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Did you know that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors? That means the air you breathe at home matters—a lot. Experts warn that over half of U.S. homes have mold problems, and nearly a third of people have genes that make them especially vulnerable to mold-related health issues.
If mold is lurking in your home, you need to know the warning signs. Exposure can trigger serious health problems, and if you don’t act fast, the damage can get worse.
In this article, we’ll reveal the key symptoms of mold exposure so you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets against this nasty fungus before it’s too late.
What are the symptoms of mold exposure in humans?
Mold exposure doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Symptoms can vary based on the type of mold, how you were exposed, and even how sensitive your body is to it. Some people only notice issues during certain seasons, while others struggle with symptoms all year long.
For some, mold poisoning can be completely silent—no obvious symptoms at all. But for others, it can trigger a range of health problems, from mild irritation to serious complications. And it’s not just people—your pets can suffer from mold exposure too.
If something seems off, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Mold Allergy Symptoms
People with allergies are especially vulnerable to mold exposure. If you live in a home with mold problems, work in a contaminated space, or spend time in a moldy school or office, your body may react more strongly than others.
Here are some common symptoms that could signal mold exposure:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Eye irritation (watering, red eyes, itching)
- Sore, dry throat
- Dry cough or sneezing
- Skin irritation (rash, skin scaling)
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- General malaise
- Brain fog (difficulty focusing)
If mold exposure continues, symptoms can become more severe over time. Worse, if you already have asthma or other lung conditions, mold can make them significantly worse. Ignoring the problem doesn’t just keep you feeling unwell—it can lead to long-term health complications that are much harder to reverse.
Mold Infection Symptoms
Mold infections are rare in people with healthy immune systems, but if your immune defenses are weakened—whether by medication, illness, smoking, or heavy alcohol use—you become much more vulnerable. Those with lung conditions or preexisting health issues are at an even higher risk.
At first, a mold infection might not cause any noticeable symptoms. But over time, it can progress, leading to serious health problems. Watch for these warning signs:
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Wet cough (with mucus or blood)
If you notice these symptoms, talk with your doctor and follow his advice closely to stop the inflammation.
What Happens if You Eat Moldy Food?
The idea of eating moldy food is enough to make most people cringe. In most cases, the worst you’ll experience is a bit of disgust and maybe a bad taste in your mouth.
But if your immune system isn’t working properly, ingesting mold can cause more serious reactions. Here are some symptoms to watch for:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- If you are allergic to mold, those allergy symptoms may be triggered also
If you notice mold on your food that you don’t want to throw away, consult the USDA’s guide on handling moldy food.
What is (black) mold?
To fully understand the threat, let’s break down what black mold—also called toxic mold—really is, how it affects people, and who is most at risk. When it comes to protecting your health, knowledge is power.
All mold can be harmful at high enough levels, triggering allergic reactions and other health issues. But the real concern comes from certain types that produce toxins known as mycotoxins.
You’ve probably heard the terms “black mold” or “toxic mold.” These refer to mold species that can release harmful toxins. The most notorious is Stachybotrys, but other dangerous molds include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Chaetomium, Trichoderma, Phoma, and Fusarium. These molds have been linked to serious health risks, making it crucial to identify and address them as soon as possible.
How does mold affect people?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, mold exposure is not connected to any specific symptoms. But, immediately after this sentence, the website stresses that any mold should be removed from a building.
It is clear, however, that mold exposure can cause certain symptoms, but they might be different from person to person. That makes sense – our immune systems are different, and we have different pre-existing conditions, so why should mold treat us the same?
When mold grows in a house, it releases spores into the air that contain mycotoxins. Our bodies are generally accustomed to the amount and types of mold we’re exposed to outside. When indoor mold levels are high relative to outdoor levels, or more harmful varieties of mold are present, allergies and other health issues can result.
Who is susceptible to mold poisoning?
Some people develop symptoms rather quickly, when others, even under the same conditions, might not experience any symptoms at all. People with existing health problems are more susceptible to mold-related issues.
We will mention three primary health conditions that make an individual more likely to develop mold exposure symptoms: chronic diseases, allergies, and immune suppression.
People with Chronic Diseases
Individuals with the chronic respiratory disease might develop mold poisoning symptoms after inhaling just a small amount of mold spores. The more spores inhaled – the worse their condition and symptoms will be.
Therefore, people with asthma or obstructive pulmonary disorder need to be on full guard when dealing with mold.
People with Mold Allergies
If a person is allergic to mold, the reaction for mold exposure might be more intense. It can show itself as a respiratory reaction or on the skin.
Because people with allergies are more sensitive, it is important to minimize contact with moldy areas or infected air, as longer exposure can lead to more severe problems.
