Hazards of Dorm Living Include Bed Bugs and Mold

High school graduates across the country are gearing up for the rite of passage of moving out of their parents' homes for the first time. And as if the anxieties of living on their own and starting college aren't enough, Health.com reports on 9 Health Hazards Hidden in College Dorms.

The list includes:

• Meningitis
• Mononucleosis
• Colds and the flu
• Mold
• Bedbugs
• Athlete's foot
• Sleep deprivation
• Binge drinking
• STDs

While preventing many of these involves good hygiene practices and knowledge on the subject matter, mold and bedbugs are two items that are somewhat out of a college freshman's control. But AchooAllergy.com can help with both of these issues.

In terms of mold, it should be noted that a suspicion of mold infestation in the building itself, such as in walls or ceiling tiles, should be cause for moving out. The hazards are simply too great, and remediation in that situation is not in the student's hands. However, for matters such as a too-humid room, a small dehumidifier goes a long way, not only in preventing moisture buildup and mold growth, but also in keeping the dorm room comfortable.

When it comes to bedbugs, the scenario is similar: If upon inspection, a dorm room appears to have a bed bug problem – get out of there. But if the coast is clear, use Allergy Armor Bed Bug Mattress Covers in conjunction with Allergy Armor Ultra to keep both bed bugs and dust mites at bay.