How to Identify Mold Allergy Triggers

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in dark, warm, moist areas in the home or outside. Like all fungi, mold reproduces by releasing spores. When those spores contact human skin or are breathed in, they trigger allergic reactions similar to those caused by pollen or animal dander. Many chronic allergy sufferers misdiagnose their allergies. They think they are having a reaction to pollen or pets when in fact it is mold in and around their homes causing their discomfort.

Things You'll Need

• Face mask
• Dehumidifier

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Instructions

• 1

  Identify the warm, moist areas in your home. This is where mold is likely to flourish. Bathrooms are a common place where mold thrives, as are basements, especially those in which washers and dryers are used.

• 2

  Ventilate those warm, moist places in your home. Make sure you get plenty of air flowing through those areas and let as much sunlight in as you can to combat mold allergy. Sunlight is mold's natural enemy.

• 3

  Dehumidify the places in your home where mold is likely to trigger an allergy. A dehumidifier in the bathroom and basement can help reduce mold, or you can simply open a window if possible, though this may also let in mold from outside.

• 4

  Identify the mold allergy triggers outside your home. Any place that is warm, dark and wet is suspect. People living in wooded areas where mold can grow under logs, rocks or leaves can be affected.

• 5

  Modify your outdoor activity to reduce exposure to mold. Mold is often found in the dark, wet layer under fallen leaves so you should avoid activities like raking leaves and other yard work that trigger a mold allergy.

• 6

  Wear a face mask whenever you do outdoor work around the home. This is a simple and extremely effective way to combat the triggers of mold allergies since you won't be breathing in the spores that cause the reaction.

• 7

  Perform all yard maintenance projects in the very early spring before mold has had a chance to grow. Mold thrives in the summer and autumn, right up until the first freeze of winter.