A moldy story

'Your Allergy Nurse' shares her own moldy story

Mold and loose wallpaper

May 8, 2002

Right now I'm in the process of stripping wallpaper. Because there are some old layers, I'm making sure to get to the bottom of of anything that could be harboring mold. Mold can grow behind loose wallpaper and the spores can find their way into the air you breathe.

The Oregon Public Health Service recommends wearing gloves and long pants and sleeves when cleaning moldy areas, and that the moldy materials should be handled when damp rather than when dry. Other safety measures include wearing a dust mask. Be sure the label says it is made to filter out particles such as dust. Some masks only provide comfort from fumes. Raise a window, or provide adequate ventilation or air exchange while working in a moldy area.

If you live in a humid climate, or have excess moisture in your home, there is a good chance you have mold lurking somewhere in your home. The person who cleaned my air vents recently said he is finding a lot of mold just inside the openings of the vents in homes in our area here in Fort Smith.

He has agreed to share some of his expertise and knowledge with us in the future and we can look forward to that.

I'm convinced the smartest thing I've done so far to protect my health and comfort is to purchase a dehumidifier. I woke up the other day stuffy and my first thought was, "Hmmm...guess that dehumidifier isn't helping me as much as I'd thought!"

But I soon realized that I'd neglected to empty the water bucket the night before. It shuts off for safety when the water bucket becomes full. I promptly emptied it and within the hour my stuffiness was gone.

Mine is a 40 pint dehumidifier. The maximum bucket capacity is 18 pints, and it usually fills to capacity daily. I empty it each night before going to bed, or whenever it becomes full. I have a small home, and I'm amazed that there are 18 pints of water in the air inside my house every day!

I bought my dehumidifier from National Allergy Supply. The folks there are just great to work with. They go the extra mile, something not seen much in these days.