Outdoor Allergies: Airborne Mold
Molds are a type of fungus. They reproduce with microscopic particles called spores. There are many different types of molds, and they can be found both outdoors and indoors — but not all mold spores cause allergic symptoms.
Outdoor mold spores are carried in the air like pollen. They also thrive in dark, moist areas such as rotting logs, fallen leaves, and compost piles, and on farms in grain bins and silos. Mold counts, unfortunately, aren't as useful as pollen counts for allergy sufferers, since some molds prefer dry air and others damp — different types of molds are present in different conditions.
Tips to reduce nasal allergy symptoms
caused by airborne mold
- Keep windows closed
- Wear a mask when cutting grass or raking leaves
- Keep your yard cleared of leaf piles and other damp, dark places where mold can thrive
- Take off your shoes before coming inside the house
- To help prevent symptoms, your healthcare professional may tell you to start taking your allergy medicine 1 to 2 weeks before mold season starts in your area
- Take steps to allergy-proof your home
When Are Airborne Mold Allergies at Their Worst?
Generally, there's more mold in the air as the weather gets warmer. In colder regions, mold increases in the spring and peaks in the summer and fall months. In warmer regions, there may be mold spores in the air all year round.