The Secret to Living With Allergies Part 3 Allergy bigger concern than toxicity

[Guest guest]

(http://www.yybook.info/2008/10/11/the-secret-to-living-with-allergies-part-3-co\

ntrolling-mold-in-your-home-by-colleen-finnegan/)

_http://pokedandprodded.health.com/2008/07/16/breast-cancer-scares/?pkw=PSHEGL

IM080708CNND1660 & partner=yes_

(http://pokedandprodded.health.com/2008/07/16/breast-cancer-scares/?pkw=PSHEGLIM\

080708CNND1660 & partner=yes)

_Health_ (http://www.yybook.info/category/health/) - - Posted on October, 11

at 7:12 am

The Secret to Living With Allergies Part 3 - Controlling Mold in Your Home —

by COLLEEN FINNEGAN

Although there has been much information in the news lately about ‘toxic

mold,’ this severe mold presence is less of a typical health threat than

common

indoor and outdoor molds. With a large number of varieties, molds are one of

the most widespread organisms. From spring through fall in northern states or

year-round in warm weather states, you may come into contact with outdoor

molds that cause seasonal allergies. When mowing the lawn, raking leaves,

playing sports or taking part in other outdoor activities, you may experience

typical allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, water eyes and more.

When

it comes to indoor molds, you may be surprised to learn that common molds

are normally found in all homes. In this edition of the Allergy Control

Products series on “The Secret to Living with Allergies,†allergy tips for

controlling mold in your home and reducing mold allergies will be outlined.

Step 1: Toxic Mold vs. Common Molds. Which is the Typical Cause of Mold

Allergy Symptoms?

“Toxic black mold’ has made headlines, with photos of uninhabitable houses

and discussion of severe health repercussions. As the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, the molds themselves are not toxic or

poisonous. These molds should be considered as the same allergy-causing mold as

common molds found in your house, and any mold-contamination inside a building

or home should be addressed. In an article, “Mold Allergy a Bigger Health

Concern than Toxic Mold,†from the American College of Allergy, Asthma &

Immunology (ACAAI), Dr. Jay Portnoy, M.D. of the Children’s Mercy Hospital in

Kansas City, Missouri, is quoted as saying that “Although toxic mold has

received

much media attention lately, toxic reactions caused by fungal exposure have

not been found to be a significant health problem.†Toxic mold may have been

in the limelight, however, toxic mold occurrences are rare. It is common

molds that are the typical cause of mold allergy symptoms. Molds can be found in

most environments, and unlike pollens, molds do not have a limited season.

Many molds multiply by releasing spores into the air, which settle elsewhere

and

create new moldy areas. An even greater number of mold spores than pollen

grains can be in the air, and when you inhale these spores, you can experience

allergy symptoms.

Indoor molds spread in areas of your home that are warm, dark and humid or

are poorly ventilated such as showers or basements. Moisture and warmth cause

molds to spread more quickly. Controlling humidity and taking steps around the

home to control molds can help to avoid triggering allergy symptoms.

Step 2: When Heat and Humidity are on the Rise, Keep Humidity Levels Down to

Control Mold Growth

Humidity and warmth encourage mold growth, and humid seasons are the most

problematic for mold allergy sufferers. With warm weather, humidity levels can

raise and cause mold growth. In addition to mold growth, high humidity (above

50%) can lead to increased dust mite growth and associated increases in dust

mite allergens. Dust mites also enjoy a warm, damp environment and to keep

levels low of these two indoor allergens, humidity levels should be kept below

50% and ideally no higher than 35% - 40%. Make sure to monitor levels with a

humidity gauge in order to understand how much humidity is in your home.

Monitoring humidity is important in the warm weather months, but can be equally

important during the winter if you are introducing moisture into the air by

using humidifiers. Make sure to keep track of the moisture output from your

humidifier in order to make sure that humidity levels year-round are in a

targeted range.

