Home Fight with Allergens: Mites, Dander, Mold

Houses closed up for heating or air conditioning create a battle ground for millions of Americans. Even when you think you're safe in your home, dust mites, pet dander, and mold can make life every bit as hard inside as outdoors if you're an allergy sufferer.

Although it will take concentrated effort, there are ways to lessen your risks when it comes to household allergens, and the most effective place to begin is in your bedroom. That's the main room where dust mites make their home, and where you spend a considerable amount of time every day. Dust mites live on dead skin, and you can easily have two million of them living in your bed and on your pillows.

You can fight back against exploding dust mite populations by washing your linens in hot water once a week during July and August, when mites become the number one cause of indoor allergies in America. You could also use allergen-proof pillow cases and bed covers (although some recent research has suggested that they may not as effective as we'd originally been led to believe).

Another place to look is on your children's collection of stuffed animals. They can contain millions of dust mites, and they rarely, if ever, get washed. In order to fight back, give those stuffed critters a bath in the washer if they're machine washable. If they're not, put them into plastic bags and then let them sit in the freezer for at least twenty-four hours. That should be long enough to kill most of the mites a stuffed animal might be harboring.

More than ten million Americans are allergic to cat dander, which makes it a serious problem across the country, and nearly every U.S. household contains at least some cat and dog allergens, even if those homes don't contain pets. Cat dander is far and away the most likely to cause problems, especially light-haired female cats, according to recent studies. Dogs and rodent dander also causes significant allergy problems for Americans, although not as often as cat dander.

Keeping animals off the household furniture, and especially off your bed, which is already home to dust mites, can go a long way toward controlling your home's pet dander problems. Washing your pet at least once a week is also an effective way to keep the amount of pet dander in your home down to a manageable level.

Indoor mold spores are invisible, but they can cause problems for allergy-prone people at any time of year. Your home's greatest concentrations of mold spores can generally be found in the basement, as well as in your bathrooms and closets. If you are the type of person who likes to bring lots of greenery into your home, mold spores can also hide in your houseplants, as well.

The best way to fight mold is to roll up your sleeves and start scrubbing, using a mixture of water and bleach. Reducing humidity in your home can also help minimize mold populations. A dehumidifier or air conditioner can be helpful tools for fighting mold.

It can be a frustrating experience, but you can win the battle against allergens in your home if you're willing to put forth the effort.

Jeanette Fisher, interior design teacher, has researched the effects of the environment on emotions for over 15 years. For Environmental Psychology information, see http://www.environmentpsychology.com.

Jeanette J. Fisher

Mold Allergy And What To Do

25 million Americans suffer from allergic reactions to molds, most of them don't even realize they have a mold allergy; that when they are sneezing and sniffling the cause is molds.

Mold spore allergy is common as mold can be found almost everywhere, and all molds reproduce by spores, and send the spore airborne, which causes allergic reactions in many individuals.

Airborne mold spores can cause you to be ill and eventually destroy your health. Many people are unaware that they are breathing mold spores until they are very sick.

As stated, molds produce airborne toxins - these can cause serious breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and bleeding in the lungs. Yes, it can be that bad.

So it is important to find out where you might have mold in your home and at work by doing a mold test. Molds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, warmth and something to feed on. Warmth and high humidity stimulate mold growth, so mold allergy tends to be most prevalent during the hot, humid summer months.

One of the easiest ways to find out if you have mold in your home is to order a mold test kit online. Look around a little for tests that will test for many molds, or ones that will test for black mold specifically.

A mold test kit is also a great way to test for mold at work. If you find a high count, then go to your supervisor or boss with the information and ask them to do something about it as you have a mold allergy, and others are probably being affected as well.

Get to the bottom of your mold allergy. Now you want to look around for mold in your home. Start with a visual inspection for both mold and moisture around windows, sinks, and water lines.

If you kit shows that you have mold in your home, you may need to get to the bottom of your mold allergy by having a mold inspector come to your home. An inspector will give you a much more thorough inspection that you would not be able to do for yourself.

The inspector will look at such things as:

Humidity of the indoor air, using a properly calibrated meter
Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems
Moisture barriers for proper installation and condensation
All water-damaged areas, and locate the point of water intrusion

Mold allergy can make you seriously ill, so take steps soon to locate mold in your home and clear it.

