Mold Allergy and Air Duct Cleaning
Mold allergies are caused by an immune system that’s sensitive to mold spores. Mold allergy symptoms, like coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes, can be uncomfortable and can also lead to complications like allergic fungal sinusitis and, in people with asthma, a flare-up of asthma symptoms. Mold can be found inside your HVAC system and inside your Air Ducts.
Because mold is so common, having an allergy to it can be quite troublesome. Here are several ways to deal with and avoid mold allergy symptoms.
Avoid moldy situations inside air ducts
Whenever possible, avoid situations and places where mold is likely to be present. Try not to go outside right after a rainstorm and spend less time outdoors when mold count is high. The National Allergy Bureau has reliable information on spore levels.
It’s also a good idea to stay away from damp places, such as piles of wet leaves and dark basements. Certain businesses like flower shops, farms and antique shops are more likely to have mold than other places.
Prepare for moldy situations inside HVAC systems
Sometimes mold can’t be avoided. When that’s the case, prepare yourself for the situation.
If you know you’re going to be somewhere that may have mold, take some allergy medicine beforehand. You should consult your doctor before starting a new medication. If you have to work outside where there’s likely to be mold, wear a dust mask to keep spores out of your nose and mouth. After being exposed to mold, take a shower to wash away spores.
Prevent mold in your home and air ducts
You don’t want to be allergic to your own home, so take steps to prevent mold from growing there.
Get rid of issues that cause excess moisture, such as leaky pipes. Quickly clean up any moisture or spills to avoid mold from growing. If the problem is persistent or widespread, you might want to consider professional water removal.
You should also keep an eye on the humidity level in your home, which you can do with a device from a hardware store. If the humidity is above 50%, you can use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to lower it.
If you’re unsure where mold may be growing, indoor air quality specialists can conduct air and mold tests and professionally remove any mold problem areas. Cleaning your HVAC system and cleaning your air ducts is a great way to improve your air quality and reduce the risk for mold.
Having a mold allergy is troublesome, but by preventing, avoiding and preparing for mold, you can reduce the impact that mold allergy symptoms have on your life.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mold-allergy/home/ovc-20200844
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/ways-to-reduce-mold-allergies-slideshow