Step 3: The Route to Mold Allergy Relief is Found with Steps to Tackle Common

Household Molds

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s (AAAAI)

tips for indoor allergens, it is relatively easy to eliminate indoor mold and

mildew once these allergy-causing sources are found and treated. And, as Dr.

Portnoy indicates in the Mold Allergy article produced by the ACAAI, “The

best known management of indoor fungal contamination is prevention.†To

prevent

mold growth, watch for damp areas where molds can spread. Control mold growth

by increasing ventilation in damp areas and using exhaust fans to air out

the dampness. In dry months, open the windows to release moisture, but in warm

months, try to avoid opening windows to air out your house as this step can

lead to molds or pollens entering through the open windows.

When you find mold, use a solution containing bleach or a mildew-removing

cleaner in order to kill the mold and prevent its regrowth. These mold

controlling and mildew removing products should be used to clean the bathroom,

mold

on walls or ceiling, in the basement, around the kitchen or anywhere else in

the home where mold has been found. With simple measures for cleaning your

home and by keeping moisture areas to a minimum, you’ll make great strides

toward preventing indoor mold.

Additional steps can be equally helpful, including using a dehumidifier in

the basement or elsewhere in the home to reduce moisture in the air. Running

your air conditioner lowers humidity and avoids having open windows through

which molds can enter. Keep mold spores from circulating in the air in your home

by using air filters in your central furnace system, running HEPA air

cleaners to filter out mold allergens and destroying mold spores with air

sanitizers or special convection heat units. Make sure to remove moldy items

and avoid

carpets in areas such as the bathroom or basement. When working outside or

indoors in musty areas, remember to wear a face mask to avoid inhaling mold

spores and aggravating your allergies.

For 25 years, Allergy Control Products has been recommended by thousands of

physicians as the most trusted allergy company for revolutionary products for

indoor _allergies_ (http://www.allergycontrol.com/) . Whether you’re looking

for the highest quality _air cleaner_

(http://www.allergycontrol.com/allergycontrolproducts/tabid/58/c-331-air-cleaner\

s.aspx) and air filters.

Dr. Portnoy's quotes are from 2005

_http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/21521.php_

(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/21521.php)

Sharon Kramer

**************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination.

Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out

(http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000002)

[Guest guest]

seems they are leaveing out a big part of the picture on these high

moisture moldy indoor environments. the mvoc's,voc's and off gassing

of man made chemicals that molds may be eating on. now maybe

mycotoxin exposure is rarer but I don't doubt that they are part of

these environments at all as the most common indoors molds are many

that are known as toxic molds. now maybe in high moisture situations

they get weighed down and incorperated in with mvoc's, ect. and maybe

harder to detect as a single particle identity but I think they can

still be there. maybe what needs to be focused on is what happens

more with those dry periods. does the mvoc,voc,chemical,toxic resin

crystalize? produced any type of dust paricles? flake of and than get

incorperated in the dust? or does it forever remain as a simi

hardened film where with some things like plastic it seems to eat

into it enough to form a bond. also seems to do this with glass. and

when in situations where theres not a constant water sorce but a

wetting than drying maybe these types of situations allows more for

mycotoxin exposure than do a constantly wet/high moisture in the air

invironment. seems to me that in a high constant moisture situation

this resin stays soft/removeable but after it's taken into or

incounters a dry situation for a amount of time it become non-

removeable and much like a coat of polyurathane.

