Outdoor Mold Allergy Symptoms and Management

Mold is everywhere. Mold spores can grow both outdoors and indoors all year round. They are fungi with seeds called ‘spores’ that travel through air. Some spores spread in dry, windy weather while others spread with fog or dew when the humidity is high. Mold spores count is highest at night, especially when it’s foggy, damp or rainy.

Upsetting these mold spores send them into the air, triggering an allergic reaction in people who have an allergy to mold.

What are the different types of mold allergy?

While there are many different types of molds, only few dozen can cause allergic reactions like alternaria, aspergillus, cladosporium and penicillium. These allergy-triggering molds can be found outdoors as well as indoors. These molds can grow on,

•   Rotten logs
•   Fallen leaves
•   Compost piles
•   Grasses or grains
•   Bathroom
•   Kitchen
•   Basement
•   Below the sink

What are the different mold allergy symptoms

Mold allergy symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. The symptoms of mold allergy are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies.

A person allergic to mold will experience one or more of the following symptoms when they come in contact with the allergen

•   Nasal congestion
•   Runny nose
•   Sneezing
•   Irritated eyes
•   Coughing
•   Wheezing
•   Itchy throat
•   Dry, scaly skin

Outdoor mold allergy may be experienced in summer and fall (or year-round in some climates)

Indoor mold allergy, on the other hand, can be experienced year-round.

Are there any serious diseases caused by mold allergy?

When an allergic person is exposed to mold, it normally triggers symptoms of hay fever which, while miserable, isn’t that serious. However, in some cases, the allergic reactions to mold can be more severe and include

•   Asthma

Exposure to mold spores can aggravate asthmatic symptoms in people who already have asthma and are allergic to mold. In some people, exposure to certain kinds of mold can also lead to an asthma attack.

•   Allergic fungal sinusitis

This symptom is a result of an inflammatory reaction to fungus in the sinuses.

•   Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

This symptom is a reaction to fungus in the lungs and can occur in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis.

•   Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

In some very rare cases, exposure to airborne mold spores can lead to inflammation of the lungs. This may be triggered by vulnerability to allergy-causing dust at work.

What are the causes of mold allergy

Like all other allergies, mold allergy symptoms are caused when a person’s over-sensitive immune system is triggered.

When you inhale tiny spores of mold, your immune system falsely considers them to be foreign invaders and reacts to them, creating antibodies to fight these invaders. Even when the exposure has passed, the body keeps producing these antibodies to fight with the mold spores in it were to come in contact with them later.

This process triggers release of a substance called histamines. Allergic reactions are caused due to these histamines.

What are the risk factors associated with mold allergy?

These are number of factors that can lead to a development or (in case of presence of mold allergy) aggravation of mold allergy symptoms

•   Having a family history of allergies
•   Working in an environment where you are exposed to mold
•   Living in a house with high humidity
•   Working or living in a building that’s been exposed to high moisture
•   Living in a house with poor ventilation

How does the doctor run a mold allergy test and diagnosis

To diagnose a mold allergy, the doctor will conduct the following tests –

•   Complete medical history scan to check for symptoms
•   Skin prick test where a tiny amount of mold is pricked into the skin to check if there’s an allergic reaction
•   Specific IgE blood tests

What steps can one take for mold allergy prevention?

There is no mold allergy cure. The best way to stay allergy free is by avoiding mold spores. Although it is difficult to outrun mold, you can stick to the following home remedies to prevent your exposure to them

•   Eliminate sources of dampness around you, especially in the basement
•   Use a dehumidifier. Mold thrives in humidity, so it is best to keep the humidity levels below 50% at home
•   Use an air conditioner, preferably one with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter attachment
•   Change filters on your furnace and air conditioner regularly
•   Ensure proper ventilation in all the bathrooms
•   Don’t carpet bathrooms and basements
•   Keep organic plant containers clean and dry
•   Toss or recycle old newspapers and books

When you are venturing outside, ensure your follow the following steps to avoid mold

•   Avoid going through places that can have high mold counts, such as a pile of dead leaves, damp areas, greenhouses and uncut fields among others
•   Wear a dust mask when you’re out on a trek or going backpacking in the jungle
•   Keep your backyard and surroundings clean and dry as they are breeding grounds for mold
•   Avoid going out at night, especially during rainy season

What are the different types of mold allergy treatment?

