environment. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm. Accessed June 7, 2010.
  4. A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html. Accessed June 7, 2010.
  5. 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.
  6. Weber RW. Allergic Rhinitis. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2008;35:1.
  7. 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.
  8. Seltzer JM, et al. Health effects of mold in children. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2007;54:309.
  9. 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.
  10. Li JT (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 21, 2010.
DS00773 Sept. 24, 2010

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