Reference: EPA — Mold and Health

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This reference page reproduces material published by US EPA. It is a work of the United States Government and is in the public domain (17 U.S.C. §105). Read the original: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-and-health. Retrieved 2026-08-10. Reformatted for this site; wording unchanged. Heal From Mold is not affiliated with, and does not speak for, this agency.

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2. Mold (https://www.epa.gov/mold)

Mold and Health

Información disponible en español (https://espanol.epa.gov/cai/el-moho-y-la-salud)

How do molds affect people?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.

Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.

The above does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional, your state or local health department, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mold websiteExit EPA’s website (https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html).

* * *

Asthma and Mold

The following links are to non-federal government sites

Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with asthma. People with asthma should avoid contact with or exposure to molds. Read more about asthma triggers on EPA's Asthma Website (https://www.epa.gov/asthma)

Additional Asthma Resources:

* Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics (AAN/MA)Exit EPA’s website (https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/)

* (800) 878-4403

* American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)Exit EPA’s website (https://www.aaaai.org/)

* For information Contact AAAAIExit EPA’s website (https://www.aaaai.org/about/contact-aaaai)

* American Lung AssociationExit EPA’s website (https://www.lung.org/)

* (800) LUNG-USA (586-4872)

* See also their Clean Air SiteExit EPA’s website (https://www.lung.org/clean-air)

* Asthma & Allergy Foundation of AmericaExit EPA’s website (https://aafa.org/)

* (800) 7ASTHMA (727-8462)

* U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesExit EPA’s website (https://www.niaid.nih.gov/)

* (866) 284-4107/(301) 496-5717

* National Jewish Medical and Research CenterExit EPA’s website (https://www.nationaljewish.org/home)

* (800) 222-LUNG (5864)

* * *

Learn more about mold and health effects in "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home"

The entire booklet:

* A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home (Web Version) (https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home)

* A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home (Print Version) (https://www.epa.gov/mold/printable-version-brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home)

Available in Other Languages

This publication is available in these languages:

* Spanish: Español (https://espanol.epa.gov/cai/el-moho-y-la-salud)

* Arabic عربى (https://www.epa.gov/lep/lfn-wlsh)

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Basic Mold Cleanup

* The key to mold control is moisture control.

* It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

* If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture.

* Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water.

* Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

[Mold](https://www.epa.gov/mold)

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* Indoor Air Quality Home Page (https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq)

* Mold Homepage (https://www.epa.gov/mold)

* Learn about Mold (https://www.epa.gov/mold/learn-about-mold)

* Mold and Your Home (https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-and-your-home)

* Mold in Schools and Commercial Buildings (https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-schools-and-commercial-buildings)

* Mold Cleanup (https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup)

* Resources for Public Health Professionals (https://www.epa.gov/mold/resources-public-health-professionals "Resources for Public Health Professionals")

* Mold Education Corner (https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-education-corner)

* Take the Mold Quiz (https://www.epa.gov/mold/take-mold-quiz)

* Interactive Mold House (https://www.epa.gov/mold/interactive-mold-house-tour)

* Frequent Questions about Mold (https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-frequently-asked-questions "Frequent Questions about Mold and Moisture")

* Mold Publications (https://www.epa.gov/mold/publications-about-mold)

Contact Us about Mold (https://www.epa.gov/mold/forms/contact-us-about-mold)

Contact Us about Mold (https://www.epa.gov/mold/forms/contact-us-about-mold)

Contact Us about Mold (https://www.epa.gov/mold/forms/contact-us-about-mold) to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.

Last updated on February 18, 2026

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