Are Mold Allergies Seasonal?

For those of us with mold allergies, the warm seasons can be miserable. Mold spore counts often rise in the spring and summer months, and like pollen, they can wreak havoc on our respiratory systems.

My Pure Environment has been helping rid homes and businesses of indoor mold problems for almost 20 years. We know a thing or two about indoor mold, and today, we’re going to take a moment to talk about what happens with mold outdoors during the different seasons.

Are Mold Allergies Seasonal?

In the sense that the symptoms can become more or less severe depending on the number of spores in the air, outdoor mold allergies can be considered seasonal ailments. The mold allergy season is actually much longer than the pollen allergy season.

Here in Spokane, the mold spore counts are lower in the winter months due to the cold and the snow. A layer of snow helps keep mold spores to a minimum, and most species of mold go dormant in colder temperatures. In warmer climates, mold allergies can be a problem year round.

Unlike allergies caused by pollen, mold allergy symptoms can persist beyond the first frost. And, when the spring thaw arrives, mold spore counts increase because the mold feasts on all the vegetation that died over the winter.

Outdoor Mold Allergy and Mold Sickness Symptoms

Some common symptoms of mold allergies are itchy, red, and sometimes dry eyes. Sinuses can become inflamed, and you may experience a sore or scratchy throat. Mold allergy symptoms can be severe for anyone who is immunocompromised, very old, or very young. In general, though, they are less severe than mold sickness symptoms.

Mold sickness symptoms are caused by prolonged exposure to mycotoxins produced by certain species of mold. You’re unlikely to become sick from outdoor mold exposure, but it can become a serious problem if you are exposed to indoor mold.

The best way to reduce mold allergy symptoms is to limit outdoor activity during the peak allergy months. In Spokane, this is typically from February to November. Always speak to your doctor about any allergy symptoms you may be experiencing.

Mold is everywhere outdoors—make sure it’s not indoors, too!

Limiting mold exposure by spending time indoors is a good idea, unless, of course, you happen to have mold indoors as well. If you do, our trained mold remediation specialists can help. Our remediation methods are fast, effective, and non-invasive. We can completely rid your home or office of mold in as little as four hours.

If your Spokane home or office has an indoor mold problem, be sure to contact the best mold specialists right here in Spokane, Washington. My Pure Environment offers free online consultations and virtual inspections. We can help you get rid of mold for good!

Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/30/2021) Siarhei Plashchynski (Unsplash)