>

>

>

> (http://www.yybook.info/2008/10/11/the-secret-to-living-with-

allergies-part-3-controlling-mold-in-your-home-by-colleen-finnegan/)

> _http://pokedandprodded.health.com/2008/07/16/breast-cancer-scares/?

pkw=PSHEGL

> IM080708CNND1660 & partner=yes_

> (http://pokedandprodded.health.com/2008/07/16/breast-cancer-scares/?

pkw=PSHEGLIM080708CNND1660 & partner=yes)

> _Health_ (http://www.yybook.info/category/health/) - - Posted on

October, 11

> at 7:12 am

> The Secret to Living With Allergies Part 3 - Controlling Mold in

Your Home †"

> by COLLEEN FINNEGAN

> Although there has been much information in the news lately about

‘toxic

> mold,’ this severe mold presence is less of a typical health

threat than common

> indoor and outdoor molds. With a large number of varieties, molds

are one of

> the most widespread organisms. From spring through fall in

northern states or

> year-round in warm weather states, you may come into contact with

outdoor

> molds that cause seasonal allergies. When mowing the lawn, raking

leaves,

> playing sports or taking part in other outdoor activities, you may

experience

> typical allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, water

eyes and more. When

> it comes to indoor molds, you may be surprised to learn that

common molds

> are normally found in all homes. In this edition of the Allergy

Control

> Products series on “The Secret to Living with Allergies,â€

allergy tips for

> controlling mold in your home and reducing mold allergies will be

outlined.

> Step 1: Toxic Mold vs. Common Molds. Which is the Typical Cause of

Mold

> Allergy Symptoms?

> “Toxic black mold’ has made headlines, with photos of

uninhabitable houses

> and discussion of severe health repercussions. As the Centers for

Disease

> Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, the molds themselves are not

toxic or

> poisonous. These molds should be considered as the same allergy-

causing mold as

> common molds found in your house, and any mold-contamination inside

a building

> or home should be addressed. In an article, “Mold Allergy a

Bigger Health

> Concern than Toxic Mold,†from the American College of Allergy,

Asthma &

> Immunology (ACAAI), Dr. Jay Portnoy, M.D. of the Children’s Mercy

Hospital in

> Kansas City, Missouri, is quoted as saying that “Although toxic

mold has received

> much media attention lately, toxic reactions caused by fungal

exposure have

> not been found to be a significant health problem.†Toxic mold

may have been

> in the limelight, however, toxic mold occurrences are rare. It is

common

> molds that are the typical cause of mold allergy symptoms. Molds

can be found in

> most environments, and unlike pollens, molds do not have a limited

season.

> Many molds multiply by releasing spores into the air, which settle

elsewhere and

> create new moldy areas. An even greater number of mold spores than

pollen

> grains can be in the air, and when you inhale these spores, you

can experience

> allergy symptoms.

> Indoor molds spread in areas of your home that are warm, dark and

humid or

> are poorly ventilated such as showers or basements. Moisture and

warmth cause

> molds to spread more quickly. Controlling humidity and taking steps

around the

> home to control molds can help to avoid triggering allergy

symptoms.

> Step 2: When Heat and Humidity are on the Rise, Keep Humidity

Levels Down to

> Control Mold Growth

> Humidity and warmth encourage mold growth, and humid seasons are

the most

> problematic for mold allergy sufferers. With warm weather, humidity

levels can

> raise and cause mold growth. In addition to mold growth, high

humidity (above

> 50%) can lead to increased dust mite growth and associated

increases in dust

> mite allergens. Dust mites also enjoy a warm, damp environment and

to keep

> levels low of these two indoor allergens, humidity levels should be

kept below

> 50% and ideally no higher than 35% - 40%. Make sure to monitor

levels with a

> humidity gauge in order to understand how much humidity is in your

home.

> Monitoring humidity is important in the warm weather months, but

can be equally

> important during the winter if you are introducing moisture into

the air by

> using humidifiers. Make sure to keep track of the moisture output

from your

> humidifier in order to make sure that humidity levels year-round

are in a

> targeted range.

> Step 3: The Route to Mold Allergy Relief is Found with Steps to

Tackle Common

> Household Molds

> According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &

Immunology’s (AAAAI)

> tips for indoor allergens, it is relatively easy to eliminate

indoor mold and

> mildew once these allergy-causing sources are found and treated.

And, as Dr.