Article By Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac. Learn more tips about Allergy and Allergy Relief by visiting her site and getting the Health Tips Newsletter and other Health and Nutrition tips.

Toxic Mold Exposure Cure for Common House Mold

Some have misunderstood black mold as being dirt or mildew. Mold and Mildew are the same, both need water to grow and a food source. Both can have spores that will cause allergies. Being around mold has caused many to have common symptoms close to a cold or flu. Understanding a symptom of black mold and the pronounced health effects is important to understand black mold and mold removal. Living with mold can be harful to one's health. Black mold can grow in the lungs and attach itself becoming a problem to the body. The immune system can break down and even mold has been known to be found in the blood stream. Black Mold is coming found in warm, wet, and dark areas. It is also found in homes, offices, walls, showers, and just about everywhere else. Living with mold can affect one's health and it is important to understand if your body is very allergenic to toxic mold and mildew.

While being inside a space such as a house, the spores can be quite foul to the system. Many questions arise regarding a toxic mold exposure cure. Being aware that you have a mold issue is the first step. One needs to comprehend what does mold look like and some mold symptoms are important. Some common symptoms of mold are coughing, headaches, scratchy throat, and blood in the lungs. Mold symptoms become common in individuals who have lower immunity such as the elderly and infants. We call this immuno comprimised. Headaches are common with black mold. Painful headaches have been found to be more common with individuals who have mold in their system. The temples and forehead become very bothersome and people will begin to feel fatigued. Once identifying and having an idea if mold is mold or just some black dust you then need to understand how to reduce the mold symptoms caused from mycotoxins and related fungus.

The most essential resolution one can give on Toxic Mold Exposure Cure isgetting free air. Your system can go into shock and breathing fresh air into the lungs is in any case therapeutic. Many headaches and other common symptoms of black mold decrease when receiving new air in the lungs. The largest problem is to live in a home that has a large amount of microbial growth. This type of house is also know as Sick Building Syndrome since people will most likely be affected when occupying in the environment. The spores will be liberated into the air and then bear into your blood stream, also your lungs and sinuses. Therefor, quite a few nasal issue and lung problems are cause by mold and mildew. So, for the simplest Toxic Mold Cure can go outside for fresh air, and taking in new oxygen. The mixture of the fresh oxygen will depress the mold symptoms of the toxins.

On the other hand, if you have a toxic mold problem inside your office or home and may relate to black mold growing on a wall, hence it is recommended to find a mold inspector that may assist you in finding the correct solution. Bleach will not remove mold, locating the source and solution is how a certified mold inspector will assist in cleaning mold or writing protocols for a how to get rid of black mold off wall, a natural cleaning solution may be the answer.

Web Entrepeneur and former scientist.

A Guide to Making Your Own Stepping Stone Molds

A 'mold' is a hollow or matrix which is generally used for shaping a fluid or plastic substance. It is a frame or model which is used to give a shape.

Have you decided yet what would be the shape and size of your stepping stone? If not don't rush to your local market to buy the mold. You might get your mold in the form of a plastic saucer, an ice cream bucket or an ordinary pizza box which is of no use. Mold, in order to give a perfect shape of your, plays an important role and gives an appearance which you have imagined.

The shape and size of stepping stone is a pre-defined decision, so you will be benefited and can save your time. A stepping stone mold can be of different types and can take any shape given by you. Let us discuss the different types of molds for better understanding.

Types of Molds

Before preparing the stepping stone it's very important for you to determine the shape and size of your mold. A mold of your choice decides the shape and appearance of the stepping stone you are making. A stepping stone is of multiple types, and in order to give the perfect look to your stone you have to decide your favorite one.

a) Plastic plant saucer: Plastic plant saucer is a rounded mold which is often used by us to give a round shape to the stone. This mold is a made of plastic.

b) Clear bigger mold: This kind of mold is used for bigger stepping stones. It can be of any shape like that of an octagon, square, heptagon and pentagon. This mold is also made of plastic. Besides this they are almost identical to the plastic planter saucers in all other aspects. They are available at a low cost of $3 or $4 and can even be reused.

c) Attractive stepping stone molds: They are quiet expensive and are of different sizes, shapes, colors and are beautifully designed. In order to get the best designed and fancy mold you may visit any website which sells these molds or a local home improvement store.

d) Old pans and utensils: Old cake pan is your daily utensil which you use to prepare your cake. People often try this option to save their money and can decorate their own stepping stones using this mold. In order to get the perfect design, please use petroleum jelly or cooking spray.

