Winters in Oregon are known for being cold and wet. As such, you’ll probably stay inside and have your heater on for most of the day. While this makes for a cozy indoor winter, it also creates the ideal conditions for mold growth, which is a common allergen for people. Controlling the humidity levels in your home is critical to curbing mold growth.
Mold and Mold Allergies
Mold loves warm, damp places, and where mold spreads, people with mold allergies suffer. Mold can look like furry growth that is black, white, orange, green or brown in color. It spreads through the use of airborne spores, which float in the air and then grow and spread where they land.
Inhaling these spores causes many allergy symptoms, such as:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Congestion (stuffy nose)
- Sore throat
- Postnasal drip
- Asthma
Strategies for Managing Indoor Humidity
A humid home can feel muggy and encourage mold growth. Here are some ways to keep indoor humidity in check.
- Use your exhaust fans. Whenever you shower or boil water on the stove, use exhaust fans to channel excess humidity out of your home. If you live in an older home with no fans, open a window whenever you’re doing something that creates steam (and consider adding fans).
- Check vents. On that note, fans and vents can become clogged with dust and debris over time. Do a thorough check of all the vents in your home and dust them or replace them if necessary.
- Clean the windows. Condensation on the windows means more moisture in the house. Wipe this off and keep window frames dry to prevent mold from growing on the windows and keep humidity levels in your home down.
- Use moisture-absorbing agents. Baking soda, silica gel packets and charcoal briquettes all gently remove moisture from the air. These are great in small spaces that can get really humid, such as closets and storage areas.
- Use a dehumidifier. As the name suggests, this device removes humidity from the air. These are especially handy in high-moisture areas of the house, like bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.
- Fix leaks. Leaks can increase moisture levels without you realizing it, and the rainy season often exacerbates or creates leaks. Check your roof, plumbing and appliances for any leaks and get them fixed immediately.
- Check under your carpets. Carpets, especially on concrete floors, can absorb moisture and promote mold growth underneath them. Wash area rugs often and, if you have a concrete floor, check whether a vapor barrier was installed.
If you notice mold growth, consult the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) best practices for mold cleanup.
If You Notice Allergy Symptoms
If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms due to mold and moisture, give us a call. We can confirm if you have a mold allergy and get you on a long-term allergy management plan to ensure you won’t be miserable all winter. Contact Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery today to find out more.
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