> Portnoy indicates in the Mold Allergy article produced by the

ACAAI, “The

> best known management of indoor fungal contamination is

prevention.†To prevent

> mold growth, watch for damp areas where molds can spread. Control

mold growth

> by increasing ventilation in damp areas and using exhaust fans to

air out

> the dampness. In dry months, open the windows to release moisture,

but in warm

> months, try to avoid opening windows to air out your house as this

step can

> lead to molds or pollens entering through the open windows.

> When you find mold, use a solution containing bleach or a mildew-

removing

> cleaner in order to kill the mold and prevent its regrowth. These

mold

> controlling and mildew removing products should be used to clean

the bathroom, mold

> on walls or ceiling, in the basement, around the kitchen or

anywhere else in

> the home where mold has been found. With simple measures for

cleaning your

> home and by keeping moisture areas to a minimum, you’ll make

great strides

> toward preventing indoor mold.

> Additional steps can be equally helpful, including using a

dehumidifier in

> the basement or elsewhere in the home to reduce moisture in the

air. Running

> your air conditioner lowers humidity and avoids having open windows

through

> which molds can enter. Keep mold spores from circulating in the air

in your home

> by using air filters in your central furnace system, running HEPA

air

> cleaners to filter out mold allergens and destroying mold spores

with air

> sanitizers or special convection heat units. Make sure to remove

moldy items and avoid

> carpets in areas such as the bathroom or basement. When working

outside or

> indoors in musty areas, remember to wear a face mask to avoid

inhaling mold

> spores and aggravating your allergies.

> For 25 years, Allergy Control Products has been recommended by

thousands of

> physicians as the most trusted allergy company for revolutionary

products for

> indoor _allergies_ (http://www.allergycontrol.com/) . Whether

you’re looking

> for the highest quality _air cleaner_

> (http://www.allergycontrol.com/allergycontrolproducts/tabid/58/c-

331-air-cleaners.aspx) and air filters.

> Dr. Portnoy's quotes are from 2005

> _http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/21521.php_

(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/21521.php)

>

>

> Sharon Kramer

> **************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your

destination.

> Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out

> (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000002)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

Thanks for posting this. It is generally a very good article. But

there are two points I disagree with.

1. " When you find mold, use a solution containing bleach or a

mildew-removing cleaner in order to kill the mold and prevent its

regrowth. "

* Removing mold from surfaces does not require bleach or a

special " mildew-removing " cleaner. A regular detergent with a

damp cloth works just as well on smooth surfaces. Rough

surfaces and porous materials is an entirely different matter

and usually need to be replaced.

* As with below, it doesn't need to kill the mold because killing

it adds nothing. Preventing regrowth is absolutely essential

but killing what's already there only stops " those specific "

spores from regrowing. It does not, and cannot, stop growth

of new spores from the air - which can never be completely

eliminated. The moisture must be stopped. A place where

there is always recurrent moisture is a shower or tub. But

even then, just think how a " killing " product has to be used

daily. Why? Because of new spores that settle from the air.

Even so, my opinion is cleaning the smooth surfaces is all

that needs to be done. If " killing " isn't any better why spend

the money on " special mold killers? " If the spores are

removed, there is nothing to grow. Next day, the water

flushes the smooth surface clean. Removing soap scum is

different, but doesn't require a mold killing to be effective.

2. " destroying mold spores with air sanitizers or special

convection heat units. "

* Sanitizers do not " destroy " mold spores. I wish they could but

at best they only kill them. Sanitize is only partial, not

completely as for sterile. Has been stated and documented

here over and over again by many people, dead mold spores

have the same effect as live mold spores. (The only

exception is for infection. And this does not include yeast

infections). They do nothing for the already dead spores and

other components of the total mold " plant. " Finally, use of

" sanitizers " adds chemicals and other fragrances to an

environment in which many of you are also reactive.

