Sometimes, the existence of mold is ignored because it is considered not to have an impact on health. However, did you know that molds, especially Cladosporium mold, can affect your daily life, which slowly changes your healthy body to become susceptible to disease?
Unfortunately, that’s the fact! But, before discussing Cladosporium mold health effects or symptoms, let’s find out its description first!
1. Definition of Cladosporium mold
Cladosporium is a genus of mold that is easily found around us. This type of mold can grow indoor or outdoor, on damp surfaces, on the ground, and dead plants. Cladosporium mold usually makes a colony with dark pigments, most of which are in the form of a string or cluster. Further, this type of mold is found in decaying plants and very easy to spread indoors, especially on wet and dark surfaces.
Poor room ventilation, as well as high levels of humidity in a room, contributes to the growth of this mold. The color of the Cladosporium colony starts from green to black or brown. Also, this type of mold usually grows in the basement, bathroom, around water tap, attic, window sill, faucet, wallpaper, wooden surfaces, and sink.
2. The allergy symptoms caused by Cladosporium mold
You might be the one asking this. Is Cladosporium mold toxic? The answer is yes. Cladosporiumcan cause allergic reactions. The severity depends on how much you are exposed to the mold. This mold grows mostly in the spring when the temperature is warmer.
The health effects caused by Cladosporium are asthma and some respiratory illnesses, including cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Some people also experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, red eyes, sore throat, etc. In people who are sensitive or have an allergy to the Cladosporium mold, the reaction may feel more intense.
Below are common symptoms of Cladosporium allergy:
- A rough sensation on the skin
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Itchy sensation in the nose, eyes, or throat
- Asthma
- Watery eyes
- Dry skin
- Sinusitis reaction
- Wheezing
- Pain or discomfort around the chest
- Lung infection
- Difficulty breathing
Meanwhile, long-term exposure to this type of mold will trigger more severe conditions, such as eye, ear, and sinus infections. In other cases, they who have a high sensitivity to the smell produced by volatile organic composites will instantly react to the presence of Cladosporium in the air. Normally, they will show a reaction similar to allergic symptoms. But in certain cases, people can experience a fatal reaction due to exposure to allergens such as Cladosporium.
Read also: How Do You Know You Have Mold exposure
3. How to deal with Cladosporium mold allergy
The allergic reaction caused by exposure to Cladosporium mold can vary. For they who have a high sensitivity to the allergen, the symptoms can cause discomfort or even pain in certain body parts. To overcome allergies due to Cladosporium, you can do the following tips.
- Take several preventive steps so that this type of mold does not thrive in your home.
- Try some therapy that can boost your immune system.
- Take over-the-counter or prescription nasal sprays.
- Take over-the-counter allergy medications.
- Perform a sinus rinse.
In the severe case, which is rare, people who have allergic fungal sinusitis, is recommended to do the surgery. This method is necessary to remove mold scraps that clog the sinus cavity.
4. Is Cladosporium mold dangerous for pregnant women?
So far there have been no studies that state that Cladosporium mold is dangerous for pregnant women. However, they who have allergies to molds or suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma, will surely show some allergic reactions.
Then, discuss it with a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction due to exposure to Cladosporium. Aside from asking for medical advice, you can prevent the spread of molds by continuously keeping the house or workplace clean. Also, perform daily cleaning to prevent mold spores from growing again.
5. Risk factors of an allergic reaction
Here are some risk factors that make a person more likely to experience allergic reactions to mold:
- Having a family history of allergies
- Being or living in a room exposed to mold
- Living in the house with poor ventilation
- Have respiratory problems such as asthma
- Suffering from skin diseases, especially eczema
6. Cladosporium mold removal tips
Cladosporium mold is very allergic and easily spreads. Therefore, if you find this mold around the house, immediately remove it. If it grows in a non-porous area, like in a sink, tiles, or water tap, never think twice to clean the mold. Follow the steps to kill Cladosporium mold below.
- First, wet the area covered by a moldwith household cleaning products or bleach that have been diluted.
- Also, clean the area around the mold because the spores can easily spread, and it is certainly difficult to see with the bare eyes.
- Please use a vacuum that has a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to clean the surface. Compared to a regular filter, HEPA filter can trap pieces which are toxic, such as dust mites, tobacco smoke, mold, and much more.
- Then, wipe it again with a wet cloth that has been moistened with household cleaning products.
- After that, dry the surface with a clean cloth. But, if the Cladosporium mold has pierced woods around the window, there is no other way than to replace the part.
For items that are easily damaged or porous, like curtains, furniture, or carpets, you need professional cleaning assistance. That’s because special treatment is required to clean them. Also, it is very risky for you who suffer from respiratory problems to make direct contact with the mold. So, always make sure that you use a mask and gloves when trying to clean the mold.
Read also: 9 Tips For Removing Black Mold
7. Prevent Cladosporium mold from growing
Like other types of molds, Cladosporium is very easy to grow in a stuffy and damp area. So, to prevent this type of mold from growing, first, clean area that can be a potential place for mold to develop. For example, if you like to put indoor plants, always pick the part of the plant that is starting to rot. That’s because the part will become a likely place for molds to grow.
Then, reduce the humidity level in areas that are usually wet, including a bathroom, kitchen, and basement. Also, improve the ventilation system so that the air exchange goes well. During the rainy or dry season, adjust the humidity level in the room by installing an air conditioner or dehumidifier.