Beware of invisible health threats when cleaning your home

Author: Peng Guoqiu, Deputy Chief Physician of the Fourth Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital in China.

Beware of Invisible Health Threats When Cleaning Your Home

Thorough cleaning before the festival is vital; improper methods may expose you to Aspergillus niger, posing health risks.

Recently, a 6-year-old girl in Zhengzhou, Henan, developed a persistent fever for over ten days after participating in a deep cleaning at home. Upon examination, it was discovered that her brain had been affected by more than a dozen "holes"—these "cavities" were not due to external injuries but were formed due to an invasion by a mold known as "Aspergillus fumigatus."

Such infections do not occur suddenly; they are often related to the large inhalation of mold spores. When intensive cleaning is carried out in areas that have been damp or dusty for an extended period, mold spores, which are not easily visible to the naked eye, can easily become airborne and be inhaled, posing potential health risks.

Source: CCTV News

Aspergillus flavus, commonly known as "烟曲霉," is a prevalent fungus that typically thrives in moist environments, mainly found in soil and decaying plant material. It is renowned for producing aflatoxin, a toxic compound harmful to humans and animals, which is often found in certain grains and nuts. Aspergillus flavus significantly impacts agriculture, particularly concerning crop storage and food safety, giving it considerable economic and public health importance.

Aspergillus flavus is a common mold that is widely present in natural environments. In daily life, it can hide in corners, kitchen sinks and countertops, inside refrigerators, or washing machines, and may also be found in books, carpets, and bedding that haven't been cleaned for a long time.

This mold primarily spreads through spores. The spores are tiny and lightweight, typically adhering to surfaces and are not easily noticeable. Once thorough cleaning is carried out, actions like sweeping, shaking, and wiping can displace many of these spores into the air, allowing them to remain airborne for prolonged periods, thereby being inhaled by individuals.

In most cases, minimal contact or inhalation of mold does not significantly affect health, as the human immune system can usually manage it without assistance.

Symptoms and Hazards of Aspergillus Infection

Infections caused by Aspergillus often target the respiratory system; their initial symptoms can easily be mistaken for a cold or allergies. Common manifestations include a persistent cough, throat discomfort, nasal congestion with a runny nose, and sneezing. Some individuals may also experience eye itching, skin itching, or mild rashes. These reactions are often linked to allergies and may ameliorate upon leaving damp environments or after stopping cleaning activities. However, if symptoms persist or recur, vigilance is essential.

Aspergillus fumigatus primarily invades the lungs, and once it accumulates there, it can interfere with normal respiration. Individuals may experience recurrent symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, and if managed solely as a common respiratory infection, it may lead to a delayed diagnosis.

In individuals with severely compromised immune systems, infections can also affect areas like the nasal cavity and eyes. In rare cases, fungi may spread through the bloodstream and impact other organs. Such invasive infections progress rapidly and impose a significant burden on the body, making early detection and targeted treatment crucial.

Severe cases tend to occur more frequently in individuals with compromised immune functions and are not common among the general population. However, due to the atypical early symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly if prolonged fever persists, symptoms worsen, or any abnormal changes occur.

Moreover, not everyone who comes into contact with mold will experience severe issues. Children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to be affected. For instance, those who have been recently ill, have been staying up late for extended periods, suffer from chronic diseases, or are on immunosuppressive medications. When these individuals inhale a high volume of mold spores, their immune defenses are relatively inadequate, making them more susceptible to infections or allergic reactions.

How to Properly Prevent Mold

Before cleaning, it is vital to take personal protective measures. It is recommended to wear a mask and gloves before cleaning areas that may harbor mold. During the cleaning process, avoid forcefully striking or shaking moldy items to prevent a large number of mold spores from becoming airborne.

Moldy items should be addressed promptly. For books, carpets, bedding, or clothing that are visibly moldy, they should be cleaned or discarded in a timely manner, and continued use is discouraged.

Keep the air ventilated. Mold prefers damp, poorly ventilated environments. It is essential to ensure daily air circulation indoors; you can open at least two windows diagonally across the room for ventilation. During high humidity, you may use the dehumidifying function of the air conditioner to reduce indoor humidity, thus minimizing conditions favorable to mold growth.

Key areas require special attention. The bathroom, kitchen, washing machine, refrigerator seals, and the interior of the air conditioner are all locations where mold tends to accumulate. Avoid hanging clothes to dry in the bathroom as much as possible and maintain dryness after cleaning; the air conditioner should have its filters and internal components cleaned regularly to reduce long-term mold buildup.

Regular maintenance is more important than intensive cleaning. Periodically airing out bedding, carpets, and clothing to maintain a dry and tidy home environment is more effective at preventing mold than a one-time thorough cleaning before a holiday. The key to mold prevention lies in reducing humidity, ensuring ventilation, and taking protective measures during cleaning.

Cleaning is essential for health, but the method used is equally important. During Spring Festival cleaning, it is crucial not only to ensure that everything is "cleaned thoroughly" but also that it is done "safely."

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