LOS ANGELES, Jan 04, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Weekend rains drenched Northern
and Southern California leaving homes and businesses at risk for mold. Mold
grows indoors during the winter season and outdoors in warmer weather. When
people who are allergic to mold inhale the spores, which are airborne, they have
a reaction that often includes runny nose, itchy eyes, heavy breathing and
sneezing.
Molds need four things to grow: food, air, the right temperature and water.
Since molds eat almost anything, the best way to control the molds is to control
humidity. They gravitate toward dark, damp, warm environments and can grow on a
number of things, including attic walls, house- plants and garbage pails. There
are many ways to protect your home from a mold buildup. Once you have done a
thorough evaluation of your home and have discovered those places where mold
grows, it can be eliminated.
During the cold spell, clean homes with bleach. Use a solution of five percent
and a small amount of detergent to 95 percent water to clean household areas. If
mold or mildew is visible in carpeting or on wallpaper, remove them from the
house. Also, if you have a leaky roof or pipes, quickly repair and seal. Use
fans in the bathroom and wipe down the shower after use and throw away shower
curtains at the first sign of mold. Avoid storing clothes, papers or other items
in damp areas. In general, for people allergic to mold, it's not a good idea to
have a bedroom or an office in the basement. Try to ventilate damp rooms, attics
and even crawl spaces underneath the house.
Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans each year and approximately one
million people in Los Angeles County. More than two-thirds of allergy sufferers
describe their condition as "moderate" or "severe."
"The financial costs are staggering," said Craig Jones, MD, President of the
Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Southern California Chapter.
"With better asthma education, these statistics can be improved. AAFA offers
information and support to help reduce these costs and to help people overcome
many of the limits they face."
The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America is the premier organization for those
who suffer. AAFA is a non-profit voluntary health agency dedicated to improving
the quality of life of people with asthma and allergies through education,
advocacy and community outreach.
For more information call the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America at (800)
624-0044 or visit us online at www.aafasocal.com.
SOURCE: Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America
CONTACT: Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America
Melissa Sherman, 800-624-0044
info@aafasocal.com
Copyright (C) 2006 Business Wire. All Rights Reserved.
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