This sneaky allergen can disrupt your health

It may be in your home right now. ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( In a Nutshell Which sneaky allergen are we talking about today? Hint: It comes in many colors, shapes, and sizes. It’s … mold! 🦠This fungus thrives in dark, wet environments, like behind water-damaged walls or inside poorly lit, unventilated rooms. But it can also be found on everyday household items, such as paper, furniture, clothing, and carpets. Reader Rosemary G. recently wrote in asking about the potential effects of mold exposure and whether or not she should be concerned. So, today, that’s what we’ll be discussing as part of our You Asked, We Answered monthly series. • [20 simple tips to help you fall asleep quickly]( • [These two things can help support healthy aging]( • [Is cooking with an air fryer healthy?]( Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota June 24, 2024 • 3.5 min read [Mold exposure: To worry or not to worry?]( what’s got us buzzing [Mold exposure: To worry or not to worry?]( The first time I lived in a moldy home was in 2018, after a severe rainstorm flooded my basement apartment. The second time was an apartment with bedroom closet walls lined with black mold. The latest was back in January, when another storm caused a leak in the roof and ceiling of my office, causing an odor that wouldn’t go away.️ Every time, I experienced respiratory and cognitive side effects … and every time, I had to break my lease early because no landlord took the situation seriously.️️ But (!) this is my experience. Although I’ve seen many people share similar stories online, not everyone will have health complications from mold exposure. (You might have mold overgrowth in your home right now and not even know it!) I just so happen to have a [mold allergy](, which can cause symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, rashes, headaches, and sneezing.️️ Allergies aside, some people are at higher risk of mold-related illnesses, infections, or [complications]( if they have:️️ - asthma - a compromised immune system - cystic fibrosis - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) In these cases, you’ll want to have the mold removed ASAP to protect your health. Know your rights if you’re renting! Some states force landlords to remediate if there’s overgrowth due to forces outside of your control, like a burst pipe or hurricane. In the meantime, there are steps you can take to find relief, such as taking antihistamines or decongestants, getting allergy shots, and keeping humidity levels under 50% in your home.️️ While mold doesn’t always pose a serious health threat, the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]( still recommends removing it from your home — no matter the color or size. If you don’t have a mold allergy, you can try [getting rid of it yourself]( and being proactive to prevent future growth. Otherwise, seek professional removal help if:️️ - There’s a large amount of mold in your home. - You’ve had severe water damage. - You’re at high risk of symptoms or complications. [what to do after mold exposure]( 🎤 Have you ever been negatively affected by mold in your home? Tell us about your experience at [wellnesswire@healthline.com](mailto:wellnesswire@healthline.com?subject=floaters). (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!) Great finds Allergens, be gone! [Clorox Room True HEPA Air Purifier]( [Clorox Room True HEPA Air Purifier]( If you’ve been reading Wellness Wire for a while, you might be sick of hearing me talk about how much I love my air purifiers. But … can’t stop, won’t stop! This smart Clorox purifier lives in my office to help eliminate my cat’s stinky litter box smell and other allergens like mildew, smoke, pollen, dust, and pet dander. [SHOP NOW]( Every product we recommend has gone through either [Healthline's]( or Optum Store’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. FROM OPTUM PERKS [Save Up to 80% on Your Prescriptions]( [Save Up to 80% on Your Prescriptions]( Pay less for your diabetes medication with Optum Perks’ free discount card.* Use it at over 64,000 pharmacies across the United States. [START SAVING [→]]( *It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit. health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 🌱 [Best herbs and supplements for depression.]( We created this list based on evidence, ingredients, testing, and price. 🅾️ [Should you start eating for your blood type?]( Here’s what we know about the blood type diet. ☀️ [Rise and shine with these 10 morning routine tips.]( Set a nice tone for the rest of your day! 🫁 [Can COPD be reversed?]( Learn how to slow the progression of this condition. Thanks for reading! Remember our recent newsletter about [how to stay cool during hot nights]( Reader Bert F. shared some personal tips with us, which we’re sharing below in case they can help you, too: - Close out the evening sun with thick curtains. - Sprinkle the bed with cold water. - Lay on linen on the ground. Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by all my broken leases. [fb]( [tiktok]( [X]( [youtube]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. 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