* Convection heat units, if truly hot enough, could literally burn

mold spores. But I have yet to see one which is both hot

enough and which actually covers a significant area. It has

the same weaknesses as air filters in that they can only clean

the air that goes through them, meaning it does not remove

the source. Without source removal, which requires moisture

control, they could only " keep up. " But I haven't seen any that

can " keep up " without heating the house and the people.

It is obvious to me these particular recommendations are based

more on a desire to sell products rather than on facts. The rest of

the article, as I said above, is quite good.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

>

>

>

(http://www.yybook.info/2008/10/11/the-secret-to-living-with-allergies-part-3-co\

ntrolling-mold-in-your-home-by-colleen-finnegan/)

> _http://pokedandprodded.health.com/2008/07/16/breast-cancer-scares/?pkw=PSHEGL

> IM080708CNND1660 & partner=yes_

>

(http://pokedandprodded.health.com/2008/07/16/breast-cancer-scares/?pkw=PSHEGLIM\

080708CNND1660 & partner=yes)

> _Health_ (http://www.yybook.info/category/health/) - - Posted on October, 11

> at 7:12 am

> The Secret to Living With Allergies Part 3 - Controlling Mold in Your Home -

> by COLLEEN FINNEGAN

> Although there has been much information in the news lately about `toxic

> mold,´ this severe mold presence is less of a typical health threat than

common

> indoor and outdoor molds. With a large number of varieties, molds are one of

> the most widespread organisms. From spring through fall in northern states or

> year-round in warm weather states, you may come into contact with outdoor

> molds that cause seasonal allergies. When mowing the lawn, raking leaves,

> playing sports or taking part in other outdoor activities, you may experience

> typical allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, water eyes and more.

When

> it comes to indoor molds, you may be surprised to learn that common molds

> are normally found in all homes. In this edition of the Allergy Control

> Products series on " The Secret to Living with Allergies, " allergy tips for

> controlling mold in your home and reducing mold allergies will be outlined.

> Step 1: Toxic Mold vs. Common Molds. Which is the Typical Cause of Mold

> Allergy Symptoms?

> " Toxic black mold´ has made headlines, with photos of uninhabitable houses

> and discussion of severe health repercussions. As the Centers for Disease

> Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, the molds themselves are not toxic or

> poisonous. These molds should be considered as the same allergy-causing mold

as

> common molds found in your house, and any mold-contamination inside a building

> or home should be addressed. In an article, " Mold Allergy a Bigger Health

> Concern than Toxic Mold, " from the American College of Allergy, Asthma &

> Immunology (ACAAI), Dr. Jay Portnoy, M.D. of the Children´s Mercy Hospital in

> Kansas City, Missouri, is quoted as saying that " Although toxic mold has

received

> much media attention lately, toxic reactions caused by fungal exposure have

> not been found to be a significant health problem. " Toxic mold may have been

> in the limelight, however, toxic mold occurrences are rare. It is common

> molds that are the typical cause of mold allergy symptoms. Molds can be found

in

> most environments, and unlike pollens, molds do not have a limited season.

> Many molds multiply by releasing spores into the air, which settle elsewhere

and

> create new moldy areas. An even greater number of mold spores than pollen

> grains can be in the air, and when you inhale these spores, you can

experience

> allergy symptoms.

> Indoor molds spread in areas of your home that are warm, dark and humid or

> are poorly ventilated such as showers or basements. Moisture and warmth cause

> molds to spread more quickly. Controlling humidity and taking steps around the

> home to control molds can help to avoid triggering allergy symptoms.

> Step 2: When Heat and Humidity are on the Rise, Keep Humidity Levels Down to

> Control Mold Growth

> Humidity and warmth encourage mold growth, and humid seasons are the most

> problematic for mold allergy sufferers. With warm weather, humidity levels can

> raise and cause mold growth. In addition to mold growth, high humidity (above

> 50%) can lead to increased dust mite growth and associated increases in dust

> mite allergens. Dust mites also enjoy a warm, damp environment and to keep

> levels low of these two indoor allergens, humidity levels should be kept below

> 50% and ideally no higher than 35% - 40%. Make sure to monitor levels with a

> humidity gauge in order to understand how much humidity is in your home.

