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Indoor Allergen Control Measures: A Practical Summary

By Peter B. Boggs, MD

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The Five Common Indoor Allergens:
Effective Remediation Measures

**Table 5—**Mold Allergen Remediation Measures*
Essential Measures
Repair water leaks Vent humid areas: bathroom, clothes-drier vents Air conditioning use Dehumidifier use Clean surfaces of mold growth with chlorine bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds Increase light available to relatively dark spaces: open curtains, raise shades, install windows, leave light on in dark spaces (closets, attics, basements, etc)
Secondary Measures
Discard moldy items Regular maintenance of HVAC systems The value of duct cleaning is unclear; the mold-sensitive person should not be in the home when this is done Air filters for rooms, central system Close windows during high outdoor mold periods (summer to fall) Run exhaust fans in kitchen when cooking, in bathroom when water is used Limit house plants
HVAC = heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Caveat:* Mold avoidance measures have not been tested to the extent that those for dust mites, pet allergens, and cockroach allergens have, so their validity is questionable. There is no doubt, however, regarding the relationship between sensitization to molds and severe asthma. Several methods have been tested in relation to their ability to remove mold spores, but none has been tested for ability to reduce mold allergens or improve asthma symptoms.

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