Allergen Avoidance Recommendations
The following recommendations will help you minimize your exposure to toxic molds:
Eliminate Dampness In Your Home
Suggestion 1: Eliminate dampness in your home – check walls and roof for leaks. Waterproof walls and ceilings before painting.
Reason: Mold thrives in damp conditions
Do Not Wallpaper Walls
Suggestion 2: Do not wallpaper walls – paint instead.
Reason: Mold grows on wallpaper and in wallpaper paste.
Avoid Carpets As Floor Covering
Suggestion 3: Avoid carpets as floor covering. Replace with wood floors, vinyl or ceramic tile or terrazzo.
Reason: Mold grow sin carpet pile. Carpets also trap dust which can cause allergic reactions.
Allow Good Air Circulation In Closets
Suggestion 4: Allow good air circulation in closets. Leave space between hanging clothes and check leather clothing, belts, shoes and luggage for signs of mold growth.
Reason: Mold grows in damp, enclosed environments, especially on leather items.
Keep Bathrooms And Laundry Rooms Well Aired
Suggestion 5: Keep bathrooms and laundry rooms well aired. Spread out towels and washcloths for fast drying. Dry clothes as soon as they are taken from washer.
Reason: Mold grows rapidly in damp conditions and on damp fabrics.
Regularly Inspect Bathrooms And Laundry Rooms For Mold Growth
Suggestion 6: Regularly inspect bathrooms and laundry rooms for mold growth. Look for evidence of discoloration in tile grout and caulking. Do not forget to check under sinks, around the commode, shower curtains and shower door runners.
Reason: Mold thrives in damp environments.
Use a Dehumidifier in Humid Environments
Suggestion 7: In humid conditions, use air conditioning or a dehumidifier.
Reason: Mold does not grow well in dry environments.
Avoid Foods Which Contain Molds
Suggestion 8: Avoid foods which contain molds or are related to molds such as Mushrooms, yeast containing foods, fermented meats and pickles, smoked fish and meats, and blue cheese.
Reason: Inhalant allergy symptoms may be aggravated by consumption of these foods.
This list was originally written by the Longevity Medical Centre.
Dr. Bruce Hoffman, MSc, MBChB, FAARM, IFMCP is a Calgary-based Integrative and Functional medicine practitioner. He is the medical director at the Hoffman Centre for Integrative Medicine and The Brain Centre of Alberta specializing in complex medical conditions. He was born in South Africa and obtained his medical degree from the University of Cape Town. He is a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (IFM), is board certified with a fellowship in anti-aging (hormones) and regenerative medicine (A4M), a certified Shoemaker Mold Treatment Protocol Practitioner (CIRS) and ILADS trained in the treatment of Lyme disease and co-infections. He is the co-author of a recent paper published by Dr. Afrin’s group: Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global “consensus-2”. Read more about Dr. Bruce Hoffman.