ALLERGIES TO MOLD

What are molds?

Molds are micro-organisms that belong to the plant kingdom. During their growth produce spores, of a roundish shape and of very small size (quite similar to pollen), which are scattered in the air during the period of sporulation (especially in summer and autumn) and provoke the allergic symptomatology. Where take root
Le molds can grow both inside and outside the home.
Inside are found mainly on food is not properly stored, of wool garments, wall and floor wet on wallpaper, on the soil and on the leaves of ornamental plants in air conditioning systems, humidifiers.
outside of homes are found mainly on the ground and rotting organic material (fruit, wood, grain, leaves, etc..). Can be found in large quantities in certain work environments such as cheese, sausage factories, paper mills, barns, silos, warehouses, nurseries and greenhouses, and in the pharmaceutical industry.
Optimal conditions for their development comprise a temperature between 18 ° and 32 ° C and a humidity higher than 65%.
In Italy the mold is the most allergizing Alternaria, followed (in distance) from Cladosporium.

How to behave when you are allergic to mold?

- Remember that the highest concentration of spores in the air occurs in late summer and early autumn. - Avoid walking in the woods or sweeping fallen leaves for a long time. Avoid contact with wood piles, piles of leaves and rotting vegetation.

- Keep away from inhabited areas only occasionally (second homes), and also cellars, stables and greenhouses.

- When you stay at home, frequently aerate the places where there is a growth of mold.

- If necessary, use a disinfectant for hygiene in the home fungicide.

- Pay attention to wallpaper because they are a place of usual growth of mold.

- Frequently clean the air-conditioning and change filters regularly.

- In important cases of moisture (leaks, moisture upward) turn to specialized companies.

- In some situations it may be useful to use dehumidifiers.

- Eliminate foods stored for long periods or moldy.

- Do not eat foods that contain mold (mushrooms, pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, cheese, cold meats and smoked fish, canned food, dried fruit).