This sneaky allergen can disrupt your health (2024)
In a Nutshell
Which sneaky allergen are we talking about today? Hint: It comes in many colors, shapes, and sizes.
It's … mold! 🦠
This fungus thrives in dark, wet environments, like behind water-damaged walls or inside poorly lit, unventilated rooms. But it can also be found on everyday household items, such as paper, furniture, clothing, and carpets.
Reader Rosemary G. recently wrote in asking about the potential effects of mold exposure and whether or not she should be concerned. So, today, that's what we'll be discussing as part of our You Asked, We Answered monthly series.
The first time I lived in a moldy home was in 2018, after a severe rainstorm flooded my basem*nt apartment. The second time was an apartment with bedroom closet walls lined with black mold. The latest was back in January, when another storm caused a leak in the roof and ceiling of my office, causing an odor that wouldn't go away.️
Every time, I experienced respiratory and cognitive side effects … and every time, I had to break my lease early because no landlord took the situation seriously.️️
But (!) this is my experience. Although I've seen many people share similar stories online, not everyone will have health complications from mold exposure. (You might have mold overgrowth in your home right now and not even know it!) I just so happen to have a mold allergy, which can cause symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, rashes, headaches, and sneezing.️️
Allergies aside, some people are at higher risk of mold-related illnesses, infections, or complications if they have:️️
asthma
a compromised immune system
cystic fibrosis
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
In these cases, you'll want to have the mold removed ASAP to protect your health. Know your rights if you're renting! Some states force landlords to remediate if there's overgrowth due to forces outside of your control, like a burst pipe or hurricane.
In the meantime, there are steps you can take to find relief, such as taking antihistamines or decongestants, getting allergy shots, and keeping humidity levels under 50% in your home.️️
While mold doesn't always pose a serious health threat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends removing it from your home — no matter the color or size. If you don't have a mold allergy, you can try getting rid of it yourself and being proactive to prevent future growth. Otherwise, seek professional removal help if:️️
🎤 Have you ever been negatively affected by mold in your home? Tell us about your experience at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!)
If you've been reading Wellness Wire for a while, you might be sick of hearing me talk about how much I love my air purifiers. But … can't stop, won't stop! This smart Clorox purifier lives in my office to help eliminate my cat's stinky litter box smell and other allergens like mildew, smoke, pollen, dust, and pet dander.
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*It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit.
Thanks for reading! Remember our recent newsletter about how to stay cool during hot nights? Reader Bert F. shared some personal tips with us, which we're sharing below in case they can help you, too:
Close out the evening sun with thick curtains.
Sprinkle the bed with cold water.
Lay on linen on the ground.
Until next time,
Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!
Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.
Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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