Indoor mold (fungus) is very common in damp areas and in homes that have damp areas such as basements. Mold can cause symptoms, such as wheezing or coughing, or another allergic reaction such as the rash of atopic dermatitis or the stuffy nose of allergic rhinitis.
Mold can enter a building through open doors, windows, vents, and heating or air conditioning systems. Mold from outdoor air can also stick to clothing, shoes, bags and pets and can be carried indoors. It grows in places with high humidity, such as around leaks in roofs, windows or pipes, or in places that have been flooded.
It is important that:
- Control mold in your home.
- Store fireplace wood outside the home. Green firewood that is drying may contain mold spores.
- Check indoor plants for mold. Repot them or move them outside if the soil is moldy.
- Inspect items in closets, such as shoes, that may retain moisture.
- Repair any areas that have been damaged by water due to roof or basement leaks. Also, make sure that the spaces under sinks and around pipes do not have leaks. These places are conducive to mold growth.
