It may be in your home right now.
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| | | | Which sneaky allergen are we talking about today? Hint: It comes in many colors, shapes, and sizes. | | It's … mold! 🦠 | | This fungus thrives in dark, wet environments, like behind water-damaged walls or inside poorly lit, unventilated rooms. But it can also be found on everyday household items, such as paper, furniture, clothing, and carpets. | | Reader Rosemary G. recently wrote in asking about the potential effects of mold exposure and whether or not she should be concerned. So, today, that's what we'll be discussing as part of our You Asked, We Answered monthly series. | | | | Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Morgan Mandriota
June 24, 2024 • 3.5 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | Mold exposure: To worry or not to worry? | | The first time I lived in a moldy home was in 2018, after a severe rainstorm flooded my basement apartment. The second time was an apartment with bedroom closet walls lined with black mold. The latest was back in January, when another storm caused a leak in the roof and ceiling of my office, causing an odor that wouldn't go away.️ | | Every time, I experienced respiratory and cognitive side effects … and every time, I had to break my lease early because no landlord took the situation seriously.️️ | | But (!) this is my experience. Although I've seen many people share similar stories online, not everyone will have health complications from mold exposure. (You might have mold overgrowth in your home right now and not even know it!) I just so happen to have a mold allergy, which can cause symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, rashes, headaches, and sneezing.️️ | | Allergies aside, some people are at higher risk of mold-related illnesses, infections, or complications if they have:️️ | - asthma
- a compromised immune system
- cystic fibrosis
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
In these cases, you'll want to have the mold removed ASAP to protect your health. Know your rights if you're renting! Some states force landlords to remediate if there's overgrowth due to forces outside of your control, like a burst pipe or hurricane. | | In the meantime, there are steps you can take to find relief, such as taking antihistamines or decongestants, getting allergy shots, and keeping humidity levels under 50% in your home.️️ | | While mold doesn't always pose a serious health threat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends removing it from your home — no matter the color or size. If you don't have a mold allergy, you can try getting rid of it yourself and being proactive to prevent future growth. Otherwise, seek professional removal help if:️️ | - There's a large amount of mold in your home.
- You've had severe water damage.
- You're at high risk of symptoms or complications.
| | | 🎤 Have you ever been negatively affected by mold in your home? Tell us about your experience at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!) | | | | | | |
| | | | Allergens, be gone! | | | | | | |  | | Clorox Room True HEPA Air Purifier | | If you've been reading Wellness Wire for a while, you might be sick of hearing me talk about how much I love my air purifiers. But … can't stop, won't stop! This smart Clorox purifier lives in my office to help eliminate my cat's stinky litter box smell and other allergens like mildew, smoke, pollen, dust, and pet dander. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | *It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Thanks for reading! Remember our recent newsletter about how to stay cool during hot nights? Reader Bert F. shared some personal tips with us, which we're sharing below in case they can help you, too: | - Close out the evening sun with thick curtains.
- Sprinkle the bed with cold water.
- Lay on linen on the ground.
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