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Allergy- and Asthma-Proof Your Home
Prevent Mold
Although there are thousands of kinds of molds, few are toxic. But household molds can trigger allergy symptoms in allergy sufferers. So avoiding mold can help you avoid asthma, congestion, and other allergy-related symptoms. And the best way to avoid mold is to avoid moisture.
  • Keep the house dry.
  • Don't leave wet clothes in the washing machine where mold can quickly grow.
  • Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles with mold-killing products.
  • Don't have too many indoor plants—especially in the bedroom; mold can grow in plant soil.
  • Fix any leaks or seepage in the house, indoors and out.
  • Put plastic over dirt in crawlspaces and keep them well-ventilated.
  • Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
  • Turn off humidifiers if you see condensation on windows.
  • Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners in basements and other areas of the house where mold tends to grow, especially in hot humid climates.
  • Clean dehumidifiers and humidifiers every week.
  • On concrete floors, remove carpet and use area rugs that can be lifted and washed, or install a vapor barrier over the concrete.

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic.

SOURCES: WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic. WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise. WebMD Features. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Edited by James E. Gerace, MD on December 1, 2006
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004

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