Allergenic molds 'very high' in Pittsburgh region

Levels of certain molds known to aggravate allergies have reached 'very high' levels in the Pittsburgh region for the first time this season, Allegheny General Hospital announced this morning.

Epicoccum mold and Alternaria mold, which are considered highly allergenic, are both elevated. The total mold count, based on spores captured by a device above the North Side hospital, is 50,779 spores per cubic meter of air.

Mold counts usually become elevated in late summer and fall when temperatures and moisture levels become right for the fungi to release their spores into the wind.

Those sensitive to mold might experience itchy, watery eyes, stuffy, runny noses and congestion. Molds can trigger asthma attacks. Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines, and allergy shots.