Hidden Sources of Infection at Home: All about Mold

Have you ever felt sick even when you haven’t stepped outside your home? While people commonly assume that they catch flu and airborne infections from outside, the very home they live in can harbor harmful pathogens. These pathogens are often fungal organisms, otherwise known as mold, which can be found as visible patches of growth in damp or humid areas of the house. This article intends to raise awareness about the sources, symptoms, and safety measures to prevent mold infections.

Vulnerable areas at home

Mold or mycotoxins can grow indoors, in normal building materials and furnishings, provided the environment is high in moisture. It can grow on surfaces like ceilings, walls, and carpets, and even on damaged buildings. Surfaces and areas that commonly remain wet can harbor these organisms easily. Bathtubs, shower rooms, and areas under the faucet are most vulnerable to mold infestation.

What does it look like?

Mold spores spotted in wet areas indoors may have a foul earthy smell and appear in the form of spots/patches. It can appear in a variety of colors like black, brown, purple or dark green and some may even appear pink. Among these, the pink patches are made of bacteria, unlike the other varieties of mold which are fungal in origin. However, all these variants can cause symptoms of allergy and respiratory illness upon exposure. The most toxic black mold (scientific name: Stachybotrys chartarum) is believed to cause more serious health issues when compared to pink ones and it needs to be eradicated by a professional mold removal specialist.

Symptoms of mold exposure

Although not all individuals are affected badly by mold exposure, it must be remembered that immunocompromised individuals experience some serious symptoms. Allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms are common symptoms of exposure, but it can also worsen existing allergies. In normal individuals, the symptoms can be mild involving nails and skin, and it generally resolves without any further complications. Research shows that constant ingestion of mycotoxins through contaminated food or pollutants can have an inflammatory effect involving the central nervous system and immune system. It is also said to have more harmful effects on people with weakened immune systems.

Individuals with asthma may experience more severe allergic reactions and worsening symptoms with exposure. In HIV affected individuals, it has been observed that the levels of the fungal organisms (aflatoxins) in the blood can increase and result in a higher viral load, further aggravating the disease. Inflammation and allergic reactions are triggered and aggravated by decreasing the barrier functions (normally present in the body to fight entry of toxins/allergens) and by increasing substances responsible for inflammation.

Noticeable symptoms of mold include eye irritation, burning sensation in the respiratory tract, sinus problems, cough, or unexplained tiredness. It may even cause neurological symptoms like brain fog, headache, and nausea.

Preventive/safety measures

Once mold growth has been identified, it needs to be cleaned up using water and bleach or hypochlorite disinfectants. Protective coverings like masks and gloves are highly recommended before cleaning the affected area and professional help is suggested in case of black mold involvement. Indoor air quality must be assessed if you suspect symptoms of mold infestation like patches/spots near vents or unpleasant smell in the air when it is not visually evident.

To prevent mold growth, consider fixing any leaky faucets or rectify problems leading to dampness within the home. Also consider using a dehumidifier if you live in areas high in humidity and use HEPA vacuums for cleanup. Professional assessment is necessary when the home or building has recently gone through a natural disaster such as a hurricane or flood leading to water inundation and dampness.

References

1.       Omotayo, O. P., Omotayo, A. O., Mwanza, M., & Babalola, O. O. (2019). Prevalence of mycotoxins and their consequences on human health. Toxicological Research, 35(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.5487/tr.2019.35.1.001

2.       Team, C. (2023, September 4). Most common types of molds found in homes. Habitat for Humanity. https://www.cohfh.org/most-common-types-of-molds-found-in-homes/

3.       OSHA.com. (n.d.). Identifying Mold Types: What Colors are Mold and Mildew? https://www.osha.com/blog/identifying-mold-types

4.       Leverette, M. M. (2025, July 31). What Causes Pink Mold & How to Get Rid of It. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-remove-pink-mold-5115056

5.       &Na, N. (2003). Adverse Human Health Effects Associated with Molds in the Indoor Environment. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 45(5), 470–478. https://doi.org/10.1097/00043764-200305000-00006

6.       Kraft, S., Buchenauer, L., & Polte, T. (2021). Mold, mycotoxins and a dysregulated immune system: a combination of concern? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(22), 12269. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222212269

7.       National Academies Press (US). (2004). Prevention and remediation of damp indoor environments. Damp Indoor Spaces and Health - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215647/

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