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Social media is full of homeowner horror stories about mold hidden in walls and floors and attics. This unwelcome house guest has garnered a fearful reputation, especially as homeowners describe a myriad of health issues they attribute to mold exposure. But we wanted to know if these terrible tales amounted to much more than fear-mongering - so we asked the experts.
"There is strong scientific evidence from epidemiological studies that indoor dampness and mold exposure are associated with increased risks of respiratory symptoms, asthma exacerbation and allergic health effects," says Insung Kang, assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of Texas-Arlington, who studies occupant health and well-being in built environments.
Common symptoms associated with mold exposure include irritation of eyes, ears, nose and throat; coughing; fatigue; and sometimes joint or muscle pain. For North Texas resident Elizabeth Showers, it started with migraines and sleeping issues. Then she discovered that a leaky dishwasher had created the perfect environment for mold to grow in her kitchen. To address the issue at its source and mitigate the mold, she tore out part of her kitchen. Now, she regularly sees specialists to manage the health issues she attributes to mold exposure.
It's important to note that mold types vary, and the mold you might encounter in that bathroom shower you neglected to clean is different than a mold issue that permeates the walls of your home. But the unfortunate reality is that it's very common to find mold in houses. "A completely mold-free home doesn't exist," Showers has learned. There's probably little comfort to derive from that statement. But it's an issue that is fixable and preventable. And, if it causes health issues, those are often treatable, too.
Even if you don't have mold issues now, you should still be vigilant about preventing moisture in your home. "Moisture is really the root of the problem," says Showers, who is also a certified Building Biologist Environmental Consultant. "People chase mold, but they really need to be chasing the moisture."
The key is to keep (or make) your home a place where spores can't thrive and grow. And after any mold abatement, large or small, "it is essential to identify and fix the underlying moisture or water problem; otherwise, the mold is likely to come back," Kang says.
Identifying and addressing mold issues
If you're wondering whether you have a mold issue, "the free help you have is your nose and your eyes," Showers says. Telltale signs of potential trouble include water stains, musty odors, bubbling or bulging. "Your house will usually signal you in a small way before it's screaming at you," Showers says. "Don't ignore that stuff."
Peeling paint or wallpaper and any damp spots or areas with heavy condensation also demand a closer look, Kang says. And if your nose is signaling a problem, but you can't see anything, keep in mind that "mold growth may also be hidden behind walls, under carpets, in insulation materials, above ceilings or inside air ducts," he says. "In general, homeowners can clean up visible mold covering less than about 10 square feet if it is caused by a minor water or moisture problem," says Insung Kang. The Centers for Disease Control offers guidance for cleaning mold yourself, but know that this job may need to be paired with plumbing work to address the root cause.
If mold covers a large area, keeps coming back, or you suspect it's present but you can't see it, Kang says you should pursue professional mold remediation. This also applies to homes with extensive water damage, such as from a storm or flood.
Showers suggests choosing different companies for inspection and remediation, to protect yourself against conflicts of interest. Ask for references, accreditations and details on the remediation process, including how the space will be closed off to prevent spores from traveling into the rest of the house during the work.
Preventing mold in your home
"The most effective way to prevent mold before it becomes an issue is to control moisture and water issues first," Kang says. "For example, maintaining indoor relative humidity below 60 percent, repairing water leaks, preventing condensation and providing adequate ventilation in wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms are key preventive measures."
Since her mold battle, Showers has become a fan of a simple hygrometer, which measures relative humidity. She also uses dehumidifiers in spring and summer to keep her home's moisture level in check. Showers recommends verifying your bathroom fans vent out of the house and not into the attic - a space that isn't climate-controlled, where heat can quickly create a perfect mold environment when mixed with humidity.
Air purifiers also can contribute to a cleaner breathing experience. "Residential air cleaners with HEPA filters are effective in reducing indoor particulate matter and have also been shown to capture airborne mold spores and allergens," Kang says. But be aware that they won't stop mold from growing or help with moisture problems.
Will household mold give you health issues?
Aside from the fact that mold is gross and unsightly, the most concerning thing about its presence is the risk of health issues. But if there are no homes that are completely mold free, as Showers said, then why don't we all have health issues because of mold? Dr. Alfred Johnson, D.O., of Johnson Medical Associates in Richardson, who specializes in chronic illness, allergies and environmental medicine, says toxins can accumulate in the body and "everybody has a different level of tolerance to that." He says about one-third of the population is hyper-sensitive to mold exposure. And people with compromised immune systems are more likely to end up with lung or sinus infections following mold exposure. "You could have a family of six and two could be sick," he says. Sometimes that's about length of exposure - someone home all day could be more at risk than someone who leaves home during the day.
It could also be because of genetic susceptibility. "It's just like, Why did some people get COVID and some people didn't?" Johnson says. "The bottom line is, it's real. And then what do you do about it?"
Johnson says the best path to feeling better is removing toxins as quickly as possible. He uses a urine test to measure toxins in a patient and an intradermal test to check for mold allergies.
His treatment plan uses supplements to boost liver function and, as needed, prescription medications to help alleviate symptoms. He also sometimes uses hyperbaric treatment to stimulate the metabolism, helping the body process and expel toxins more quickly. "The people that remain sick a long time are those that don't metabolize well," Johnson says.
He also advises patients to stay out of their homes until the mold there has been handled. "You've got to get out of that to get well," he says. "Otherwise, you just keep getting sick."
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