We moved from southern Cailfornia to Iowa. Bad idea. We live between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The mold and humidity problems are awful.

I have been diagnosed with a vestibular disorder and suffer from constant dizziness, confusion, malaise etc. Doctors have no clue on what is causing it but all admit I have the problem. I have been to allergist, no allergies to anything. I honestly believe I am suffering from toxic mold from my vehicle, house,and outside.

We have moss growing everywhere outside (lets you know how humid it is). Standing water in the drive will turn green in a matter of days. The basement is not the driest, humidity is around 70% with visible mold growing on the walls. (Clean it and it keeps coming back due to moisture in the old clay brick).

My doc has put me on several antibiotics for possible sinus infections. I feel better for a short period and then the symptoms come back. Face pain and what seems to be the lack of drainage in my sinuses. Then the dizziness returns as do all the other symptoms. I seem to feel better when I am away from here for several days. What would your ideas be? -- Scott, Illinois

The problem of toxic mold has been hyped up a lot by the press and by those who would like to cash in on this. However, almost all physicians agree that having excess moisture and mold inside your home is unhealthy. Standing water in anyone's yard will likely turn green after a few days. Not only does this stagnant water grow mold, but it can cause a mosquito problem, with risk of serious mosquito-borne diseases. You need to consider drainage alternatives to be sure there is no standing water in your yard.

Moisture inside your house needs to be eliminated. It sounds as if you are going to need the help of a specialist to evaluate your home and see what can be done to eliminate the constant moisture problem.

A dehumidifier can help once the moisture source is eliminated, but until then the mold will continue to return as you have said.

For more help, see my item:
There's mold in my house. Please help!

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