It may not always possible to reduce or remove mold from your environment, in which case it becomes necessary to take medications. You can, in consultation with your doctor, consume the following medicine

•   Nasal decongestants or nasal steroids to decongest clogged and stuffy nasal passages and reduce nasal inflammation
•   Antihistamines can be consumed to fight allergy-inducing histamines released by the immune system to fight the mold spores
•   Allergy shots or immunotherapy gradually desensitize your body to mold and can provide long lasting symptom relief

How to Recognize, Remove, & Prevent Mold Outdoors

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January 30, 2014July 12, 2021

Contemporary Landscape by Miami Landscape Architects & Designers Blakely and Assoc.

Landscape Architects, Inc.

Maybe you’ve noticed it: green moldy growths spreading across your roof, creeping along siding, or even appearing on pavers. The fact is that molds thrive in damp coastal areas like some parts of San Diego, but can be present wherever moisture collects. The problem is that once mold settles in or on a home, it can grow on nearly anything – wood, paint, sheetrock, you name it. Not to mention, the ongoing moisture and warm conditions in Southern California backyards often result in mold popping up on common outdoor surfaces such as patios, deck furniture, and outdoor cushions.

Enough mold can mar backyard landscapes, but the worst of it is that its spores can pose a health hazard. If you notice mold and mildew growing in your backyard, it’s important to quickly and effectively destroy it, and we’ll tell you how.

But first…

What is Mold?

Part of the fungi family, molds are microscopic organisms with enzymes that digest and decompose organic matter. They reproduce through spores like other fungis such as mushrooms, and yeast. The truth is, molds are horrible things: they “eat” fallen trees, dead animals and rotting fruit, but the problem begins when they also begin to “eat” areas around (and in) your home. Although there are thousands of different types of mold, they all need moisture in which to grow.  Mildew is the same as mold, and it is commonly found in damp areas as well.

The most common household molds you may observe are blue-green and white, white, pink, grayish, fuzzy, and black. More scientifically, these molds are:

Alternaria —

Mainly found outside and in plant soil, alternaria is an airborne that settles on flat surfaces. Although it’s not as moisture-dependent as other molds, it thrives in moist areas and is often found in areas with sustained water damage from plumbing leaks and floods.

Alternaria presents with long hairs and a velvety texture. It ranges in color from dark olive to brown.  It’s been known to cause respiratory problems.

Aspergillus —

One of the most common molds, aspergillus is also one of the most allergenic. This fast-growing mold can form wherever there is high humidity and organic matter for the mold to consume such as in building materials, fallen leaves, and compost piles. Aspergillus is also commonly found on foods and in home air conditioning systems and ranges in color from blue-green to pinkish-red.

Cladosporium —

Commonly found outdoors, cladosporium loves any damp, dark environment. A black or green pepper-looking mold, cladosporium often grows on the back of toilets, and on painted surfaces. Although it is nontoxic, this mold still produces allergy symptoms, such as red and watery eyes, in humans. Cladosporium is an airborne mold, and is hard to eliminate completely.

Penicillium —

This mold is most often found on wet and dead organic matter outside. You might see its fuzzy green, white, or blue fuzz on spoiled or fallen fruit. Its spores can cause allergic reactions and other irritating symptoms.

Stachybotrys —

This is the airborne toxic black mold you most often hear about and want to avoid completely. Stachybotrys is a slimy black mold, and requires a lot of moisture so often thrives where there’s been water damage or excessive condensation. Although this mold isn’t as common as you might think, it produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and should be removed from the home in all cases.

Midcentury Landscape by San Luis Obispo Landscape Architects & Designers

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

Removing Mold from Outdoor Surfaces

First and foremost, to fully eliminate mold, you must address any moisture problems, and then remove the mold.

Common causes of moisture pooling are poor yard drainage caused by ill-maintained gutters and drains and improper slope. If you have these issues, clean out gutters, fix drains and regrade your yard so it slopes at a rate of one inch per foot. Repair leaky pipes and roofs and check for water stains on all outdoor and exterior surfaces.

Once you’ve identified any areas of excess moisture and addressed them, get your gloves and dust mask on and prepare to get rid of any mold that’s collected.

Patio Surfaces —

If the surface can withstand it (note that high pressure can damage wood, brick, or mortar), power wash your patio with water using a wide, low-pressure nozzle or fan tip. You can also spray on oxygen bleach (check for color fastness) and let it soak in without drying. Scrub moldy areas with a stiff brush and rinse with water.  If you notice mold coming back, make sure water drains off your deck properly.

