Mold exists everywhere and is a natural part of the environment, so avoiding it completely is nearly impossible. But exposure to an excess of mold can be bad for your health, especially if you have a chronic lung disease like asthma or COPD. Mold is also known as a common trigger for allergies and other respiratory illnesses. In these cases, inhaling or touching mold irritates the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. Here is what you need to know about mold to keep your lungs healthy.
Sources of Mold Indoors
For most people, mold outdoors is seen as a part of nature and the open air means it presents less of a threat to the lungs. But mold spores that grow indoors can become a problem quickly. Mold grows indoors when spores land where there is moisture and an organic food source such as wood, cloth or cardboard. Buildings with a mold infestation commonly have a musty odor. Water can enter your home in a variety of ways including:
- Leaky pipes, roofs or window frames
- Seeping through the basement or ground-level floor. If the floor is carpeted and becomes damp this is the perfect breeding ground for mold
- Inadequate exhaust in bathrooms, the kitchen or laundry room
- Dryer vents that have been disconnected from their external vent pipe
- Condensation buildup from humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners and refrigerator drip pans
- Overcrowding in the indoor environment due to the moisture that is exhaled during the respiration process.
Mold and Your Health
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) a reaction to mold is relatively common, with about 3-10% of people reporting a mold allergy. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common type of mold that is known to trigger serious reactions. This fungus can be found in soil, dust, plant material and even food. If inhaled, this mold is particularly harmful to people with a chronic lung disease or weakened immune system.
Allergic reactions can be either immediate or delayed. The most common symptoms cause irritation to the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs. Inhaling mold can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, nasal congestion and sore throat, as well as worsening asthma and COPD symptoms that can cause a flare-up. Note that many of these symptoms are consistent with a common cold, which is why many individuals and healthcare professionals do not recognize these reactions due to mold exposure.
Mold Cleanup and Prevention
If mold is a problem in your home, you need to clean it up and eliminate the source of the moisture as soon as possible. In fact, if you act quickly and dry wet or damp areas within 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
If you find mold, clean-up begins with finding the source of the leak and fixing it. This may require assistance from a plumber or contractor to repair gutters or pipes. They should make sure downspouts are directed away from the building foundation, so water does not flow down the foundation and into your home. Remember, concrete blocks are really just rigid sponges. If you are unsure if you need a professional, the EPA recommends getting help cleaning up any mold growth that covers more than 10 square feet (just less than 3 ft. by 3 ft). You should also always bring in a professional if the water was caused by sewage, floods or any other contaminated water.
If you can handle the job yourself, be sure to wear a N-95 mask, disposable gloves and googles to keep yourself from breathing in the spores. Start by scrubbing mold off hard surfaces with soap and water and dry completely. If porous materials like carpet or ceiling tiles are moldy, they will need to be thrown away and replaced. It is recommended that moldy items be contained within plastic bags as they are discarded.
To prevent further mold infestations, identify areas that are often damp, like the shower, and find a way to increase ventilation by either running a fan for at least 20 minutes after bathing or opening a window. Using your range hood that is vented to the outside can prevent condensation from forming in your kitchen. These are also areas that you should clean more frequently to keep mold at a minimum. Another common place for mold to grow is a long wooden window frames. Keeping the curtains open during the day to increase air circulation certainly will help.
Blog last updated: March 27, 2025
