| Molds: Molds are fungi that grow well in warm and | | | | Animal Allergens |
| moist environments . They are frequently found in | | | | Animal allergens are potent triggers of allergic and |
| the bathroom, kitchen, and basement of homes. | | | | asthmatic attacks and are commonly found in homes |
| Airborne mold spores are the allergens that can | | | | with pets. These allergens may also be present in |
| produce asthmatic attacks in sensitive individuals. | | | | homes or offices where animals are not kept since |
| Many steps can be taken to reduce mold spores in | | | | they can stick to clothing and be carried to any |
| the home in addition to the air filter and vacuum | | | | location by the pet's owner. The allergens consist of |
| cleaner discussed above. These steps include reducing | | | | dander and saliva and are not related to breed or |
| mold growth by lowering humidity levels to 25 to 50 | | | | coat length. All breeds of cats, for example, share a |
| percent with a dehumidifier. Remember that the | | | | common allergen, which may be airborne or present |
| dehumidifier must be cleaned and emptied regularly. | | | | in mattresses, carpets, bed covers, and pillows. As in |
| Mold growth is highest in warmer months, so an air | | | | the control of dust mites and mold spores, an air |
| conditioner can be extremely helpful. Attention must | | | | filter can be extremely helpful. |
| be paid to preventing contamination of the air | | | | The best way to reduce animal allergens is to get rid |
| conditioner itself, since any moist area may promote | | | | of the animal. Restricting a pet to a certain room or a |
| mold growth. Remember the automobile air | | | | portion of the home does not prevent airborne |
| conditioner, too. Many patients describe allergy and | | | | particles from spreading throughout the home. Even |
| asthma symptoms each time they use their cars' air | | | | after the pet has been removed, allergens may |
| conditioner due to the exposure to mold. Ventilation | | | | remain for several months. Cleaning with 3 percent |
| is important to reduce mold spore inhalation. An | | | | tannic acid solution can denature residual animal |
| exhaust fan in the bathroom and kitchen to reduce | | | | allergen. Cat allergen has been demonstrated to |
| humidity levels is also helpful. Chemical sprays are | | | | remain for years at significant levels in mattresses. A |
| available to kill mold and prevent its regrowth in areas | | | | mattress and pillow cover will be helpful in encasing |
| that are highly susceptible (showers, basements, air | | | | animal allergens. If a pet must remain in the home, |
| conditioners, and so on). An asthmatic patient should | | | | several additional steps are also helpful. Washing a cat |
| avoid any chemical spray that produces a strong | | | | weekly will reduce dander levels. This will be difficult |
| odor, however, and this type of spraying is best | | | | at first but cats can be gradually introduced to |
| done by someone else. Everyone using chemical | | | | bathing by starting with one area at a time. The |
| sprays should use a face mask and make sure there | | | | animal's coat can be treated with a spray or solution |
| is plenty of ventilation. Houseplants are not a major | | | | that reduces exposure to allergens . Do not forget |
| source of mold spores butare best kept to a | | | | small pets such asbirds and rodents that may |
| minimum since they increase humidity levels. Spores | | | | produce severe asthmatic attacks in sensitive |
| may also be liberated when the plants are potted or | | | | individuals. |
| watered. | | | | |