Mold in the Home Poses Significant Health Risks
Mold in the home can pose significant health risks to occupants, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Often times if you have made a lot of diet, lifestyle and other health supportive changes and you do not see a significant improvement in symptoms, there could a chronic, underlying mold issue that could impede healing progress.
Mold-Exposure Symptoms
Mold exposure can cause a wide range of symptoms including:
Respiratory symptoms:
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Sinus congestion or recurrent sinus infections
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- Runny nose/post-nasal drip
Neurological and behavioral symptoms:
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
- Fatigue or low energy
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
Skin and sensory symptoms:
- Rashes, hives, or unexplained skin irritation that may look like eczema
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Sensitivity to light, noise or tactile stimulus
Gastrointestinal symptoms:
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Poor appetite
Immune or inflammatory systems
- Persistent infections (ear, sinus, respiratory)
- Joint or muscle pain
- Unexplained fevers
Mold-Exposure Symptoms Often Misdiagnosed
Since mold exposure symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, it’s often overlooked as a root cause. If mold exposure is suspected, improving air quality, checking for hidden mold, and detox-supportive interventions may be helpful.
Many of the symptoms can go away once you have left the mold-riddled home or school but they may return upon exposure to mold again. Mold exposure can lead to chronic, waxing symptoms and is often misdiagnosed, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases such dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s, as well as symptoms of autism and potentially even cancer.
Why More Mold Sensitivity Now?
While mold has been around for a long time in the human environment, humans have become increasingly sensitive and reactive to it due to numerous lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and medication usage. Remediation of mold involves addressing water damage and moisture intrusion in the home to prevent recurring problems, but it also involves detoxing the body from mold and mold biofilms.
Mold Inspection and Pitfalls
Mold inspection is an important first step in identifying and addressing mold issues in the home. However, it is not without its pitfalls. One common mistake is the lack of proper vetting and training in the industry. Homeowners often face challenges in hiring qualified inspectors due to the technical knowledge required. We recommend using professionals who can provide a thorough inspection, focusing on unconditioned spaces and using tools such as moisture meters.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) inspections are often ineffective, as homeowners may overlook key aspects such as assessing moisture intrusion and water damage in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and HVAC systems. Additionally, visual inspections alone are insufficient and can miss hidden mold growth.
If You Suspect Mold in Your Home
If you suspect that you have mold in your home, here are some concrete action steps you can take:
1. Identify Signs of Mold
Look for visible mold growth (black, green, or white spots), musty odors, water damage, peeling paint, or warped walls.
2. Stop Moisture at the Source
Mold thrives in damp environments. Fix leaks, dry out wet areas, and use dehumidifiers to keep humidity below 50%.
3. Inspect High-Risk Areas
Check basements, bathrooms, under sinks, around windows, attics, and HVAC systems. Hidden mold can lurk in walls, carpets, and insulation.
4. Get Professional Mold Testing
While DIY mold tests exist, a professional indoor air quality test or ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) test provides more reliable results.
5. Avoid DIY Disturbance of Moldy Areas
Disturbing mold can release spores into the air, worsening exposure. Avoid scrubbing or using bleach (which doesn’t fully eliminate mold).
6. Improve Ventilation & Filtration
Use HEPA air purifiers and ensure proper airflow in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Open windows when possible.
7. Temporarily Relocate if Symptoms Are Severe
If family members experience serious health issues, consider staying elsewhere until remediation is complete.
8. Hire a Certified Mold Remediation Expert
Choose a specialist trained in safe mold removal (not just cleaning). They should address moisture issues, remove contaminated materials, and ensure proper containment.
9. Support Detox & Healing
Mold exposure can harm the immune system. Affected individuals may benefit from:
- Binders such as activated charcoal, bentonite clay and modified citrus pectin
- Liver support supplements such as glutathione, milk thistle and NAC
- Nasal rinses to clear mold from sinuses or biofilm busters like Aqualaurin
- Nutrient support such as B vitamins, omega-3s, and antiinflammatory foods and supplements
10. Prevent Future Mold Growth
Maintain low indoor humidity, use mold-resistant materials, clean air ducts, and ensure proper drainage outside the home.
