The home is a place where we spend the majority of our time. It’s important to keep it clean and free from allergens and mold, which can affect people with asthma or allergies. There are many causes for these problems, including water damage, poor ventilation, pet-related issues, cooking odors, dirty air filters, and so on.
In this article, we will examine some common causes of mold and allergens in the home.
Water damage
Water damage is a common cause of mold and allergens in the home. If you have been experiencing water damage, it is important to identify and address the source of the water. Repair any leaks and dry out any wet areas as soon as possible. Mold can begin to grow within 48 hours of exposure to moisture.
High humidity
Just like water damage, high humidity is a common cause of mold and allergens in the home. If you have been experiencing high humidity, it might be because your AC unit is malfunctioning. Schedule an appointment with your heating and cooling contractor to ensure that your AC unit is properly working to keep humidity levels low.
Pets
Many people who suffer from allergies also have a sensitivity to pet dander. Pet dander is the tiny bits of skin and hair that pets shed. Pets with fur such as cats and dogs are the biggest contributors to pet dander.
People with allergies should take steps to reduce their exposure to pet dander. This includes keeping pets out of the bedroom, using a HEPA filter in the ventilation system, washing bedding and furniture often, and regularly grooming their pet.
Poor ventilation
Poor ventilation can be a major contributor to the proliferation of allergens in the home. If your home does not have proper ventilation, it can cause moisture to build up, which can lead to the growth of mold. Allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander can also accumulate in the air if your home does not have proper ventilation.
To improve ventilation in your home, open windows and doors whenever possible, and use an exhaust fan in the bathroom and kitchen. You must also regularly clean the air ducts in your home to ensure that the air being circulated is clean.
Improper storage of items
Certain items you regularly use in your home can also contribute to the growth of mold and allergens. For example, if you regularly store wet towels or clothing in your closet, this is a major cause of the proliferation of molds. Other common items that promote the growth of mold include cardboard or paper products, books, and pet food. Make sure you regularly clean out your storage spaces to avoid dust and allergen buildup.
Cooking odors
Cooking odors, such as fish and onions can also cause an increase in the growth of mold and allergens in your home. To reduce cooking odor from affecting your indoor air quality, cook with a range hood that will remove the cooking odor while you are cooking. You can also install a range hood that automatically turns on when your stove is in use.
Smoking
Smoking is another common cause of mold and allergens in the home. Smoke can cause surfaces to become stained and covered in soot, which can lead to the growth of mold. It is also important to keep cigarettes and other smoking materials out of reach of children and pets.
It’s best to stop smoking altogether but if you can’t do that, smoking outside and ensuring the smoking materials are kept away from children and pets is a must.
Dirty air filters
Another common cause of mold and allergens in the home is clogged or dirty air filters for your heating and cooling systems. When these dirty filters are not changed at least once per month, they can increase the presence of allergens in your home. To reduce the amount of mold and allergens in your home, change the filters regularly.
Asbestos
Asbestos is another common cause of mold and allergens in the home. If you have been experiencing symptoms of allergies or asthma, it might be because your home contains asbestos insulation. Do not disturb any surfaces that contain asbestos. Contact a professional instead to determine if there is a presence of asbestos in your home and deal with it accordingly.
The causes of mold and allergens in the house can be different for all. Depending on your symptoms, you may have to take different steps to reduce exposure to allergens or remove them altogether. The good news is that most of these problems can be solved by simple home maintenance tasks like changing air filters or cleaning surfaces with water and bleach.
