Black mold was cited as problematic in two separate news stories. The Ironton, Ohio, Social Security Administration building was closed due to dangerous mold levels. A new study was also released, linking black or toxic mold to asthma in children.

Black mold, called stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys arta, is the bane of public buildings. New or old, black mold poses a threat, especially to carpeted buildings. The American Federation of Government Employees union is relieved that Ohio SSA officials finally closed the public building for repairs. The union had been pushing for two years to get the building disinfected of toxic mold contamination.

Black mold can cause a host of respiratory, allergy and asthma conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for addressing mold issues. Black mold is an environmental toxin. In our local area, one elementary had to be closed and students relocated to clean up a severe black mold infestation. Clean-up efforts took most of the school year.

A study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recently, found that children who were raised in homes with high mold levels were more than two and a half times as likely to develop asthma by age seven than children who lived in homes with low mold levels. Other factors involved in asthma development were family predisposition to asthma and dust mite allergies.

How can parents help children avoid asthma and keep mold levels down in their homes? Here are some steps:

* Water causes mold. Carpets and upholstery trap water and cause mold to form. Moisture-proof your home. Repair water leaks in plumbing.

* Vacuum carpets frequently with a non-allergenic vacuum. Bagless vacuums tend to clean more thoroughly. They also prevent mold and bacteria growth when they are emptied after each use. Steam clean carpets once or twice a year (more frequently in damp, humid climates). Run a dehumidifier. Use DampRid pellets to absorb water and prevent mold growth.

* Keep homes properly ventilated. Keep vents free of debris and dust. Run ceiling exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens where mold accumulates, especially when taking a shower. Keep fans, furnace, air conditioner and appliance filters clean.

* Periodically check kitchen and bathroom ceilings and walls for mold growth. If you find black mold, air out the room and use bleach solution to thoroughly clean mold away. Wear disposable gloves, safety glasses and a face mask to prevent contamination and illness.

* Lock windows in winter and during rains. New windows seal with a gasket that prevents moisture from entering when locked.

* Air conditioners have been found to have some positive impact for asthma sufferers. Air conditioner distill humidity and damp from the air while cooling it. This helps to prevent mold growth. Be sure to keep AC filters clean to prevent circulating dirty air.

* Antihistamines can help with seasonal allergies. The most common form of antihistamine, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is known to cause drowsiness. Benadryl does work well for nighttime allergy sufferers. Zyrtec (cetirazine), Claritin (loratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadrine) are 24-hour non-drowsy antihistamines. They are available over-the-counter. Zyrtec and Claritin are available in less expensive generic versions. I have severe pollen allergies; Zyrtec helps me breathe, sleep and function during summer months.

Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 22 years parenting four children, 25 years in education and health research and decades of DIY home maintenance.