If you have an allergy that occurs over several seasons, you may have a mold allergy. Molds live everywhere.

• Outdoor molds may cause allergy symptoms in summer and fall (or year-round in some climates)
• Indoor molds may cause allergy symptoms year-round
  
  

Mold spores get into your nose and cause allergy symptoms. They also can reach the lungs and trigger asthma.

Indoor molds grow in areas in your home where there may be extra dampness. To prevent mold and mildew in your home, you need to remove sources of water or dampness.

1. Improve air flow through your rooms. Due to outdoor allergies, you may need to close your windows this time of year. To keep air flowing, move furniture away from walls and keep inner doors open. Run a fan in rooms that may be prone to mold.
   
   
2. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and your bathrooms. Exhaust fans remove moist air from your home and vent it outside. If you do not have an exhaust fan, open the window to let moist air out when you shower or cook.
   
   
3. Use central air conditioning or a dehumidifier.
   • Central air conditioning with a HEPA filter attachment can help trap mold spores from your entire home. Freestanding air cleaners only filter air in a limited area. Look for the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program Mark on these filters. The mark lets you know you are getting products scientifically proven to be suitable for those with asthma and allergies. Avoid devices that treat air with heat, electrostatic ions or ozone.
     
     
   • An electric dehumidifier removes moisture and keeps humidity in your house below 45 percent. Drain the dehumidifier regularly and clean the condensation coils and collection bucket.
     
     
4. Fix any leaks quickly. Fix plumbing leaks in your kitchen or bathrooms. Repair roof leaks and roof gutters. Clean out your gutters to remove leaves and debris. When gutters are full or damaged, it can cause leaking into your home.
   
   
5. Remove sources of dampness. Each room in your home may have a different source of water. Review our room-by-room guide on how to reduce mold in your home: Mold Allergy: Reduce Your Exposure to Mold Spores Inside
   
   
6. Make sure water drains away from your home. Rainwater needs to drain away from your home. Make sure your gutters are not full. The ground around your home should slope slightly down and away from your home. Remove dead leaves and vegetation near your home's foundation.

These steps may help you avoid exposure to mold. Because mold is everywhere, it is not always possible to avoid it and you may need allergy medicines to treat your symptoms.

Updated January 2018