ASTHMA TRIGGER
A trigger is anything that irritates the airways and
sets off the symptoms of asthma. Common triggers include
colds or 'flu, cigarette smoke, exercise and allergies to
things like pollen, furry or feathery animals or
house-dust mite. Everyone's asthma is different and you
will probably have several triggers.
ASTHMA TRIGGERS MOLD
About Molds
Molds can
be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance when
moisture is present. Outdoors, many molds live in the soil and play a key
role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Without
molds we would all be struggling with large amounts of dead plant matter.
Molds break down plant materials by digesting them, using the plant
material for food.
Molds
produce tiny spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. Mold
spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold
spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting
whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can
grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, even dynamite. When excessive moisture
or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly
if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. There is no
practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor
environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Molds can
trigger asthma episodes in individuals with an allergic reaction to mold.
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
-
Potential health
effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic
reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
-
There is no
practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor
environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control
moisture.
-
If mold is a problem
in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources
of moisture.
-
Fix the source of
the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
-
Reduce indoor
humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms,
dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air
conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using
exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
-
Clean and dry any
damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to
prevent mold growth.
-
Clean mold off hard
surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent
materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be
replaced.
-
Prevent
condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces
(i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding
insulation.
-
In areas where there
is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by
drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks
or frequent condensation).
-
Molds can be found
almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing
moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper,
carpet, and foods.
Office of Air and Radiation,
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air,
Indoor Environments Division (6609J)
EPA # 402-K-00-003, May 2000
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