Is Mold Making You Sick? The Case for Home Testing with Corey Levy

Is Mold Making You Sick? The Case for Home Testing with Corey Levy

Find out if mold is making you sick and how to test for mold with Corey Levy of We Inspect and The Dust Test. You can watch the replay below. Please note that you will be asked to provide your email address at the 30-minute mark to continue viewing the replay.


Mold Can Be a Root Cause of Many Chronic Health Conditions

More and more health practitioners and their patients have discovered that a mold problem in the home or school is a hidden and unknown root cause of a variety of health conditions such as:

If your child’s healing has stalled out, it helps to know that a mold problem is often a hidden root cause of illness. Please view our documented success stories below of children and an adult who reversed their diagnoses by addressing mold as a root cause.

Children, and even adults, often don’t know that they’re being exposed to mold. In many cases, mold isn’t visible in a preliminary inspection.

Symptoms of Mold Exposure

If you or your child has any of the following symptoms, consider that mold exposure could be a root cause:

  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Sneezing
  • Headaches
  • Nosebleeds
  • Wheezing / coughing

In This Expert Interview

Corey Levy helped us to answer the following questions in this expert interview:

  • What are some signs, symptoms and common diagnoses associated with mold and mycotoxin illness?
  • Is everyone affected equally by mold and mycotoxins? If not, why?
  • What are some underlying conditions in the home that can contribute to mold proliferation?
  • Why is mold contamination at such an epidemic in homes and schools?
  • What kind of tests should be run for suspected mold contamination?
  • What if mold tests come back normal?
  • What is the best way to remediate mold in the home?
  • Is bleach the best for getting rid of mold?

Key Discussions

Mold as an Overlooked Root Cause in Chronic Illness

Many chronic health conditions, especially those resistant to conventional treatments (like Lyme, autism, ADHD, autoimmune disorders), often have hidden environmental triggers such as mold. Home environment and the “total load” of stressors—including mold exposure—should be considered when healing stalls. Corey emphasized that it’s common for families with chronic health issues to discover mold as the missing piece after extensive unsuccessful treatments.

Modern Building Practices and Increased Mold Sensitivity

Changes in building materials (like drywall and wood) and construction techniques (creating tighter, less-ventilated homes) have led to a higher risk of moisture problems that contribute to mold proliferation. This, combined with the increased chemical exposures and lifestyle factors, heightens people’s sensitivity to mold in recent years. Corey pointed out that environmental and lifestyle shifts have compounded total load, making mold a bigger modern issue.

Gut Dysbiosis, Mycotoxins, and the Health Impact of Mold

Mold affects multiple systems in the body, especially gut and neurological health. Mycotoxins—the toxins molds produce—can disrupt gut flora, leading to widespread inflammation and symptoms in other systems. Antibiotics (many derived from molds) and low stomach acid can worsen susceptibility and hinder healing. The interplay between environmental exposure and internal detox capacity is a recurring theme in this interview.

Importance of Proper Mold Testing and Home Investigation

Conventional moisture testing and visual inspections are insufficient, as most mold problems are hidden or occur after past water damage. Tools like the Dust Test (using DNA-based analysis) can provide a more accurate picture of mold species and load in a home, guiding more targeted remediation. Corey advocated for thorough inspection and exposure mapping, using health and environmental data to prioritize remediation. He also offered a 15% discount off of the Dust Test with code HOPE15.

Rational Planning and Individualized Remediation Strategies

Not all mold requires immediate drastic action (like moving out or throwing away belongings). A phased, data-driven approach is important to identify, prioritize, and address exposures based on the impact to affected individuals can be used instead. Comprehensive planning avoids unnecessary fear-driven spending and ensures resources are focused where they will make the most difference. Corey stressed the value of focusing efforts on “highest impact” areas and avoiding panic, especially in complex or multi-symptom cases.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Indoor health expert interview
08:43 Multi-systemic health challenges
15:38 Mold and mycotoxin risks
21:12 Low stomach acid concerns
25:51 Mold’s impact: colonization and mycotoxins
30:48 Dangers of dry mold aerosolization
32:49 Mold testing: understanding type and load
42:08 Hidden signs of black mold
45:58 Mold inspection and remediation planning
49:13 Choosing reliable mold remediation experts
54:43 Mold awareness and approach
01:03:12 Mycotoxin insights with Ovation Labs
01:05:27 Understanding purpose of mold tests
01:11:35 Mold impact and health solutions
01:18:55 Mold: Surface fix isn’t enough
01:23:32 Mold testing and health insights
01:31:22 Car AC musty odor solutions
01:34:16 Mold dog inspection insights
01:38:01 Mold suspected in child’s health condition
01:48:38 Reducing stressors systematically
01:52:56 Dust test discount offered: 15% discount off of the Dust Test with code HOPE15.

About Corey Levy

Corey Levy, who has certifications as a Microbial Investigator and Indoor Environmentalist. He specializes in indoor air quality and is licensed as a mold assessor in Florida and New York, he’s also a WELL Accredited Professional, focusing on health and wellness in building designs. With over 2,000 mold investigations, Levy’s expertise benefits individuals with hypersensitive health issues. He actively participates in international conferences, enhancing his knowledge on conditions like CIRS, Lyme disease, and more, emphasizing a commitment to health through environmental quality. Corey is also the co-founder of We Inspect, the co-founder of The Dust Test, a founding partner of Environmental Technology Solutions, and a founding board member of the Change the Air Foundation. His main websites are https://yesweinspect.com/ and https://www.thedusttest.com/

Disclaimer

This expert interview is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Documenting Hope has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this expert interview.

Still Looking for Answers?

Visit the Documenting Hope Practitioner Directory to find a practitioner near you.

Join us inside our online membership community for parents, Healing Together, where you’ll find even more healing resources, expert guidance, and a community to support you every step of your child’s healing journey.

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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.

Dashore, J. A., et al. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Lyme Disease: Exploring Shared Neuro-Inflammatory and Immune Pathways. Medical Research Archives, [online] 13(11).

Dashore, J. A., et al. Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome: Exploring Neuroimmune Pathology and Multisystem Framework for Differential Diagnosis in Pediatrics- Part 1. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 13, n. 10, Oct. 2025.

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De Santis, B., et al. Role of mycotoxins in the pathobiology of autism: A first evidence. Nutr Neurosci. 2019 Feb;22(2):132-144.

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