For more detailed guidance on inspecting and remediating the mold in your home, visit Change the Air Foundation and follow their detailed guide for addressing mold in the home: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-water-damage/
Conclusion
Mold in the home can significantly impact health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Proper inspection, testing, cleaning, and remediation are essential to effectively address mold issues and prevent recurring problems. Homeowners should seek professional assistance to ensure thorough and accurate inspection and remediation. A holistic approach to mold management emphasizes the importance of balancing microbial environments, lifestyle factors, and professional guidance for long-term solutions.
About Beth Lambert
Beth Lambert is a former healthcare consultant and teacher. As a consultant, she worked with pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic and other health care companies to evaluate industry trends.
She is the author of A Compromised Generation: The Epidemic of Chronic Illness in America’s Children (Sentient Publications, 2010). She is also a co-author of Documenting Hope's Brain Under Attack: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers of Children with PANS, PANDAS, and Autoimmune Encephalitis. She is a co-author of Reversal of Autism Symptoms among Dizygotic Twins through a Personalized Lifestyle and Environmental Modification Approach: A Case Report and Review of the Literature, J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 641.

In 2009, Beth founded Documenting Hope and currently serves as Executive Director. Beth attended Oxford University, graduated from Williams College and holds a Masters Degree in American Studies from Fairfield University.
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Sources & References
Baker, S., et al. Case Study: Rapid Complete Recovery From An Autism Spectrum Disorder After Treatment of Aspergillus With The Antifungal Drugs Itraconazole And Sporanox. Integr Med (Encenitas). 2020 Aug;19(4):20-27.
Bennett, J.W., et al. Mycotoxins. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. Jul 2003: 497-516.
Berndtson, K., et al. Medically sound investigation and remediation of water-damaged buildings in cases of CIRS-WDB. Center for Research on Biotoxin Associated Illness. 2016 Jan 19.
Berry, Y. A Physician’s Guide to Understanding and Treating Biotoxin Illness. 2014.
de Allori, M.C.G., et al. Antimicrobial resistance and production of biofilms in clinical isolates of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus strains. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Aug;29(8):1592-6.
De Santis, B., et al. Role of mycotoxins in the pathobiology of autism: A first evidence. Nutr Neurosci. 2019 Feb;22(2):132-144.
De Santis, B., et al. Study on the Association among Mycotoxins and other Variables in Children with Autism. Toxins (Basel). 2017 Jun 29;9(7):203.
Hope, J. A review of the mechanism of injury and treatment approaches for illness resulting from exposure to water-damaged buildings, mold, and mycotoxins. ScientificWorldJournal. 2013 Apr 18;2013:767482.
Hudnell, H.K. Chronic biotoxin-associated illness: multiple-system symptoms, a vision deficit, and effective treatment. Neurotoxicol Teratol. Sep-Oct 2005;27(5):733-43.
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2004.
Kali, A. Antibiotics and bioactive natural products in treatment of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A brief review. Pharmacogn Rev. Jan-Jun 2015;9(17):29-34.
Kontoyiannis, D.P., et al. Treatment principles for the management of mold infections. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2014 Nov 6;5(4):a019737.
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Shoemaker, R.C., et al. Sick building syndrome (SBS) and exposure to water-damaged buildings: time series study, clinical trial and mechanisms. Neurotoxicol Teratol. Sep-Oct 2006;28(5):573-88.
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Resources
Articles
Dr. Bogner Health: Mycotoxins and Autism
Dr. Shoemaker’s 11 Step Treatment Protocol
Books
Dashore, Jodie. The BioNexus Approach to Biotoxin Illness. Blurb, 2020.
Shoemaker, Ritchie MD, et al. The Art and Science of CIRS Medicine. BookBaby, 2020.
Shoemaker, Ritchie MD, et al. Surviving Mold: Life in the Era of Dangerous Buildings. Otter Bay Books, 2010.
Vetter, Paula. Mold Illness: Surviving and Thriving: A Recovery Manual for Patients & Families Impacted By CIRS. BookBaby, 2018.
Presentations
Berry, Yvonne. A Physician’s Guide to Understanding & Treating Biotoxin Illness. Based on the work of Ritchie Shoemaker, M.D.
Tests
GENIE (Genomic Expression: Inflammation Explained) test
Mosaic Diagnostics MycoTOX Profile
Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test (VCS)
Websites
Change the Air Foundation's Downloads on Mold Remediation
Videos
Autism and Mold Exposure: Why Testing for Mycotoxins is so Important by Dr. Woeller