Mold Allergies Miami FL
Which Molds are Known
to Cause Allergies?
There are thousands of types of mold, however, only a few of these are currently available
for
allergy testing. The following are the most likely causes of allergic disease based on the types
of mold spores
collected in the air: Alternaria. A common outdoor mold; allergy to
this mold can
be associated with severe asthma. Cladosporium. The most common airborne outdoor mold.
Aspergillus.
A common indoor and outdoor mold; also associated with allergic bronchopulmonary
aspergillosis. Penicillium. A common
indoor mold; allergy to which is not associated with antibiotic
allergy. Helminthosporum. More commonly found in warmer
climates.Epicoccum. Found in grassland
and agricultural areas. Fusarium. Commonly found on rotting plants. Aureobasidium.
Common outdoor
mold, commonly found on paper, lumber and painted surfaces. Phoma. An outdoor mold, especially
common
during wet periods. Smuts. Abundantly found in areas of agriculture. Rhizopus and Mucor.
Commonly found on decaying leaves
and damp indoor areas. Airborne forms of these molds are less
common. Yeasts. Commonly found in the air during wet periods
in agricultural areas. Allergic disease
to Candida albicans is controversial, despite some people having positive allergy
testing to this type
of mold.
What Times of the Year Does Mold Allergy Occur in Miami?
In warmer climates like Miami, mold
spores may be found throughout the year, with the highest levels
found in the late summer to early fall months. In colder climates, molds can be found in the outdoor air
starting
in the late winter, and peaking in the late summer to early fall months (July to October). While indoor
molds can occur year round and are dependent on moisture levels
in the home, indoor mold levels are higher
when outdoor mold levels are higher. Therefore, a common source of indoor
mold is from the outside
environment, although can also be from indoor mold contamination.
What Measures
Can Be Used to Decrease Indoor Mold Levels?
Prevent outdoor molds from entering the home by keeping doors and
windows closed and using air
conditioning equipped with allergen-grade air filters control indoor moisture with the
use of dehumidifiers
Fix water leaks in bathrooms, kitchens and basements Ensure adequate ventilation of moist areas
Clean (or replace) contaminated surfaces with diluted a chlorine bleach solution (one part household
bleach in
9 parts water), while using proper protective gear (mask and goggles) Utilize HEPA filters on
vacuums or as a
stand-alone air filter Limit indoor houseplants, and ensure those that are present are
free of mold on leaves and in
potting soil