Other options that can be used as moulds are small ice cream boxes, pizza boxes, aluminum pans or plastic storage box can be used as a mold and can give them your shape. You may also make different molds using woods. The Shape of your stone is determined by the mold which you have decided and designed before shaping the stone. Therefore it is very important that the mold you choose is of your liking and suits your style.

Scott Byers is the owner of Stepping Stone Info, a complete stepping stone mold resource with articles on stepping stones and directions on how to make them.

Bread Mold Science Fair Projects Ideas

If you're looking for an interesting science fair project, then you may want to read more about bread mold science fair projects that you can do.

It helps to first understand a little about mold. Mold is another word for fungi whose bodies gather and congeal together to form cottony vegetative bodies. Not all mold is cottony, however. Types of slimy mold are more like amoeba than their cottony cousins and leave a moister, slicker mass on the molded surface. However when it comes to bread, you will most always see the drier, threadlike mold.

Mold commonly grows on bread faster in warm, dark, moist conditions. However, mold can grow in light, and some molds can even grow on frozen foods. Molds grow in varying conditions, at varying speeds, in every color you can think of.

Not just a disgusting addition to old food, mold can be beneficial in many ways. One of the most common ways mold is used positively is to make antibiotics such as penicillin. In 1928, Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin when he found mold growing on a discarded petri dish. The mold itself was not the miracle.

Fleming discovered that the mold that had grown had killed the Staphylococcus aureus that he'd been growing in that particular petri dish. The rest is history!

Now that you know a little more about bread mold, you can use the ideas below to help you find potential bread mold science fair projects.

Does sodium have an effect on the growth of bread mold?

How and why does mold form on bread?

Is bread mold harmful to the human body if consumed? Why?

What are the optimal conditions for growing bread mold? Why?

Does light have an effect on the growth of bread mold? If so, what kind?

Do certain types of breads mold faster than others?

How to grow bread mold...

Take a cotton swab and collect some dust. Wipe the dust over the bread slices you want to experiment with. Place them in a bag with a few drops of water and seal the bag so the slices don't dry out.

Now you know a little more about bread mold and the types of experiments you can do. You may have an idea of what you would like to try as a project. Simply by asking questions about things that interest you, you can come up with great bread mold science fair projects that can be fun to do!

Doug Nicholson is a nuclear engineering technician, science hobbyist, and amateur inventor. Visit his site for lots more Science Fair Projects ideas and articles.

Toxic Mold & Diet

Some type of mold or yeast fungus disease affects an estimated 50% of patients, and can cause as many diseases as bacteria and
viruses.

This affects digestion and the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. Over time, the result is chronic progressive
disease such as cardiovascular ailments, arthritis, gout, asthma, allergies, sinusitis, gastritis, tuberculosis, cancer, and more. The most common symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, joint pain, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritability, confusion, rashes, itching, poor memory, numbness, digestive ailments, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation hives, rashes,
vaginal yeast infections, and urinary frequency, attacks of anxiety and shaking when hungry, and the symptoms can be flu-like. Mold can cause fungal diseases of the skin, nails, ears and lungs.

You may experience a few of these symptoms or many to have a mold or yeast infection. [Candidiasis].

This can be caused by a poor diet [high in sugar and carbohydrates] and high stress levels, which keep feeding the yeast
overgrowth. Mold can grow on bread or cheese, overripe fruit, vegetables, grains, and other foods and get food by absorbing minerals, sugars, and water or from decaying matter on which they live.

Candida albicans is a harmless yeast that naturally lives in every ones gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes and on the skin.
It lives there in a symbiotic world in a healthy person's body but when your bodys eco- system becomes unbalanced, Candida overgrowth can occur, thus allowing it to attack any organ or system in your body, primarily targeting the nerves and muscles, but can attack any body tissue or organ depending on your bodys predisposition.

