You’re likely to find mold growing in the darkest, dampest spaces. More than a cosmetic problem, mold can damage your home and contribute to health issues.

Let’s examine the types of mold you’re most likely to find in your home, the potential effects on your health, and how to get rid of mold.

Mold is an organism that’s part of the fungi family. It grows indoors as well as outdoors.

Outside, molds are an important part of the ecosystem. They help break down plant and animal matter. When mold grows inside, it can sometimes be problematic. It can cause allergies and infections in some people.

Multiple types of mold can grow in the same area. You can’t always tell the difference between types of mold without testing. Fortunately, you don’t need to know the type of mold to get rid of it.

The most common indoor molds are:

There are other molds that aren’t found indoors as often as those listed above, but you may still find them in your home. These include:

Having mold in your home won’t necessarily make you sick, but it does have the potential to cause certain health issues.

Touching or inhaling mold spores can cause allergy-like symptoms such as:

Mold exposure is not an emergency for most people. However, you should let your doctor know if you have a health condition that puts you at greater risk of complications and you believe you’re experiencing symptoms of a mold-related infection. Read more about mold-exposure complications below.

Mold can be black, white, spotted, or just about any color. It may appear powdery, cottony, or velvety.

If you notice a spot and aren’t sure if it’s just an old stain or a splotch of dirt, here’s how to tell if it could be a sign of a mold problem:

Mold is very common in homes and buildings.

One 2017 study found mold in every public building studied, with an average of about 14 instances of mold per building.

Another 2012 review study involving 31 European countries found mold in 1 in 6 homes. The author noted that the prevalence of mold may vary greatly depending on the regional climate.

Outdoor molds release tiny spores that float through the air. These spores can enter your home via:

Once mold spores get inside, they can grow in the right conditions.

Mold spores grow in spaces with moisture, such as:

They can latch onto a variety of materials, including:

Anytime you see or smell mold in your house, it’s a problem. All types of mold can potentially cause health issues and need to be removed.

Mold starts out as a little spot but grows quickly. You’ll usually notice it early on, unless it’s in an out-of-the-way location.

Mold is everywhere, and everyone breathes in mold spores. Mold allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to certain types of mold, which your body considers to be an allergen. This can result in symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion.

Not all molds cause allergy symptoms. The most common types of molds causing allergy symptoms are:

You may be more likely to develop a mold allergy or experience mold allergy symptoms if you:

If you believe you’re having symptoms of mold exposure, let a doctor know. It can be hard to tell if mold, another condition, or a type of allergy is causing your symptoms. Your doctor may offer you skin or blood tests to determine whether you truly have a mold allergy.

Treatments and preventative steps for mold allergies may include:

Some types of over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help relieve mild to moderate symptoms linked to mold exposure. These medications include:

If you have more severe symptoms, be sure to reach out to a healthcare professional.

Most people may only experience an allergic reaction or allergy-like symptoms following mold exposure. More rarely, mold can cause more serious health issues in some people with certain risk factors.

Most people regularly breathe in mold spores without experiencing any health complications. However, people with certain health conditions may be at risk of a lung infection or other infections from inhaling certain types of mold.

Examples of mold-related infections include:

You may be at a higher risk of these illnesses if you have conditions such as:

In people with asthma, an allergic reaction to mold may trigger an attack. They may need inhalers to manage symptoms.

Some researchers have also found that high levels of mold in homes may be a risk factor of asthma in school aged children.

Exposure to a large amount of mold can sometimes cause a more serious reaction known as hypersensitivitypneumonitis. This type of exposure is usually due to occupational or workplace hazards rather than from exposure to mold in your home.

There have been rumors linking black mold exposure to health issues such as memory loss and headaches. This was thought to be because black mold spores release toxic compounds called mycotoxins. However, experts generally agree that black mold is not linked to an increased risk of specific health issues.

A 2017 study found no proof that black mold exposure causes health problems. Another 2019 study emphasized that mycotoxins in the air have not been linked to disease.

In many cases, you can get rid of household mold yourself. Mold can be removed with:

Use a brush to scrub mold off surfaces, making sure you get it all. Porous materials, such as carpeting, furniture, and ceiling tiles, may have to be thrown out. Don’t paint or caulk until you’re sure all the mold is gone.

Seek a professional contractor with experience in safe removal of mold if:

Mold spores are everywhere and are part of the world we live in. It’s impossible to get rid of mold entirely, but there are ways to make your home unsuitable to mold. This includes taking the following steps:

Mold in your home doesn’t always cause health problems, but it should always be removed. Mold can cause damage to your home and can lead to irritation in the:

If you have a mold allergy or chronic lung condition such as asthma, you’re at risk of more severe symptoms and complications.

A few home maintenance chores can make it harder for mold to grow indoors. If you happen to have spots of mold in your home, you can take steps to remove the mold yourself. If it’s a big job, or if you have respiratory problems, a professional contractor can safely remove mold and make the necessary repairs.

Last medically reviewed on November 23, 2021

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