Dealing With Mold Allergies After a Disaster

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Hello. I’m Doctor Steve Redd with the U.S. Public Health Service assigned to CDC.

If you are allergic to mold, or have asthma, being around mold may make your condition worse. If you have a chronic lung condition or a weak immune system, you could develop mold infections in your lungs and you should try to avoid buildings contaminated with mold.

Wear a protective mask, called an N95 respirator, when you clean up mold. You can buy N95s and half-face or full-face respirators at your local home supply store. Follow the instructions on the package to fit your respirator tightly on your face. A surgical mask or a bandanna will not prevent you from breathing in mold. See your health care provider if you think mold is making you sick.

Thank you.