How to Combat Fungus

Though fungus is an integral part of the circle of life because it helps organic matter biodegrade, fungus in the air and on the human body can cause serious health problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), inhaling microscopic spores of fungus can induce an asthma attack. These same spores that float through the air can land on your skin and cause infections, says Merck Manuals.

Things You'll Need

• Dehumidifiers
• Fans

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Instructions

Avoid Fungus in the Air

• 1

  Steer clear of the large piles of leaves that collect in yards during the fall, as these piles are the perfect breeding ground for fungus, according to the Your Asthma Treatment website.

• 2

  Get rid of excess moisture by using a dehumidifier in the areas of your home that have damp air, such as the laundry room or basement. Wanda Eubank and Betty Feather of the University of Missouri say mold, a type of fungus, thrives in moist environments.

• 3

  Circulate the air by opening windows and running fans to keep the air from getting too moist and becoming hospitable for fungus.

Avoid Fungus on Your Skin

• 4

  Do not put on damp clothes or shoes as fungus spores in the air gravitate to them.

• 5

  Avoid sharing items that come into regular contact with skin, such as towels, because Bupa's Health Information Team warns that the other person could be sharing their fungal infection with you.

• 6

  Do not walk around barefoot because fungus tends to settle on floors and carpets, says the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.