On April 5th, according to media reports, Mr. Wang, 60, unexpectedly ended up in the hospital last Saturday after completing tomb-sweeping duties, due to inhaling a large amount of impurities and dust.
It turns out that due to neglect, the tomb had accumulated a significant amount of dry branches, rotten leaves, and weeds. Mr. Wang inadvertently inhaled these harmful substances during the cleaning process.
At the time, Mr. Wang didn't think much of these impurities and dust, but after returning home, he began experiencing persistent dry coughing, frequently disturbed by coughing at night, unable to sleep peacefully. By the third day, his condition worsened, with intensified coughing, chest pain, and fever.
Upon examination, doctors found specific lesions in Mr. Wang's lungs, resembling tiny tree buds, suspecting he had contracted mold pneumonia. As the infection had affected his respiratory function, with blood oxygen saturation dropping to 90%, he had to be hospitalized for treatment.
When asked about his medical history, doctors learned that Mr. Wang had inhaled dust while sweeping the tomb, suggesting that the mixed mold in this dust likely caused his condition. Doctors explained that mold thrives in damp, warm environments, and the tomb, left uncleared for years with soil covered by fallen leaves, along with rising temperatures, provided favorable conditions for mold growth.
In light of this situation, doctors specifically advised elderly individuals with weakened immune systems, children, those with underlying health conditions, and individuals with allergic constitutions to stay away from dust and minimize contact with damp, decaying soil while sweeping tombs. They also recommended wearing masks and long clothing during tomb-sweeping to reduce exposure to harmful substances.
Furthermore, doctors pointed out that besides tombs, some damp corners in homes are also prone to mold growth, such as wall corners, window sills, kitchen sinks and stoves, kitchenware, seals, the interiors of refrigerators and washing machines, and air conditioners. Books and carpets left unused for long periods could also become breeding grounds for mold.
To eradicate these molds, doctors suggested using disinfectants such as 3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or a mixture of water and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio for cleaning. For items like books and carpets, regular sun exposure is recommended. Additionally, during the cleaning process, it's essential to wear masks and gloves to avoid inhaling mold or coming into contact with harmful substances.
