ATTN: Health Editor
CONTACT: Melissa Sherman, Program Associate
PHONE: (800) 624-0044
E-MAIL: BreathingMatters@aafa-ca.org 

The rains are here again, but not without some invisible risks. Mold grows indoors during the winter season and outdoors in warmer weather. When people who are allergic to mold inhale the spores, which are airborne, they have a reaction that often includes runny nose, itchy eyes, heavy breathing and sneezing. 

Molds need four things to grow: food, air, the right temperature and water. Since molds eat almost anything, the best way to control the molds is to control humidity. They gravitate toward dark, damp warm environments and can grow on a number of things, including attic walls, house- plants and garbage pails. There are many ways to protect your home from a mold buildup. Once you have done a thorough evaluation of your home and have discovered those places where mold grows, it can be eliminated. 

During the cold spell, clean home with bleach. Use a solution of five percent and a small amount of detergent to 95 percent water to clean household areas. If mold or mildew is visible in carpeting or on wallpaper, remove them from the house. Also, if you have a leaky roof or pipes, quickly repair and seal. Use fans in the bathroom and wipe down the shower after use and throw away shower curtains at the first sign of mold. Avoid storing clothes, papers or other items in damp areas. In general, for people allergic to mold, it’s not a good idea to have a bedroom or an office in the basement. Try to ventilate damp rooms, attics and even crawl spaces underneath the house. 

Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans each year and approximately one million people in Los Angeles County. More than two-thirds of allergy sufferers describe their condition as “moderate” or “severe.” 

“The financial costs are staggering,” said Carey Simon, President, of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, California Chapter. “With better asthma education, these statistics can be improved. AAFA offers information and support to help reduce these costs and to help people overcome many of the limits they face.” 

The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), is the premier organization for those who suffer. AAFA is a non-profit voluntary health agency dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with asthma and allergies through education, advocacy and community outreach.

For more information call the Asthma & Allergy Foundation at (800) 624-0044. 
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