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Mold Allergies
 Mold allergies can be a major contributor to allergic rhinitis, asthma and many other health problems. There are thousands of different types of molds however, only a few are considered allergens.
Mold spores are very easily transported through the air, are very small, and can very easily enter the nose and upper respiratory tract, which can cause all kinds of breathing problems especially for those with asthma.
The symptoms of mold allergies include eye irritation, wheezing, and stuffiness in the nose, aggravation of asthma, cold like symptoms, flu like symptoms, fever, rashes, and shortness of breath, fatigue, inability to concentrate and in some cases lung infections. The mold known as Stachybotrys can cause bleeding in the lungs of babies when it is mixed with second hand smoke, which can lead to death. Stachybotrys can cause symptoms associated with the nervous system such as memory loss and sleep disorders. If you have mold allergies and you are searching for it in your home, the best place to look is in the sink, bathtub, commodes, shower curtain, and on the tile in these areas. Mold spores that have become airborne can float through your entire home and form new colonies any place they land. There is no specific season that mold can be produced in your home. Any place where you have damp items you can find mold. The common indoor molds include penicillium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Mucor. In standing water, other molds might contribute to mold allergies including Trichoderma, Stachybotrys, and Fusarium. These types of molds can be very toxic. The Stachybotrys grows on water soaked items such as wooden decks, fences, etc. If you have mold allergies, you should start by searching for mold in your home in damp basements, closets, places where fresh food is stored, bathrooms, refrigerator drip trays, houseplants, humidifiers, air conditioners, garbage cans, upholstered furniture, foam rubber pillows and mattresses. Some other products that could be causing your mold allergies act up include cardboard, ceiling tiles, paper products, dust, wood products, wallpaper, paints, dry wall, carpet, insulation and fabric. Mold is not only found in your home, if you have mold allergies, you should also search the exterior of your home. Mold can grow anywhere where the item can remain damp or wet. Some places to search for mold outside include compost piles, wooded areas, fallen leaves, cut grass, soil, and any other moist place such as around your swimming pool or spa. Drew Voight
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