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Mold Facts

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The truth is I have a high sensitivity towards mold, probably many of us do. During a series of allergy shots after 9/11, I found myself allergic to many things I never dreamed I would be, and that included dust, cats, and mold. Mold from fall leaves or even a wet towel left out overnight.

9/11 did a number on many of that went far beyond the actual disaster. Some started to have breathing issues, lung disease, cancer, and many other issues when those toxins hit the air that day. Since the prompt for today is mold, I figured I'd share some mol facts.

What Is Mold?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), mold is a fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Many species of fungi exist with an estimate range from tens of thousands to 300,000. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid environments. They spread and reproduce by making spores.

Common Indoor Molds

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

How do molds affect people?

Some people are sensitive to molds and exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.

Exposure to mold or dampness may also lead to development of asthma in some individuals.

Where are molds found?

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas.

If You Use Bleach to Clean up Mold

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce a poisonous gas.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you use bleach or any other cleaning product.

• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.

• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected areas.

• If you need to clean more than 10 square feet, check the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, which gives advice on all building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide.

This is where my five minute timer went off (approximately).

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Greetings,
Thank you for stopping by to read my blog. I’m a First Nation member of the Hopi & Apache Native American tribes, Medicine woman in-training, first time blogger since November 2017, (right here on Steemit), paralegal, researcher, and writer based in the Mountains of Colorado, USA. I work closely with fellow planktons and minnows in a few groups by helping them adjust to Steemit and curate quality content. I’m especially interested in finding others who love natural medicine originating from ancient practices, gold and silver, energy work, and the spirit world. Additionally, I'm the creator of #MedicineCardMonday, so if you are interested in receiving a Native American blessing stop by my blog every Monday, or just say hello!
See you soon, @eaglespirit