
When Mother Nature strikes, it can be particularly hard on people who have asthma. That’s because severe weather events, such as hurricanes, floods and excessive precipitation can fuel the growth of mold in homes.
Two new studies presented at the 2023 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Anaheim, California, underscored the negative health effects of excess mold on those who have asthma. Study authors also discussed ways to eliminate mold and other airborne allergens.
According to study author, Amber Hardeman, MD, MPH, MBA, mold is a common discussion between allergists and their patients. Dr. Hardeman said her research team reviewed multiple articles on flooding and mold exposure after natural disasters, and the evidence supports the threat.
In particular, she said, after a storm, local hospitals see a nearly two-fold increase in diagnoses related to mold exposure. People with respiratory conditions like asthma, a weakened immune system and allergies are most at risk. People who have asthma have a two-times higher risk of death when mold counts exceed 1000 spores/m3. A concentration of more 500 spores/m3 is considered high.
Also concerning, Dr. Hardeman said, is a person’s attempt to remediate the mold with the use of bleach — a chemical that can cause more harm than mold. As such, Dr. Hardeman recommends allergists and other physicians recommend effective home drying methods and discourage other, more detrimental or expensive practices to clean the mold.
The ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting also featured a second, mold-related study. Researchers at the iAIR Institute in Grand Canal Quay, Ireland, studied interventions to improve indoor air quality (IAQ), such as source control, monitoring and the use of air cleaners. All, the study reported, can “significantly improve health outcomes, particularly for people with asthma and allergies.
Gráinne Cunniffe, PhD, lead author of the study, said HEPA filters are the most effective in removing airborne particles, including allergens and fine particulate matter. Activated carbon filters are also effective in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors as well as UV-based technology, which is effective when used in filtered HVAC systems.
However, Dr. Cunniffe said air cleaners and ionizers that are ozone-producing should be considered “cautiously,” as some release harmful ozone gas. According to the authors, patients should also be encouraged to consider factors such as room size, cost, maintenance requirements, independent testing and third-party certification, and noise levels when selecting an air cleaner.