Gaby
Many people know that microscopic fungi that invade house walls can trigger asthma and other allergies. Nicholas Mani, a biology professor at the University of Miami, says indoor mold can cause even more serious health problems.
Ubiquitous Mold
Mold is nearly everywhere: on houseplants, in the pantry, on the exterior and interior surfaces of buildings, and in cracks in concrete walkways; these fungi even live on our bodies.
But mold can also be useful. It’s not just the mold in expensive cheeses. Microscopic fungi are excellent recyclers, breaking down organic material and returning nutrients to the environment.
All fungi, including mold, release tiny airborne spores. Mold produces huge numbers of these spores, and we constantly inhale them—especially when mold has taken over a home.
Mani explains that when spores land on a surface, they germinate, forming threads that grow and branch. Those thread-like structures spread into spiderweb-like colonies across surfaces, and once established they produce a new generation of spores.
Where Does Mold Settle Indoors?
Mold can thrive even in the cleanest homes. It commonly grows under sinks, on shower curtains, and in the drains of dishwashers and washing machines. In humid climates, it often attacks walls.
Mani says many different mold species grow indoors; only a biologist can identify them. Common household molds include Aspergillus and Penicillium, which can look very similar, as well as Cladosporium and Chaetomium, which favor damp carpets.
Stachybotrys is another common household fungus, often found under flower pots.
When Does Mold Become a Problem?
Mold becomes a problem when it forms large brown or black patches that literally eat away at surfaces. If the affected area is smaller than a pizza box, you can probably clean it yourself.
Widespread mold growth requires serious intervention from professionals and may involve significant home repairs. First, consult an indoor air quality specialist. They will measure spore concentrations in the house. High concentrations of spores can be dangerous to health, Science Alert reported.
If indoor spore levels exceed outdoor levels, mold will continue to spread inside. A specialist will perform professional air sampling, identify the problem, and recommend how to resolve it.
Why Fight Mold in Your Home?
Mani points to three main problems with indoor mold. First, it damages living spaces by discoloring surfaces and creating unpleasant odors.
Second, airborne spores pose a range of health risks: asthma, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and more. Third, some types of mold produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins.
Stachybotrys—commonly called toxic black mold—is especially dangerous for children. In the 1990s, outbreaks in Cleveland were linked to pulmonary hemorrhage in infants. Black mold spores are sticky and don’t disperse easily in the air, but infants’ developing lungs are highly vulnerable to their effects.
Recognizing when mold in the home becomes a threat can help people reduce stress and protect their health, Mani said.
