atención en la limpieza del hogar este peligro invisible afecta tu salud

Author: Peng Guoqiu, Medical Subdirector del Cuarto Centro Médico del Hospital General del Ejército Popular de Liberación de China.

Title: Attention to Home Cleaning: This Invisible Danger Affects Your Health.

Recently, in Zhengzhou, Henan, a 6-year-old girl continued to have a fever for more than ten days after participating in a major cleaning in her house. Examinations revealed that her brain had over a dozen holes; these 'voids' were not due to external injuries but were caused by a fungus known as 'Aspergillus fumigatus'.

Such infections do not occur suddenly; they are often linked to the inhalation of a large number of mold spores. When undertaking intensive cleaning or moving areas that have been damp or dusty for extended periods, mold spores, which are virtually invisible to the naked eye, can become airborne and be inhaled by people, posing potential health risks.

Source of image: CCTV News.

'Aspergillus flavus', commonly known as tobacco mold, is a fungus that usually grows in soil but can also be found on certain foods, such as nuts and grains. This mold has significant research value in food science, particularly in fermentation and preservation, but it is also known for producing a toxin called aflatoxin, which is carcinogenic and harmful to humans and animals. Thus, controlling the growth of Aspergillus flavus is of great importance for food safety.

Tobacco mold is a common fungus found widely in the natural environment. In daily life, it can hide in corners, kitchen sinks, stoves, inside refrigerators or washing machines, and may also be present in books, carpets, and bedding that have not been cleaned for a long time.

This type of fungus is primarily transmitted through spores. The spores are very small and light, typically adhering to object surfaces, making them hard to detect. Once thorough cleaning is performed, actions like sweeping, shaking, or cleaning can stir a large quantity of these spores, leading them to remain in the air for an extended time, increasing the likelihood of inhalation by people.

In most cases, contact or inhalation of small amounts of mold does not significantly impact health since the body’s immune system can typically handle them.

The image was generated by artificial intelligence.

Symptoms of Aspergillus infection mainly include respiratory discomfort such as cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. In individuals with weakened immune function, more severe lung infections or even systemic infections may occur. Besides respiratory symptoms, Aspergillus infections can also lead to allergic reactions causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. The danger of this infection lies in its potential to lead to serious health issues, especially in immunocompromised patients, where the risk of death may increase. Therefore, early identification and treatment are crucial.

Aspergillus infection often concentrates in the respiratory system, and its initial symptoms may easily be mistaken for a cold or allergies. Common manifestations include recurrent cough, throat discomfort, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and sneezing. Some individuals may also experience itchy eyes, itchy skin, or mild rashes. These reactions are typically allergy-related and may improve by moving away from a damp environment or stopping cleaning; however, if symptoms persist or recur, vigilance is necessary.

The image was generated by AI.

The Aspergillus fungus, especially Aspergillus fumigatus, tends to more easily affect the lungs. Once it accumulates in the lungs, it can interfere with normal breathing, and some individuals may experience symptoms such as recurrent cough and wheezing. If treated solely as a common respiratory infection, this could delay diagnosis.

In situations where immune function is clearly compromised, the nasal cavity and eyes may also be affected, among other areas. In rare cases, the fungus can even spread through the blood, affecting other organs. This type of invasive infection progresses rapidly, posing a significant burden on the body, making early detection and specific treatment crucial.

Severe cases are more common among individuals with compromised immune systems and are not frequent issues in the general population. However, due to the atypical nature of initial symptoms, if persistent fever, worsening symptoms, or abnormal changes occur, immediate medical attention should be sought for evaluation.

Moreover, not everyone who comes into contact with mold will experience severe issues; children, the elderly, and those with weaker immune systems are more susceptible. For instance, individuals who have recently been ill, suffer from prolonged insomnia, have chronic diseases, or are using immunosuppressive medications. When these individuals inhale a considerable amount of mold spores, their defensive capacity is relatively insufficient, increasing the risk of infections or allergic reactions.

How to Properly Prevent Mold

To effectively prevent mold, the following measures can be taken: 1. Ensure ventilation: Ensure good indoor air circulation and regularly open windows, especially in damp weather. 2. Control humidity: Use dehumidifiers or air conditioning to reduce indoor humidity, keeping it between 30% and 50%. 3. Timely repair leaks: Check for leaks in pipes and roofs and repair them promptly to avoid moisture accumulation. 4. Choose mold-resistant materials: When renovating and choosing furniture, opt for mold-resistant materials and paints. 5. Clean regularly: Regularly clean bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp-prone areas using mold-killing cleaners. 6. Keep dry: Avoid drying clothes indoors; if necessary, dry them in the sun. 7. Use natural mold inhibitors: Natural materials like vinegar or baking soda can be sprayed in areas prone to mold growth. By following these measures, mold growth can be effectively prevented.

Before cleaning, it is important to ensure protection. It is recommended to wear a mask and gloves before cleaning areas where there may be mold. During the cleaning process, avoid hitting or vigorously shaking moldy objects to prevent a significant amount of mold spores from becoming airborne.

Moldy items should be dealt with promptly. For books, carpets, blankets, or clothing that already exhibit visible mold, it is recommended to clean or discard them without delay and continued use is not suggested.

The image was generated by AI.

Maintain ventilation. Mold prefers damp and poorly ventilated environments. It is important to keep air circulating indoors by opening at least two windows in opposite directions to ventilate the room. In conditions of high humidity, one can use the dehumidifying function of the air conditioner to reduce indoor humidity, thus decreasing the conditions conducive to mold growth.

Key areas that require special attention. The bathroom, kitchen, laundry joints, and refrigerator, as well as the interior of air conditioners, are places where mold tends to accumulate easily. In the bathroom, avoid hanging clothes to dry and, after cleaning, keep the area dry; the air conditioner should be regularly cleaned, both the filters and the internal structure, to reduce prolonged mold accumulation.

Daily maintenance is more important than occasional deep cleaning. Regularly drying comforters, carpets, and clothing, as well as keeping the home dry and tidy, is more effective in preventing mold than doing large cleanings before holidays. The key to preventing mold lies in reducing humidity, maintaining ventilation, and taking proper precautions during cleaning.

Cleaning is essential for health, but the way it is done also matters. During spring cleaning, we should not just 'clean thoroughly' but also 'clean safely'.

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