Preventing and Coping with Allergies

Molds

Mold allergens, too, can be difficult to avoid. But to reduce your exposure, you can:

• Avoid places where allergens proliferate such as moist, shady areas outdoors, garden compost piles, greenhouses, mills, and grain fields or bins. Indoor hot spots include damp basements and closets, bathrooms, places where fresh food is stored, air conditioners, humidifiers, garbage pails, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and old foam rubber pillows.
• Keep the lawn mowed and leaves raked, but have someone else do this for you or wear a tightly fitting dust mask to reduce your exposure.
• Avoid walks through tall vegetation or travel in the country while crops are being harvested.
• Ensure moldy places indoors, such as summer cabins, are aired out and cleaned before spending time there.
• Use a dehumidifier to dry out the basement, but be sure to frequently remove and refresh the water collected in the machine to prevent mold growth there.
• Open a window or use a fan after a warm or steamy shower to allow the humidity to escape.