Building Materials —

If you’ve stored wood or other building materials outdoors and they are showing signs of mold, first seal off the area while wearing your rubber gloves and dust mask (or respirator if the mold is the toxic black variety). Create a makeshift airlock to isolate spores by covering the opening to the supply area with a sheet of plastic slit in the center, then cover that sheet with another. Wrap all materials twice and wash the remaining hard surfaces with a bleach solution and let dry.

Remember – first put on some rubber gloves and a dust mask. Now, mix a quart of chlorine bleach with 1/3 cup of dish detergent and three quarts of water. Use a sponge and scrub, scrub, scrub the mold. The detergent will help lift the mold and the bleach will kill mold spores that could bring the mold back.  Rinse all cleaned surfaces with water from your hose. Dry what you can.

Farmhouse Porch by Dallas Media & Bloggers Sarah Greenman

Outdoor Cushions and Pillows —

Gloves and mask? Check. Now, use 3/4 cup of bleach to one gallon of water, take a sponge and wipe all fabric surfaces. If you’d rather and your cushions/pillows are washing-machine-friendly, throw ’em in with some laundry detergent and that 3/4 cup of bleach, and set a standard washing cycle.

Contemporary Landscape by Highland Park Landscape Architects &

Designers The Garden Consultants, Inc.

On the Lawn —

Let your grass dry and (wearing your gloves and mask) rake up any dead grass and/or thatch. Put these materials in a garbage bag. Put fungicide that’s safe for lawn use in a garden sprayer and apply it to moldy areas. Cut your grass to expose as much of its growth to light as possible. From now on, water in the morning, so the sun can evaporates what your lawn didn’t use.

Preventing Mold from Growing on Outdoor Surfaces

To keep mold from returning or to make your yard less “mold-friendly,” try the below:

— Mow and rake your lawn regularly

— Keep gutters clear to drain away from the house

— Trim plants away from siding and trees from roof so sunlight can find its way to these surfaces and kill mold

— Keep windows and siding caulked to prevent moisture from finding its way in

— Keep shingles and flashing maintained

— Promptly repair and seal leaky pipes and roofs

— Do yearly roof inspections to catch any issues before they bloom into mold infestations

— Clear leaves and debris from drainage areas around your home and yard

— Store firewood away from the house

— Use materials like treated lumber, stainless steel, galvanized fasteners, and stucco siding outdoors because they are commonly resistant to mildew

— Clean and dry water damaged upholstered furniture

— For initial small mold infiltrations, scrub surfaces with a mild detergent solution and then apply mixture of one-fourth cup bleach to one quart of water

Final Thoughts

Mold is a necessary part of the earth’s ecosystem, but when allowed to grow unchecked in our home environments, can cause problems such as health issues. It’s important to be aware of the areas where mold can form and minimize the moisture conditions so it can’t thrive. If you  find mold, cut off its moisture supply if you can and remove it completely. In serious cases, consult a professional to have the mold removed safely.

Have you had any problems with mold in your yard?

Photo credits: Houzz as captioned; and Morgue File (image URL: : http://mrg.bz/D7u0lG) Disclaimer: Please note that we are not mold experts and this information is provided as information only and not recommendations. Consult professionals for expert advice. 

Why do rot and mold appear on wood? How to avoid it?

2. Osmo
3. Articles
4. org/ListItem”> How to protect wood from decay?

Wooden facades, garden furniture, outdoor terraces are eco-friendly and beautiful. However, outdoor natural wood needs special protection from environmental influences. It is necessary to keep the surfaces and the material itself in good condition, to prevent biodamages and their consequences, and to extend the service life of decorative coatings.

Why do rot and mold appear and develop?

The main cause of biological damage is constant exposure to moisture. Increased air humidity, precipitation, contact with water and earth, disruption of natural air exchange and the greenhouse effect lead to the development of wood-destroying and coloring fungi: mold and blue rot.

Spores can get on unprotected wood both during storage and during operation. They are easily carried by people, animals and the wind. Humidity and heat create favorable conditions for their growth. Fungi begin to develop actively – they stain the surface of the wood and penetrate deep inside, cause decay, cracking and increase water absorption, reduce the density and strength of the material. Soft woods break down the fastest. Hard, exotic and tropical woods, respectively, are damaged more slowly.

