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Molds in the Environment

Molds in the Environment

What is mold?

A mold is a microscopic fungus that grows and lives on plant or animal matter or on non-organic objects. Most molds are made up of filaments and reproduce through the production of spores, which spread by air, water, or insects. There are many thousands of species of fungi. Common indoor molds include:

  • Alternaria
  • Aspergillus
  • Cladosporium
  • Mucor
  • Penicillium

Molds are found everywhere in the environment, both indoors and outdoors, and throughout the year.

Reactions to mold:

Molds cause allergic symptoms in many people. Common reactions to molds include: nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, or wheezing when breathing.

More severe reactions may occur among workers, such as farmers, who are exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, including fever or shortness of breath. Mold infections may occur in the lungs of persons with obstructive lung disease.

How to decrease mold exposure:

  • outside, avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as:
    • compost piles
    • cut grass
    • wooded areas
    • damp, mossy areas
    • greenhouses
    • antique shops
  • inside:
    • keep humidity levels below 40 percent
    • ventilate showers and cooking areas with exhaust fans
    • use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months
    • do not use carpet in susceptible areas such as bathrooms or basements
    • dispose of, or thoroughly dry and clean, objects that accidentally become wet such as carpets or upholstery

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Online Resources of Environmental Medicine