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Take the Mold Allergy Quiz
Molds are microscopic fungi that
live on plant and animal matter. They are found everywhere,
in every environment, and they can make some people's
lives miserable. To learn more about molds, take this quiz,
based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
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How many species of mold exist?
A. 10,000
B. 50,000
C. 100,000
D. No one knows
Answer: D, no one knows. Estimates range from the
tens of thousands to more than 300,000. The most common
types of mold found in the home that cause allergic
reactions include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria,
Aspergillus and Mucor. Other molds that can cause an
allergic reaction are Helmin thosporium, Epicoccum,
Fusarium, Rhizopus and Aureobasidium.
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People sensitive to molds are allergic to what part of the
mold organism?
A. Flower petals
B. Pollen grains
C. Spores
D. Seeds
Answer: C, spores. Like all fungi, molds reproduce
by releasing spores. The spores can be carried off by air,
water or insects. People sensitive to mold spores react to
their presence with nasal stuffiness, eye irritation or
wheezing. More severe reactions may include fever and
shortness of breath. Mold allergies can cause asthma
attacks in some people with asthma.
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Molds in the home are often found:
A. In the shower
B. In the bedroom
C. In the basement
D. A and C
Answer: D, A and C. Molds grow better in warm,
humid conditions such as the basement or the shower. Other
common indoor sites include pipes, damp walls and plant
pots. Cellulose materials that have become wet are
especially good places for molds. These include ceiling
tiles, cardboard and wood. Molds also grow outdoors in
shady, damp areas or in places where vegetation is
decomposing. If you are sensitive to molds, be aware that
molds are often found in antique shops, greenhouses,
saunas, flower shops and summer cottages. On farms, mold
is often found in hay, straw or grain.
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How do mold spores get into a house?
A. Through open doors and windows
B. Through air conditioning systems
C. On pets
D. On clothing or shoes
E. All of the above
Answer: E, all of the above. Mold spores are
constantly drifting through the air. Once the spores are
in your house and drop on places that have excessive
moisture, they will grow. Some places might surprise you:
dust, paints, wallpaper, drywall, carpet, fabric and
upholstery.
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"Black mold," which is associated with
flood-damaged areas, is identified with what specific
mold?
A. Penicillium
B. Stachybotrys chartarum
C. Aspergillus
D. None of the above
Answer: B, Stachybotrys chartarum. This type of
mold, really a greenish-black color, can produce a potent
toxin. It only grows on wood or paper products that have
become water-logged for several days. Some research has
suggested that the toxin can cause serious health problems
in infants. This type of mold does not cause an allergic
reaction; its effects are caused by the toxin it
produces.
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If you think you have mold in your house, how should you
test it?
A. Hire a professional to examine the mold
B. Buy a testing kit and do it yourself
C. Don't bother with testing; just clean up the
mold
D. None of the above
Answer: C, don't bother with testing; just
clean up the mold. It doesn't matter what kind of mold
is growing. The most important thing is to get rid of it.
Professional testers are expensive. Whether you or someone
else does the testing, no standards have been established
for acceptable levels of mold.
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How can you tell if you have a mold problem?
A. You can see the mold
B. You can smell the mold
C. Those in your family sensitive to mold spores react
with symptoms
D. All of the above
Answer: D, all of the above. You can remove mold
growth with commercial mold-killing products or with a
weak bleach solution (one cup of bleach for each gallon of
water). After cleaning, dry the area completely.
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If you are sensitive to mold spores, which of these steps
should you take in your home?
A. Keep the humidity level in the house below 40
percent
B. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier during humid
months
C. Don't put carpeting in bathrooms or basements
D. When redecorating, use wall paint that contains a mold
and mildew inhibitor
E. All of the above
Answer: E, all of the above. The main way to
control mold growth is to eliminate moisture. Other tips:
Be sure your home has adequate ventilation, including
exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. Fix leaky
plumbing. Use mold-killing products when you clean the
bathrooms. Remove or replace any carpets or upholstery
that has gotten wet.
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