Fungi, which include thousands of different types of molds and yeasts, are a key part of the outdoor ecosystem. Molds are the fungal organisms to which most patients develop allergies. While many patients believe they have a mold allergy, the only way to confirm this sensitivity is through an allergy skin test (prick/puncture) or blood test for mold-specific IgE. These microscopic organisms typically consist of branching, filamentous structures, called “hyphae,” along with small spherical structures, called “spores.”
Spores are released by molds into the air and are capable of traveling long distances. In a normal situation, most of the mold spores found inside a building come from the outdoor environment through doors and windows. Occasionally, the primary source of mold inside a dwelling may be waterdamaged building materials caused by some type of leak.
People allergic to molds can take the following measures:
1. Stay indoors during periods when the outdoor mold spore counts are high. These outdoor counts can change quickly, and certain mold spores will increase in number during heavy winds (Alternaria, Cladosporium), while others will rise during damp periods (Aspergillus, Penicillium). Most patients obtain information regarding mold counts by checking published reports; these data may need interpretation by an allergist to be useful.
2. Keep windows closed when outdoor mold spore counts are high. If this is not possible, an indoor HEPA filter may be helpful to remove spores from the indoor air. HEPA filters may be attached to the central heating and air conditioning system, or freestanding filtration units may be purchased. Electrostatic filters and devices that treat air with heat, ions, or ozone are not recommended.
3. Keep moist areas of the building, such as bathrooms and kitchens, well ventilated by keeping windows open and/or using an exhaust fan.
4. Maintain good building hygiene by cleaning carpeting, garbage pails, and refrigerators frequently and minimizing indoor plants with wet soil.
5. Keep indoor humidity below 45%. This may be challenging in areas with high humidity levels, such as areas by the ocean, lakes, or rivers, and may require the use of a dehumidifier. These devices should be drained and cleaned regularly. In addition, small space heaters or a lowwattage light bulbs may be useful in damp rooms or closets. Care should be taken to avoid creating a fire hazard.
6. Maintain building integrity by checking periodically for water leaks from defective roofing, windows, or plumbing.
7. Make corrections to drainage problems around and under the building. The landscape around the house should be properly graded to avoid movement of water from the surrounding ground toward the foundation, and dense plantings, leaves, and dead vegetation should be cleared from areas next to the building.
Taken together, these steps should be helpful in preventing outdoor and indoor mold exposure in moldallergic patient