Ideally, mold would just not grow in the homes of kids with asthma. Despite prevention efforts, however, mold finds a way, especially in the southern US. When it does manage to appear, you need to know how to protect kids with asthma from mold in your home until the removal process is complete.
Focus on Air Quality and Filtration
Mold affects a child’s breathing by releasing hundreds, if not thousands, of spores into the air. Once in the lungs, mold spores irritate them and cause sniffling, coughing, and itching. For kids with asthma, this irritation can potentially lead to an asthma attack.
Filtration is among the best tools for combating mold spores. It’s worth your time to change your home’s air filters on a weekly or biweekly basis. Avoid burning candles or frequently using gas appliances, which could block your air filters with soot.
Consider Addressing Mold with DIY Solutions
You can take steps as a parent to remedy the mold situation as soon as you see it. Mold removal technicians can’t always stop by the day of, so in the meantime, consider DIY removal. Various mold-killing solutions are available on the market, or you can always create a home mixture such as diluted bleach and vinegar. After you spray the solution, scrub off the mold and throw away any sponges or towels you used to clean the area.
DIY mold removal isn’t a final solution, however. Without proper training, it’s easy to make mistakes when you’re identifying and cleaning mold. One thing to remember about DIY cleaning is that visible surface mold isn’t always all there is to kill. Mold can appear inside walls, under tile, and in many difficult-to-reach places.
Find Ways to Decrease Humidity Overall
Humidity gives mold the chance to flourish. Further mold growth leads to a higher spore count and, subsequently, more lung irritation. Controlling humidity essentially limits mold growth. Focus your efforts on damp areas such as bathrooms, basements, and attics. Even the kitchen can act as a moisture source for your home.
It’s also crucial to address active leaks and spills as you find them. Finding the moisture source allows you to repair the problem at its heart.
The best way to protect kids with asthma from mold in your home is to have them stay somewhere else until the removal or remediation process is complete. When mold spore counts are high enough, the risk they pose is simply not worth keeping your child in that environment. If you have the option, have them stay with a family friend until your home is mold free.
