Eliminating the Threat of Mold on Yahoo! Health

If April showers bring May flowers, they also bring mold. Mold can be a danger to your health and longevity. Read on to find out why and what you can do to protect yourself.

Mold is Everywhere
The Chinese medical tradition has long recognized the harmful impact of mold and yeast on the human body. Damp conditions can produce an overgrowth of yeast in the human body that throws off the delicate balance of digestion, absorption, and elimination functions.

Initial bodily symptoms of mold infestation may include sneezing, runny nose, sinus congestion, itchy eyes and skin, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Over time, these allergic symptoms may worsen depending on your individual immunity. Exposure to mold can lead to conditions ranging from sinus ailments and headaches to serious problems such as intestinal conditions and liver damage.

Mold Solutions
In your environment, improper construction such as poorly sealed windows, poor drainage in the landscaping, and below-ground rooms can all contribute to mold infestation. Here are some preventative measures you can take to keep your surroundings free from mold:

1. Dehumidify: Mold requires moisture to thrive, so if your area gets a lot of rain, a dehumidifier is a must. It keeps the humidity optimal for your health and prevents excess mold spores from being released into the air. Since the bathroom is usually most moist room, try keeping a dehumidifier in the bathroom or hang a moisture-absorbing material, such as volcanic rock in a bag (sold in many hardware stores).

Be sure to empty the dehumidifier's water tray daily to ensure that water doesn't collect and feed the mold organisms. Also, clean the dehumidifier weekly to avoid contributing to bacterial or mold infestation. Try soaking it in this eco-friendly cleaning solution: one cup of apple cider vinegar mixed with one gallon of water.

2. Bake Your House Seasonally: During and after a rainy season, "bake" your home by closing all doors and windows and turning up the heat to above 100° for a weekend while you are away.

Most mold species require a temperature between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so this heating up of your house to over 100° will virtually wipe out any mold population that may have been residing in your house or workplace. Be sure to remove your plant from your house during house baking.

3. Repair Water Leaks Immediately: Fix any leaks or flooding right away so that you don't allow mold to grow and multiply. Make sure you thoroughly dry out the affected area, whether it's a carpet or drywall. Unfortunately, wall construction made with drywall will most likely require removing drywall, disinfecting and drying the affected area, and replacing with new drywall.

(A water damage company can help you with this process.) Also, inspect for poor drainage and water pooling outside, because a high concentration of mold spores around a building can find its way inside.

4. Bring the Sunshine In: Since mold prefers damp and dark environments, opening blinds and windows during the day and letting the sunlight into your house or work is the best way to counter the unhealthy buildup of mold because the UV rays from the sun will kill most mold species.

5. Maintain Good Health: There is no better prevention of mold-induced illness than to maintain a good immune function. Healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate rest and sleep, and avoiding emotional and physical extremes are the best ways to protect yourself.

I hope future days find you mold-free and healthy! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

-Dr. Mao

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