Indoor mold (fungus) is very common in humid areas and in homes that have damp areas such as basements. Mold may trigger asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or coughing, or another allergic reaction, such as the rash of atopic dermatitis or stuffy nose of allerg

If you think you are being exposed to toxins, allergens, or other materials that are affecting your health, consider the following questions about your home and workplace.

Children are more vulnerable than adults to environmental illnesses for many reasons. They are growing and developing, and they have higher rates of cell production, less-developed metabolisms, and a higher relative level of exposure.

Mold may be the cause of allergies that get worse in damp weather. Mold produces spores that move, like pollen, in outdoor air during warmer months. During winter months, indoor molds can also be a problem.

Exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, including asthma and lung cancer. Pollutants include smoke, pet dander, radon, mold, cleaning products, and other chemicals. You can create a healthier home by following the tips below.

What is an environmental illness?Chemicals, fumes, pollution, allergens, and other health hazards are common in our environment, and sometimes they can make us sick. Maybe you have mysterious headaches that only occur on weekends. Or you develop nausea and a r

Health tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition. How to control allergens in your home ...

Learning about environmental illness:What is an environmental illness?What causes an environmental illness?What can I do to make my home healthier?Can molds cause allergies?Why do environmental illnesses have a greater impact on children?

Indoor air pollutionIndoor air pollution can affect you at home, work, or even places you visit. It is a common source of respiratory diseases, including asthma, allergies, and lung cancer. It can be worse in winter, when windows are shut tight and less fresh

If you believe you have an environmental illness, first consider your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe (for example, you are having trouble breathing), you have ingested household chemicals, or you fear you may have a carbon monoxide leak in your home, ca

Online ResourceToxtownNational Library of MedicineWeb Address: http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/index_content.html This Web site gives you information about toxic chemicals and environmental health risks you might encounter in everyday life, in everyday places. The

Carbon Monoxide PoisoningLeadLead PoisoningRadon ...

CitationsGerman JA, Michael B (2002). Environmental control of allergic diseases. American Family Physician, 66(3): 421¨C426.Miller YE (2004). Lung cancer and other pulmonary neoplasms. In L Goldman, D Ausiello, eds., Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed., pp. 1

AuthorAmy Fackler, MAEditorSusan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBAAssociate EditorTracy LandauerPrimary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family MedicineSpecialist Medical ReviewerPeter Rabinowitz, MD, MPH - Occupational and Environmental MedicineLast UpdatedDecember