Question from HEG
My parents who live in Massachusetts have respiratory infections (common colds) very frequently, probably every couple of months. When I lived with them during my childhood I also had very frequent colds, although now I rarely have them, and I get colds about 50% of the time when I come to visit them.
I am starting to wonder if there may be a contaminant/exposure in their home that may be responsible for these frequent, yet mild, symptoms. They live in a very old home built in the 1800’s with a significant amount of air exchange, and as far as I believe the outside air in their suburb is very clean.
They have had mold problems in the past, but these problems were treated. Other than mold, what other chemicals/exposures might they want to test their home for? Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
I just happen to have an article about how toxic chemical exposures relate to colds and flu at Toxics & Health: Toxic Chemicals Contribute to Catching Colds and Flu.
Also came across an article of 15 Best Foods for Cold & Flu Season that tells how to use foods to support your immune system.
If this house seems to cause the common cold, it’s either mold, chemicals, or some other airborne irritant like dust.
If they had problems with mold in the past, they may be having them again if the conditions were not changed.
Before spending thousands of dollars on air tests, go through their house with a copy of my book Home Safe Home to identify chemical exposures. Cleaning these up may do the trick.
