Indoor Allergen Control Measures: A Practical Summary

By Peter B. Boggs, MD

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The Five Common Indoor Allergens:
Effective Remediation Measures

Mold

Although there are more than 200 species of known fungi, relatively few play any role in causing or triggering asthma. Several species predominate in homes: Alternaria, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. During the cold months, Aspergillus and Penicillium predominate.³⁴

Household molds flourish by finding sufficient water and food in common indoor materials: furniture, carpet, paneling, clothing, house dust, cellulose in paper goods, glues, wood, insulation materials, heating and air conditioning systems, etc. Environments in homes that commonly invite mold growth include bathrooms, basements, food and supply storage rooms, and attics.²⁵

Water and humidity are the keys to both mold survival and the success of mold allergen control (Table 5). Essential remediation measures include the repair of water leaks and leak-damaged areas; limiting the relative humidity to 50% via use of air conditioning and installation of dehumidifiers; provision of adequate ventilation of high-humidity living spaces; increasing available natural light; and cleaning surfaces on which visible mold is accumulating. Secondary remediation measures include discarding moldy items; maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; room air filtration; and good ventilation of areas of high humidity (bathroom and kitchen).²⁵

Mold exposure in homes occurs through airborne spores and hyphal fragments. Release is generally dependent on direct mechanical disturbance. The particle sizes of airborne spores and hyphal fragments range from 2 to > 50 mm; thus, although most are believed to settle as rapidly as house dust mite and roach particles, some do not.²⁵

Caveats. Water and humidity control, adequate ventilation of living spaces, and the provision of adequate lighting are the keys to effective remediation. Together, they can be remembered as the 3 D's of mold control: dampness, drafts, and darkness.

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