General Information about Mold
Mold can cause many health effects. For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold.
There is always some mold around. Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years. Mold can get in your home through open doors, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can be brought indoors on clothing, shoes, bags, and even pets.
Mold will grow where there is moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been a flood. Mold grows on paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.
Basic Facts about Mold [Español]
FAQs about molds, where they are found, how to eliminate them, and how they can affect people’s health… more
Facts about Fungal Infections and Mold Exposures
- Aspergillosis
- Blastomycosis
- Coccidioidomycosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Histoplasmosis
- Invasive Mold Infections in Immunocompromised People
- Sporotrichosis
- Stachybotrys chartarum (aka “black mold”)
- Other fungal infections
“Damp Indoor Spaces and Health”: Summary of 2004 Institute of Medicine Report [DOC – 457 KB]
Public Service Announcements
Public Service Announcements (videos and audios) about mold and how you can get rid of it.
- Mold Removal After a Disaster (television)
- Preventing Mold After a Disaster (radio) [Español]
- Mold Can Make You Sick After Floods