Indoor Air Quality Solutions, IAQS

There are a few main factors that determine whether a person will be prone to developing mold spore allergies:

1.Hereditary: If members of your family currently have or had problems with allergies, you are more likely to have allergies as well. If both of your parents are allergic to mold (or anything else for that matter), you have a 75% chance of developing mold allergies as well. If only one parent – or relatives on only one side of your family-has allergies, your chances of being allergic to mold drops to 50%. Individuals with asthma are also more likely to be allergic to mold, especially if they are also allergic to other allergens, like dust mites or animal dander.

2.Exposure: People who live in humid climates or areas prone to flooding are more likely to find mold growing in their homes. Depending on the age of the house, layout, ventilation and cleaning habits, one house may have a far higher amount of mold spores in the air than another. The higher the concentration of mold spores indoors, the better the chances of developing allergic sensitivity from exposure. Outdoor mold can also be a problem, but it is the year-round indoor mold that causes the most trouble when it comes to developing allergies. Occupations with high mold exposure are: farming, dairy work, logging, baking, millwork, carpentry, greenhouse work, winemaking and furniture repair.

3.Age: Mold allergies and prevalent in all age groups, but young children with a family history of allergies or mold exposure are more likely to develop mold allergies.

Mold only needs a few things to grow and multiply:

•Nutrients (food)
•A suitable place to grow
•Moisture

Many building materials (such as wood, sheetrock, etc.) provide food that can support mold growth. Even dust that has settled on these materials or furniture can be a food source for molds. Molds can grow almost anywhere there is enough moisture or high humidity. Controlling moisture is the key to stopping indoor mold growth, because all molds require water to grow. Moisture can come from:

•Flooding from the outside (storm water, overflowing lakes, streams, storm surge, etc.)
•Flooding from the indoor (overflow from sinks, tubs, toilets, air conditioner drain pans or sewerage systems)
•Condensation (caused by indoor humidity that is too high or surfaces that are too cold)
•Water leaks from outside the building (roof, walls, floors)
•Indoor plumbing leaks or broken water pipes
•Outdoor sprinkler spray hitting the walls, or indoor fire sprinklers
•Poor venting of kitchen and bathroom moisture (steam from shower or cooking)
•Humidifier use
•Drying wet clothes indoors, or not venting clothes dryers outdoors (including electric dryers)
•House plants (over watering, etc.)
•Moisture from our bodies (sweat, wet hair on pillows, breath)
•Warm, moist air from outdoors
•Liquid spills