People With Suppressed Immune System
Also, those with immune suppression are at high-risk for developing fungal infections after mold exposure. Even if your immune system normally works well, but you just had the flu – your immune system will likely be weak after fighting the virus.
Alcohol, smoking, and bad nutrition also suppress your immune system, making you more susceptible to mold poisoning.
Can Doctors Test for Mold Exposure?
If you are aware of mold growth in your home and you feel sick, inform your doctor about the mold and your symptoms right away. But sometimes you can’t see mold, and it is not clear whether it’s mold exposure that’s made you sick or not.
Because mold allergy or mold exposure symptoms can resemble that of other allergies, the doctor will typically start by asking about your medical and family medical history. Additionally, doctors usually run tests for mold exposure which may include one or more of the following:
- Skin test for reactions to allergens, including mold
- IgG mold antibodies test to see the immune system’s reaction to molds. A positive test means that an individual was or is currently exposed to mold
- Urine mycotoxins test
- A fungal culture of the nasal sinuses
The type of testing you’ll receive depends on the doctor you visit, so be sure to ask questions ahead of time so you can feel confident in your diagnosis.
How Do You Treat Mold Exposure?
Just like diagnosing mold exposure, treatment can vary depending on the doctor. However, most doctors will agree on one crucial step—testing for mold in your home and removing it if necessary.
No treatment will provide lasting relief if you’re still exposed to unhealthy indoor conditions.
To manage symptoms, doctors may recommend:
- Over-the-counter medication. Medicine that would decrease the airway inflammation and suppress the allergic reactions.
- Nasal sprays to deal with a runny or stuffy nose or rinses to clear your nasal passages from inhaled mold spores.
- Regular allergy medicine
A strong immune system is key to fighting off mold-related symptoms, so lifestyle and diet changes may be needed to support overall health. In more severe allergy cases, doctors may prescribe immunotherapy to help reduce symptoms and improve the body’s tolerance to mold exposure.
How to Know If You Have Black Mold in Your House?
Mold isn’t always easy to spot. If you can see it, that’s just the tip of the iceberg—the real danger is the mold spores floating in the air, which can impact your health even if the mold itself isn’t visible.
Mold is everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. The key factor is the type and amount of mold in your environment. Most people are used to the mold levels found outside, but when indoor spaces develop excessive moisture—like from high humidity or water leaks—harmful mold can grow and reach unhealthy levels.
Here are some warning signs that mold in your home may be putting your health at risk:
- Allergic symptoms (especially in winter when outdoor allergens are low)
- A damp or musty odor in one or more places
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulties breathing
- The air in the home feels different
- Your house has been flooded or currently has leaks
- You previously tried removing mold yourself
Pay attention to how you feel when you’re at home versus when you’re out. If your symptoms improve or disappear when you leave, there’s a good chance mold is the culprit—even if you can’t see it.
To confirm a mold problem, consider getting a professional inspection and air quality test from a local mold testing company. These tests measure the types and levels of mold in the air, and results are usually available within a week. Testing your indoor air is one of the best ways to get a clear, objective answer about whether mold is affecting your home or workplace.
How to Remove Mold
Do it yourself
There are plenty of DIY mold removal options for you on the web including scrubbing with bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. Some of these are more effective than others. If the problem is minor and localized, these may suffice. After DIY treatment, it may be good to have an air quality test taken to measure the effectiveness of your work.
Hire a professional mold removal company
If the problem is more than minor, DIY methods will likely only remove the appearance of mold for a short time. For more serious problems, the best approach is to hire a certified and reputable local mold removal company.
Most mold remediation companies will recommend demolition of the infected part of your home to literally remove the mold, so keep in mind that you might have additional expenses to restore a portion of your house. On top of that, the process might take several days.
If you are looking into demolition-free mold removal, then consider companies that use a dry fog technique. When properly done, this method not only kills mold without demolition, but it also takes less than a day to complete.
We have the equipment and expertise to remove mold completely AND prevent it from coming back for at least 90 days! Learn More »
How to Prevent Mold
Whether you just got rid of the mold or you don’t ever want to see it in your house – you need to know the mold prevention rules. To prevent mold from appearing in your house:
- Keep the humidity levels between 30% and 50%
- Often check your house for leaks and signs of mold
- Keep air moving in the home, especially in the winter to prevent condensation on windows
- Use kitchen or bathroom fans to take out excess moisture after/during usage
- Address any water-damage issues quickly
Small investments in prevention can go long ways…and keep more cash in your pocket!
If you suspect mold exposure and are experiencing symptoms, it’s advisable to seek medical advice and address the underlying cause of mold growth in your environment.
Exactly!