Mold Allergies
Mold Proof Your Home
Fall rain and decomposing leaves can create the perfect recipe for mold. Flip through our gallery and find out what mold is, where it might be hiding in your home, and how to fight it.
More on Allergies
Fungus Among Us
The mighty mold spore up close and personal doesn't look that fearsome, but this spore breeding fungus is the second most prevalent ingredient in the batch of allergens that cause allergy related symptoms. While most allergy symptoms are merely annoying, some can be downright dangerous, including blood and lung infections.
Sniffle Starter
Mold might be fall's most surprising allergy culprit, causing sniffles, coughs, itchy eyes, sore throat, aggravating asthma, and occasionally, more severe reactions. Some experts believe allergies play a role in middle ear infections, a common childhood health problem.
Just Breathe
For many asthma sufferers, mold can aggravate symptoms and trigger attacks. Also high on the list are animal dander and saliva, pollens, molds, dust mites, cockroaches, some medications and certain foods.
Sniffle Solutions
Free-standing water is a breeding ground for mold. Make sure to dump water out of trash-cans, empty pots, bird baths -- any spot where water gathers after rainfall. Also, get your neighbors in on the act -- mold spores can blow significant distances.
Outdoor Aggressor
Mold can grow and thrive in piles of wet leaves, causing allergic reactions and aggravating asthma. Be sure to rake leaves promptly and clean out your gutters. Also, store firewood outside of your house.
Hidden Mold
Check your basement regularly for water leaks and mold growth. Mold can flourish in puddles of rainwater in a dank basement. Also, check your humidifiers and air conditioning units -- be sure to replace filters every three months.
Fungus Fighters
Your best friend in fighting mold? Good old-fashioned bleach. Experts suggest adding a half a cup of bleach to five gallons of water to remove mold. You might need to add a bit of elbow grease, mold can be a stubborn foe!
More on AOL Body: Allergies
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Allergies: What You Can Do to Help Yourself
Pros and Cons of Allergy Shots
