Mold And Mildew - Asthma Triggers: Asthma

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Mold and mildew

Mold and mildew can grow indoors in persistently damp places. Common locations are the basement, around the kitchen sink, and in bathrooms. If you have asthma, you may be allergic to mold. (But don't worry that you are falling victim to "toxic" mold. In spite of the spate of news reports about this problem, any shortness of breath or other symptoms you experience most likely has more to do with your underlying allergic sensitivity to mold than to the nature of the mold itself. In fact, there is no scientific consensus about whether toxic mold even exists.) You can usually detect mold growth by seeing or smelling it. Take these steps to eliminate mold:

• Wash any moldy or mildewed surfaces with diluted bleach (mixed in equal parts with water) to kill the mold.

• If your basement tends to become flooded with water, avoid having carpeting on the cement floor.

• Run a dehumidifier during the summer months.

• Install an exhaust fan in the bathroom or keep windows open to allow air to circulate.

• Repair any kitchen or bathroom leaks quickly.

• Clean sink surfaces and floors regularly.

Last updated:	September 27, 2007