09/27/07:- Mold is pretty much everywhere: outside in nature, in the air, on surfaces in your home. While there is no way to get rid of mold, you can do a lot to prevent it from causing a health problem.

Mold spores multiply when moisture is present, so try to prevent moisture from accumulating -- not an easy task in the Northwest. Be sure to watch for discoloration on tiles and surfaces (it's often black, but can be red, green and other colors), musty smells and condensation on windows and water pipes. Exposure to mold can cause such symptoms as asthma, sneezing, runny nose, rashes, a low-grade fever or headaches.

To clean mold from surfaces, use a solution of 10 percent bleach or vinegar and water. Other ways to manage mold overgrowth include:

• After taking a shower, run a fan for at least 20 minutes.
• Ventilate when doing laundry.
• Wash toilet and tub frequently with borax, which kills mold.
• Wash windows once a week with a 20 percent white-vinegar solution.
• Use a dehumidifier.
• Sprinkle baking soda on basement carpet, leave for a few days and vacuum (or get rid of your ground-level carpeting).

For more information, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website at epa.gov

Many naturopathic physicians are skilled at helping patients identify indoor toxicity and determine whether health problems may be related to it.

Phoebe Yin [http://bastyrcenter.org], ND, naturopathic physician and faculty member, Bastyr Center for Natural Health