Dietary changes can help reduce yeast as well as can a number of herbs and supplements and can promote a healthy digestive tract.
Studies have shown that herbs such as garlic, barberry, oregano, Oregon grape and goldenseal, as well as the fatty acid caprylic acid, can inhibit the growth of yeast.

In case there is evidence of mold allergy, a four-day rotation diet is recommended to minimize contact with allergens. This is a diet where foods are eaten once every four days and food families every two days. Foods that my contain mold are peanuts, beef,
tomatoes, citrus fruits, chocolate, soy, MSG, sulfites and aspartame [Nutrasweet/Equal].

This diet restricts foods that contain yeast and gluten, brown rice, popcorn, corn products, honey, smoked, dried, pickled and cured foods such as buttermilk and sour cream, [live cultured
yogurt helps to replenish your bacterial intestinal bacteria], no aged cheese of any kind [some cheeses are okay if milk is not a problem, e.g. cottage cheese, mozzarella, provolone, ricotta and farmer's cheese].

Avoid soy sauce, Tampeh and tamari, mushrooms, dried fruit, alcohol products, especially beer [the darker the beer, the more chance of mold] and wine, mustard, tomato products; juice, sauce
paste, ketchup, are made from moldy vegetables, salad dressings containing vinegar.

Avoid eggs, beef, corn, and potatoes. mushrooms, nuts or nut butter [except almonds and almond butter], fruit juices, [frozen
fruit juice is fine], dried or candied fruit and coffee, black tea, caffeine, cider and homemade root beer [commercial root beer
is fine].

No canned tomatoes, unless homemade . Avoid citric acid, which is a very common food additive; not derived from citrus fruit].

Eat leftovers within 24 hours. Multi-B Vitamins - Many contain either yeast or mold [Rice hulls are moldy]. Some are all right. Check with manufacturer.

Organic foods, although much better for the body effected by toxic mold due to the lack of chemicals tend to mold more quickly as they lack artificial preservatives.

Drink bottled water. Tap water contains mold. Try to drink distilled or reverse osmosis water as it retains the good bacteria in the digestive tract.

To fight Candida it is best to reduce all foods high in carbohydrate; sugars and starches in order to starve the Candida yeast. Wheat
does not directly feed yeast but since it is a common food sensitivity it is a good idea to eliminate it in the beginning.

The Causes of Candida Overgrowth can be antibiotics, steroids such as cortisone, prednisone, birth-control pills, and estrogen
replacement therapy, poor diet, chemotherapy, radiation, stress, and alcohol over-use. Avoid all chemical foods and drugs. Strong antibiotics, steroids, cortico-steroids and tobacco must be avoided. This diet is necessary for the first critical weeks. This is the only way to deprive the yeast of nutrients and kill it off.

Symptoms are often worsening in damp and/or moldy places.

The Candida cleansing diet should include the following foods, in the correct proportions; 65% high fiber, low starch vegetables
such as broccoli, celery, radish and asparagus. Plenty of fresh steamed vegetables, especially onions, garlic, ginger root, cabbage, carrots, peas, sweet potato, cauliflower, yams. Onions and garlic are very good anti-fungals. All root vegetables should be peeled.

20% high protein foods such as antibiotic-free fish, fowl, nuts, seeds and eggs. Note: spray all nuts and seeds with a solution of
15-30 drops GSE [grapeseed extract] in 2-cups water to kill any aflatoxins mold or fungus that may be present. All nuts should be roasted.

10% complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, beans, millet, amaranth, quinoa and buckwheat.

5% fruit; papaya pineapple, grapefruit, peaches, pears, and all types of berries. Other acceptable foods are seafood and sea
vegetables, olive oil, eggs mayonnaise, white rice, soy and vegetable pastas, white rice cakes and crackers, some citrus fruit,
herb teas and unsweetened cranberry juice.

This type of diet also reduces the unpleasant effects of headaches, nausea and fatigue, known as the "herxhiemer reaction", which
are caused by the release of toxins when pathogenic microbes "die-off".

Sources:
Alpha Nutrition Health Education Series The Book of Allergy and Immunology

Dr. William Crook, M.D.
"The Yeast Connection"

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