Important Facts About Aspergillus Mold and Allergies
Certain species of aspergillus mold are responsible for causing chronic allergies and sometimes serious illness. Aspergillus is able to grow both inside homes and offices or outside in humid, woody areas. Of course, the most aggravating form of this particular type of mold is the species that will thrive in the house or other buildings where people live and work.
In order for aspergillus mold to flourish indoors, the conditions have to be damp and moisture prone, especially in areas that are not likely to completely dry out. Wetness under carpets or floors offers up the perfect environment for aspergillus to take root and grow. It is particularly difficult to dry out any moist areas beneath the flooring, so they stay damp and the mold begins to grow and expand. Damp wood inside a home or office building – this can be on furniture or in the walls or ceiling – is also a prime place for mold to appear.
Aspergillus mold is a problem when it blooms inside a home or other building because it can cause aspergillosis, which is a lung ailment that can lead to chronic problems with allergies or other illnesses. Aspergillus tends to be especially harmful to those who may have problems with their immune system. This would include people who are infected with HIV/AIDS or plagued with other autoimmune conditions. Anyone with severe allergies or asthma is also at risk for further illness with repeated exposure to aspergillus.
Most often, chronic allergy sufferers attribute their symptoms to natural occurrences that are unavoidable and inevitable, especially at certain times of the year. If aspergillus is the cause of the allergies, however, there are a few ways to actually treat the cause instead of just treating the symptoms.
How to Treat Aspergillus Mold
The best way to keep your distance from aspergillus mold is to live in a very dry and arid climate. Since moisture is required for the mold to grow, it does not usually grow in locations with low humidity. Of course, that is an extreme solution, and not everyone is able to pick up and move to Arizona! Luckily, there are a few other solutions to try.
> Clean out the basement. Conditions in the cellar are frequently damp and chilly, so this can be a prime growing location for mold and fungus. Keeping the basement clutter free and dry can really wipe out aspergillus. Try using a dehumidifier as well, to further dry up the clammy, wet air downstairs.
> Rip up any carpeting that may have mold growing under it. Even if the carpet has only gotten wet once or twice, it can still be harboring aspergillus. It only takes one time for the mold to take hold and begin to bloom. Wall-to-wall carpet may not be a practical floor covering for someone with allergies who lives in an extremely humid climate.
> Get rid of old books, damaged or untreated wood furniture and any houseplants that may attract and harbor mold. If any items in your home or office have already been infected with mold or fungus, it can be extremely difficult to remove the mold. That is why it is best just to throw away any offending objects.
> Never open the windows when the weather is damp or wet outside, because this just brings moisture into the home and can encourage mold growth. Although it can be tempting, keep the house and windows closed up unless the weather is crisp and dry.