The Rise of Mold Allergies in Fall

As temperatures drop, plants begin to die, and storms ramp up, we can expect to see an increase in fall allergies caused by mold, as well as mold related building issues. When dealing with mold, the main goal should be to reduce the mold spore count indoors, as fully eliminating mold is not a reasonably obtainable goal without invasive and expensive mitigation work.

According to Medical News Today, fall is the prime time for an increase in mold allergies as “fallen leaves combined with rotting wood cause mold levels?to peak?in many areas.” As we’ve previously established, mold cannot grow without the presence of water and it “thrives in the decomposing plant matter.” Water allows mold to grow and form colonies – therefore an increase in rain and humidity directly causes an increase in mold spores and colonies. As the weather changes, people begin to do more yard work and spend time outside. This not only increases exposure to mold spores, but it can cause allergy sufferers to be affected both inside and outside as mold spores are agitated and can be picked up by different vectors: wind, leaves, clothing, shoes, etc.

Mold is also more prevalent in humid, damp climates. Allergy sufferers who live in these conditions should take precautions to ensure that common areas for mold growth, which include bathrooms, kitchens, attics, basements, plumbing, and ductwork, are dried and treated regularly. ?According to PR Newswire, "Your home can retain moisture any time of the year if you have poor ventilation or have an issue with your HVAC system.” This is why it’s so important to maintain the health and servicing of your HVAC system, as well as other air purification devices, to ensure you are not exposing yourself to harmful contaminants via the air you breathe.

Reducing the presence of mold can be a daunting task. Removal of a large, invasive colony needs to be handled by professionals as mold spores can often hide in porous places out of sight. However, if you are dealing with mild to moderate amounts of mild, we recommend a dual-step plan that can help you remove mold growth and halt it moving forward. With the combination of moisture control, spot cleaning, and active air purification – you can reduce the amount of mold exposure in your home, allowing you to breathe fresh air without contaminants.