We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Effects of Mold on Health?

By N. Swensson
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,353
Share

Mold spores are present in virtually every indoor environment. They can grow on many different surfaces in bathrooms, basements, and almost any other area where moisture and oxygen are present. The effects of mold on health can vary. Many people are not usually affected by exposure to household mold, but others can be allergic to the spores. In these cases, mold can cause symptoms including sneezing, runny eyes, and dermatitis. People who are exposed to larger quantities of mold may experience more serious health problems like difficulty breathing and fever. The most serious effects of mold on health are fungal infections, usually in people with other chronic health conditions that affect the lungs.

Household mold spores are present in almost every indoor environment, and many times there are no effects of this mold on health. There are some homes, however, that have higher concentrations of mold than others, especially where there are high moisture levels such as in a damp basement or crawlspace. Plumbing leaks can also create sources of moisture and encourage mold growth. People who live in homes with high levels of mold who are allergic to the spores can have allergy symptoms. Unlike seasonal allergies, the symptoms may not improve during different times of the year and may worsen if more time is spent indoors.

Sometimes, the effects of mold on health are more serious than a mild allergic reaction. People who are exposed to higher concentrations of mold may suffer from more severe health effects. For example, people who are exposed to workplace conditions where very high levels of mold are present can have more severe allergic reactions and breathing problems. Children who are otherwise healthy may be more likely to experience negative health effects from mold exposure.

People who may experience the most severe effects of mold on health are those with existing health conditions that affect the lungs and breathing. People who have asthma may find that their symptoms worsen if they are exposed to mold. People with other chronic illnesses such as obstructive lung disease can develop infections as a result of mold exposure.

Household mold problems can usually be remedied by first cleaning moldy areas with either detergent or bleach and water. Then any sources of moisture such as plumbing leaks or basement dampness should be repaired. People who suspect that mold is affecting their health should visit a health care professional for more advice.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-effects-of-mold-on-health.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.