How to protect wood from biodefeats – mold, blue and rot?

If the wood is used outdoors or in conditions of high humidity, the surfaces need special reliable protection.

Main measures:

• Physical protection. Roof overhangs should minimize the ingress of moisture on the facade, and terrace structural elements should be located so that they do not have direct contact with the ground.
• Humidity control in rooms. Mold, blue stain and rot begin to actively develop at a humidity of more than 60%, a temperature of 24 ° C and a violation of air exchange, so there must be good ventilation in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom.
• Chemical protection. Wooden surfaces must be treated with special compounds that prevent infection by microorganisms, their spread and prepare the tree for applying decorative coatings.

Effective comprehensive protection will reduce the negative impact of external factors and prevent serious biodamages. It will help preserve the appearance of wood and its operational and decorative characteristics.

Products for preventive protection against mold and blue rot

Wooden surfaces outdoors are exposed to a number of natural factors. These include moisture, temperature fluctuations and UV radiation.

The constant change in weather conditions causes natural processes of swelling and shrinkage. Over time, they lead to the appearance of cracks into which water enters. Wood is waterlogged, and the risk of damage by microorganisms increases.

UV radiation causes the destruction of lignin. The wood turns gray and loses its aesthetics, becomes fleecy and loose. This facilitates the penetration of moisture, and the risk of fungus development increases.

OSMO offers a range of products for comprehensive wood protection and bioinfection prevention:

• Holz-Imprägnierung WR is a colorless antiseptic primer that penetrates deeply into the wood structure with a strong hydrophobic effect. It is used as an impregnation and contains indelible biocides – tebuconazole and permethrin, which prevent damage to wood by mold, blue rot and woodworms. Reduces the risk of shrinkage and swelling, creates a primer layer under covering and translucent coatings.
• UV-Schutz-Öl Extra is a colorless or clear weather resistant oil with a UV filter and active additives. Due to the presence of oils in the composition, the product slows down the penetration of moisture into the wood, leaves the pores open and prevents waterlogging, protects the material from exposure to sunlight, the growth of wood-staining and wood-destroying fungi.
• Holzschutz Öl-Lasur is a 2-in-1 protective oil-lazure with a biocide in the composition and a long-term effect. It is used as a primer and decorative coating with natural shades, has a preventive effect against fungi staining and destroying wood.
• Holzschutz Öl-Lasur Effekt is a glazing bioprotective oil-lazure with a silver effect. Contains propiconazole to prevent wood damage by mold and blue rot, creates a designer decorative coating that complements the natural beauty of wooden structures (facades, balconies, terraces) with a noble shimmer of silver.
• Hirnholz-Wachs is a colorless wax for sealing the ends of logs, beams, facade and deck boards. The combination of vegetable oils and hard waxes helps to protect the wood from the inside and out, create a water-repellent finish, reduce the absorbency of the wood and prevent cracking of the ends.

OSMO products are highly penetrating and provide long lasting preventive protection even for deep layers of wood.

How to get rid of the manifested biodamages on wood?

Of course, in order to preserve the properties and beauty of wood for a long time, surfaces must be treated with primer antiseptics as early as possible. If they are already affected by microorganisms, then it is necessary to thoroughly clean them of mold before applying decorative coatings.

To get rid of biodamages, you can:

• Reduce the humidity in the room and establish normal air exchange. Regular ventilation and forced ventilation help to achieve this. Drying wood stops the growth of the fungus, and surface lesions in the form of small spots of white or greenish mold, blue, corrosive rot are removed with household chlorine-containing compounds.
• Treat the surface with special preparations. To effectively remove blue rot and mold, including those that have penetrated into the deep layers, hypochlorite solutions are used. To clean the wood well, the solution is kept on the surface, cleaned with a brush and washed with clean water.

After removing traces of biodamage and before preventive treatment with primers and antiseptics, the surface must be sanded.

How to treat wood with compounds from rot and mold?

Proper processing provides effective protection against fungal infections, allows you to normalize the absorbency of the tree and reduce the consumption of finishing coatings. The compositions are applied to a dry surface.

Step one – wood preparation

Old coatings must be removed from previously painted wood. If stains of rot and mold are visible on the surface, you need to treat it with cleaning agents. For better processing and better absorption of the protective composition, sand the surface well with P80-100 sandpaper and carefully remove dust.

