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Damp, musty air, dark spots in corners, fogged windows, washed clothes that do not dry – these are some of the signs that can indicate that with the arrival of autumn wet weather, the uninvited guest mold is returning to the home. Certified pharmacist of the “Apotheka” pharmacy network Marite Shukele to the LA.LV portal, he emphasized that mold should not be ignored, it is not only a visual nuisance, but a threat to building structures and – even more – a health risk.
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“Mold is a fungus and as a part of nature it is all around us – it does no harm until favorable conditions arise for it to multiply excessively, which in the case of mold means a sufficiently moist, warm and unventilated environment. Latvia’s climate is relatively humid, and with the onset of cooler autumn weather, we open the windows less and less often – as a result, ventilation decreases and moisture accumulates, which can occur both due to some problems in the home, and also created by ourselves, simply by breathing, cooking, washing and performing other daily activities. An increased concentration of mold spores in the indoor air poses a threat to human health – it can cause respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, infections and have a toxic effect,” explains pharmacist Šukele of “Apotheka”.
Mold is especially dangerous for people with a tendency to allergies, chronic diseases and various disorders of the immune system, small children, pregnant women and the elderly.
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However, the duration of contact is an important aspect, and since we usually stay in our homes for a long time, mold should not be ignored by anyone – regardless of age and health. Mold has a negative effect on the respiratory system – respiratory tract and lungs – and the most frequent manifestations after contact with it can be coughing, sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and it can also have a negative effect on already existing chronic respiratory diseases.
Eye irritation, skin irritation and rashes, headaches, development of asthma, exacerbation of chronic diseases and other diseases may also occur. If the symptoms are not pronounced, you can seek help from a pharmacist at the pharmacy, who will recommend suitable preparations for the treatment of allergies or antihistamines, however, it is also recommended to consult a family doctor, who will assess the state of health and, if necessary, refer you to the appropriate specialist.
How to fight mold?
• Eliminate the cause – this is the most important thing, otherwise the mold can return again, and even the repair will not help here. The source of the excess moisture must be found, there are no leaking roofs or other water leaks, gutters have been cleaned, adequate ventilation systems have been installed and window ventilation has been properly adjusted.
• Clean and dry – if there is little mold, it can be cleaned with household chemicals, including diluted chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide (3-10% solution), soda water (10 grams of soda per 1 liter of water), spraying with vinegar or using fungicides or antifungal agents . After treatment, the surface is wiped and allowed to dry. For drying, you can turn on a quartz lamp for 10-15 minutes. If there is a lot of mold, disinfection specialists can help eliminate it with professional means.
• Provide ventilation – this is one of the easiest ways to reduce high humidity in rooms and to dry wet surfaces with the help of air movement. Air exchange should be ensured by special ventilation systems or by ventilation. Ventilate by opening the window fully, for example for a minute once an hour.
• Controls the humidity level – monitor the humidity level in the premises, for example by purchasing a simple indoor thermometer with a humidity meter for a few euros. The relative humidity level should be between 40% and 60% – if it is increased, an air dryer can be additionally installed. You should also make sure that the humidity level is not lowered, because then the air will become dry, irritate the respiratory tract and dry out the mucous membrane.
• Regulates the heating thoughtfully – although by now we are already used to saving heating, insufficient heating of buildings is one of the reasons for the development of mold, so it is necessary to monitor a sufficient (preferably not lower than 16 degrees) temperature in the premises, perhaps it is necessary to start heating infrequently earlier in the fall and to heat all the premises of the house. It is also recommended to keep the curtains open during the day, allowing the sun’s heat and light to enter the interior – mold does not like the ultraviolet spectrum of sunlight.
• Get rid of moldy items – carpets and other soft materials are recommended to be disposed of, as there is no guarantee that the spores will be completely eradicated from them. Also, check the flowerpots – whether the drainage is sufficient and whether the mold has not settled in the soil. Frequently used clothes will not be affected by mold and can be washed at very high temperatures and preferably dried in a tumble dryer.
• Free up space – furniture pushed close to the walls and in the corners hinders the air flow, thus creating an environment favorable to mold, so it is recommended to place the equipment a few centimeters away from the wall.
• Pay attention to habits – if possible, dry the washed clothes outside or in a clothes dryer; if there is a windbreak, the folded outerwear and the umbrella are left to dry in it; when cooking, turn on the hood and put lids on pots and pans. For better air exchange, it is better to keep the indoor door open.
• Responds in a timely manner – even when the battle with mold has been defeated, it is recommended to take care of the home, to see if the mold does not return, and to take countermeasures at the first suspicion, preventing its spread.
It is impossible to avoid mold spores entering the home, so the best way to fight mold is to create unfriendly conditions for it. In a dry, bright and ventilated environment, properly protected from moisture and provided with ventilation solutions of adequate capacity, mold should not occur.
“Furthermore, when taking countermeasures, it is important to remember that any anti-mold products should also be used with caution, strictly following their instructions for use and recommended safety measures, including the use of rubber gloves and a respirator, which will allow you to avoid inhaling chemical fumes, and preferably protective glasses. Likewise, after using these products, it is also necessary to ventilate the room properly,” says pharmacist Šukele.
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2023-10-09 18:12:40
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