> Monitoring humidity is important in the warm weather months, but can be

equally

> important during the winter if you are introducing moisture into the air by

> using humidifiers. Make sure to keep track of the moisture output from your

> humidifier in order to make sure that humidity levels year-round are in a

> targeted range.

> Step 3: The Route to Mold Allergy Relief is Found with Steps to Tackle Common

> Household Molds

> According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology´s (AAAAI)

> tips for indoor allergens, it is relatively easy to eliminate indoor mold and

> mildew once these allergy-causing sources are found and treated. And, as Dr.

> Portnoy indicates in the Mold Allergy article produced by the ACAAI, " The

> best known management of indoor fungal contamination is prevention. " To

prevent

> mold growth, watch for damp areas where molds can spread. Control mold growth

> by increasing ventilation in damp areas and using exhaust fans to air out

> the dampness. In dry months, open the windows to release moisture, but in

warm

> months, try to avoid opening windows to air out your house as this step can

> lead to molds or pollens entering through the open windows.

> When you find mold, use a solution containing bleach or a mildew-removing

> cleaner in order to kill the mold and prevent its regrowth. These mold

> controlling and mildew removing products should be used to clean the bathroom,

mold

> on walls or ceiling, in the basement, around the kitchen or anywhere else in

> the home where mold has been found. With simple measures for cleaning your

> home and by keeping moisture areas to a minimum, you´ll make great strides

> toward preventing indoor mold.

> Additional steps can be equally helpful, including using a dehumidifier in

> the basement or elsewhere in the home to reduce moisture in the air. Running

> your air conditioner lowers humidity and avoids having open windows through

> which molds can enter. Keep mold spores from circulating in the air in your

home

> by using air filters in your central furnace system, running HEPA air

> cleaners to filter out mold allergens and destroying mold spores with air

> sanitizers or special convection heat units. Make sure to remove moldy items

and avoid

> carpets in areas such as the bathroom or basement. When working outside or

> indoors in musty areas, remember to wear a face mask to avoid inhaling mold

> spores and aggravating your allergies.

> For 25 years, Allergy Control Products has been recommended by thousands of

> physicians as the most trusted allergy company for revolutionary products for

> indoor _allergies_ (http://www.allergycontrol.com/) . Whether you´re looking

> for the highest quality _air cleaner_

>

(http://www.allergycontrol.com/allergycontrolproducts/tabid/58/c-331-air-cleaner\

s.aspx) and air filters.

> Dr. Portnoy's quotes are from 2005

> _http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/21521.php_

(http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/21521.php)

>

>

> Sharon Kramer

> **************New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination.

> Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out

> (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000002)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I don't agree that toxic mold is less of a health threat than typical

indoor/outdoor molds that cause allergic reactions. Most allergic

reactions, unless it's anaphalatic shock, won't kill you. Most people

who have allergies are not being " poisoned " per say; they are having

an immune response but with any toxic exposure you are being

poisoned. I thought being poisoned by something would be more severe

than just having a " reaction " to something?

I have had allergies since I was born and never had any of the

response, symptoms, " reactions, I have had with toxic mold. The

allergies were more of a nuisance but with the toxic mold I am

actually being slowly poisoned to death by them and have had more

vague and unusual symptoms than just having allergies.

What is wrong with this government? Don't they understand that being

poisoned is dangerous to anyone?

~Dana

> The Secret to Living With Allergies Part 3 - Controlling Mold in

Your Home †"

> by COLLEEN FINNEGAN

> Although there has been much information in the news lately about

‘toxic

> mold,’ this severe mold presence is less of a typical health

threat than common

> indoor and outdoor molds. With a large number of varieties, molds

>