Step Two – Remove Tar Stains and Pockets

The wood of hard and coniferous species – oak, pine, larch – contains a lot of resins and tannins, which appear on the surface in the form of spots. Sand the affected areas with sandpaper, rinse and dry thoroughly, or replace with healthy wood in case of deep damage.

Step Three – Protective Treatment

Apply Holz-Imprägnierung WR intensively and evenly with a brush or roller on the entire surface of the wood in one layer and leave to dry in good ventilation. For more effective protection, processing from all sides is recommended. Coat the ends of the wood evenly with Hirnholz-Wachs wax.

If you use protective oils UV-Schutz-Öl Extra or Holzschutz Öl-Lasur, which act as a primer and glaze, then apply them to the previously untreated surface in two layers. Colorless and transparent coatings allow local renewal. To do this, as a rule, it is enough to apply one new layer on top of the old one without preliminary grinding.

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Why mold spores appear in the air and what to do about it

• Home
• Mold removal
• Mold spores in the air

← mold in the air

Article author
Olga Vitalievna

Disinfectologist DEZOFF GROUP
Expert in the topic “Medicine”

• 19 years old work experience
• <13,000 checks
• <19000 conclusions

Content of the article

Mold is a fungus, and like all fungi, it reproduces by spores. Mold spores are microscopic mold seeds. After maturation, they become volatile and are able to be transported with air currents to any distance. The spore takes root where there are suitable conditions for it. As a rule, they are provided by a combination of factors such as:

• High humidity
• Excess heat
• Poor air circulation in the room

Mold spores are always present in the air, but, fortunately, not all of them establish new colonies of the fungus. To contribute to the formation of the above-mentioned suitable conditions in the premises can:

• Occasional ventilation
• Sealed plastic windows without ventilation
• Heavily soiled ventilation preventing free air movement
• Poor or outdated waterproofing
• Current pipes
• Deplorable state of repair
• Poor building materials

Mold can grow on almost any material, but it tends to take root on surfaces that have a structure that it can grow into, so it is most commonly found on:

• Wallpaper
• Grout between tiles, tiles and sanitary ware
• Wooden surfaces
• Drywall
• Brick
• Concrete
• Textile

Mold often grows in bathrooms, as in apartments it is the warmest place, with an almost constantly high level of humidity.

Mold spores can affect not only walls, ceilings, furniture and interior items, but also harm people and animals. The size of the spores is so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. They easily enter the respiratory tract unnoticed or, settling on food, into the gastrointestinal tract.

The immune system is able to fight spores on its own for some time, but with prolonged constant inhalation, even a healthy person will begin to feel worse and a number of dangerous diseases may occur, such as aspergillosis or bronchial asthma. For pets, especially birds, mold spores are no less dangerous, affecting the respiratory and food systems.

In order to get rid of mold spores, it is necessary to eliminate not only the flying seeds of the fungus in the air, since they are only a consequence of the problem, but the entire mycelium. If the mycelium is completely removed from all surfaces, then the spores will have nowhere to grow and mature, they will disappear by themselves.

How to get rid of mold spores in the air if a fungus grows in your room?

• Carefully inspect the space and try to find any mold spots.
• Focusing on the places where mold grows, guess why it could appear there. Use the list of key circumstances above as possible reasons.
• Eliminate all causes that could provoke the appearance and rooting of mold.
• Remove mold stains from contaminated surfaces and discard items and materials that cannot be recovered.
• Treat the room with anti-mold chemicals yourself or with the help of SES.
• Make cosmetic or major repairs, depending on the extent of damage.

If you scrupulously approach each stage of the fight against mold, its elimination will lead to the disappearance of pathogenic spores in the air. The plan described above is only an example, since precise instructions for mold control can only be given by knowing all the circumstances of a particular problem.

If you don’t have mold stains and are only concerned about spores that are constantly in the air in small quantities, you can clean the air with:

• Special air cleaner
• Air conditioner with filter designed to purify the air
• Periodic disinfection and deodorization of the entire premises using SES

It is worth noting that it is most dangerous to fight the mold that grows in your room. By trying to remove it, you increase the intensity of the release of spores into the air and, accordingly, inhale more of them. You can order the treatment of the room and the air in it from mold spores in a professional SES. Experts will do all the work for you quickly, carefully and absolutely safely.

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