You think of your home as a safe space away from the rest of the world. But black mold may be hiding away in dark, damp areas and having an impact on your health. Black mold can take hold in homes, offices, schools or anywhere else it finds the right conditions. It may take years for the visual signs to appear, but all that time your health can be paying the price. It’s time to learn more about black mold, how it can affect your health, and what you can do about it.
What Is Mold?
Believe it or not, mold is simply another type of fungus. Those button mushrooms on your pizza? Also fungus. While you are not likely to order your next pizza with pepperoni and aspergillus oryzae (a species of mold used to make soy sauce), it does show just how wide the world of fungus can be. Mold is just a tiny type of fungus. It can grow pretty much anywhere there are warm, damp conditions and a food source. Mold can look like short fur, a fine powder, shiny slime, bumpy crumpled paper, or just little spots. It is very hard to see a single mold fungus, so most people don’t notice it until a colony has formed.
Sometimes the terms “mold” and “mildew” are used interchangeably, but they are actually different. Mildew pretty much grows on top of surfaces, where mold actually grows into surfaces. Mildew covers something much like a table cloth does, while mold actually digs in like tree roots. Mildew is a surface problem that is pretty easy to remove, while mold really roots in and takes hold. Mold is mostly found living on organic materials (like wood, paper, carpet, etc.) while mildew can be found on inorganic materials (like bathroom tiles, washing machine seals, porcelain sink, etc.). If you see surface stains on the plastic panel of your refrigerator it is likely mildew but the blotches on the basement drywall are likely mold.
Mold isn’t all bad. Fungus (including mold) is what helps break down waste organic material in nature. One species of Penicillium (Penicillium chrysogenum) is used to make antibiotic medicine. Like blue cheese? You can thank Penicillium roqueforti for the blue coloring and unique flavor. But there are also bad molds that can cause mild to serious health effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that health issues from mold can be different for individuals. Common cladosporium mold spores can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, itchy eyes while also triggering asthma attacks. Some molds emit mycotoxins, a toxic chemical that can be extremely harmful. The biggest mold concern most people have has to do with stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mold. Just because mold is black doesn't mean it is stachybotrys chartarum. Molds come in all kinds of colors and whether it is toxic or not has nothing to do with how it looks.
What Is Black Mold And How To Identify It
The name “black mold” is usually used in regards to Stachybotrys chartarum, a specific species of fungus in the Stachybotryaceae family. While called “black” mold it is actually more of a “greenish black” color. This mold has been around for a long time but it wasn’t discovered and classified until 1818 by German scientist Christian Ehrenberg. It grows slowly and is actually not found often in nature. Where it does thrive is in man-made structures rich with cellulose-based materials and moisture. Black mold looks different depending on if it is dry or wet. When wet black mold looks shiny and slimy, but when dry black mold looks furry or even like powder. It starts out growing in small spots, then in groups of spots. Left uncontrolled black mold can cover entire walls, inside and out.
Here’s the most common places to find black mold in a home:
- Basement
- Crawlspace
- Window sills
- Near plumbing (water leaks)
- Under carpet (water leaks)
- Ceilings (roof leaks)
- Behind cabinets
- Behind appliances
- Behind furniture
- Inside walls (water leaks)
- Any areas showing water damage
As you can see black mold can hide just about anywhere, which is why there are several different mold removal techniques. Unfortunately just because you don’t see black mold doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Black mold has a musty smell like dirt which can signal a hidden mold problem. This is a case where you need to trust your nose if something smells “off” as you might just catch a mold infestation early.
Black Mold Exposure Symptoms
Whether you can see black mold or not, you may be feeling symptoms of black mold exposure. When exposed to black mold allergens the body kicks into histamine production (released by mast cells) leading to an allergic reaction. Some of these symptoms may seem like common allergic reactions, especially if you already know you have a mold allergy. But for those who are immunocompromised (weak immune system) these symptoms can lead to bigger health issues, so it is important to take these symptoms seriously.
Symptoms of black mold exposure include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Stuffy nose
- Irritated throat
- Breathing difficulty
- Worsening asthma symptoms
Black mold doesn’t just show up as lower or upper respiratory tract symptoms. Other parts of the body can be affected as well:
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Skin rash
- Skin discoloration
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Lack of concentration
In some people black mold exposure can lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a condition where the lungs become inflamed. Symptoms include respiratory issues plus flu-like issues:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
Your doctor can check for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies with a blood test to help confirm black mold exposure. In most instances black mold allergies can be treated, including immunotherapy as a long term treatment. Consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above, especially if you have been exposed to black mold.
Health Effects of Black Mold Exposure
Beyond the symptoms of black mold exposure are the health effects. For those who work in damp and moldy environments (like flood damage remediation) black mold is an occupational exposure risk. That is why those types of jobs require personal protective equipment. But for someone living in a building that has a black mold problem, no such personal protection requirement exists. That means a person may be exposed to black mold spores for long periods of time without knowing it, leading to mold allergies along with long and short-term health problems. Here’s a few common health problems connected to black mold:
Breathing Problems
It is no surprise that asthma sufferers are at a greater risk of having an asthma attack when exposed to black mold. People suffering from a chronic respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can have their condition worsen when exposed to black mold for long periods of time.
Fatigue
Both physical and mental fatigue can occur due to black mold exposure. As the body reacts to mold exposure it can be difficult to achieve restful sleep due to things like congestion, coughing, and headaches. If the body is not resting neither is the mind, which can lead to mental fatigue. The immune system’s reaction can also drain body energy making one feel lethargic.
Infections
In extreme cases exposure to black mold can lead to fungal infections like mycosis. This is especially dangerous for those with weakened immune systems. High risk groups include the elderly, infants, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients, and anyone else who has a compromised immune system.
Immune Reactions
When the body starts to fight against black mold exposure there can be unexpected responses. Conditions such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis cause the lungs to become inflamed making breathing difficult. In certain cases black mold mycotoxins have been connected to health issues in people with problematic immune systems.
It is important to also clear up some misconceptions about health conditions that have not been scientifically linked to black mold exposure. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and pulmonary hemorrhaging have all been blamed on exposure to black mold, but as of 2025 have not been scientifically proven.
Black Mold Symptom Treatment
If your health has been affected by black mold allergies, there are treatment options available. As with any treatment regimen it is best to consult with your doctor before pursuing any treatment path. This is especially true for immune-compromised people who must be especially aware of not only respiratory conditions caused by black mold, but any side effects of potential treatments. Here are a few ways that black mold exposure is treated:
Antihistamines
At the first sign of an allergic reaction most people reach for an over-the-counter antihistamine. Whether you choose a name brand or generic version, look for an antihistamine with one of these active ingredients: fexofenadine, loratadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine or diphenhydramine. While not technically an antihistamine, montelukast is an anti-inflammatory that helps reduce mucus and make breathing easier.
Nasal Spray
If sinus and nasal congestion are the main result of black mold exposure, there are nasal sprays that can go right to the source of the problem. Most of these sprays fall under the category of nasal corticosteroids. Some of the more common nasal corticosteroid active ingredients are fluticasone, triamcinolone, mometasone, budesonide, and ciclesonide. Care should be taken with medicated nasal sprays as long-term use may cause nosebleeds (due to over drying the nasal passages). There are also nasal rinses that are simply saline which can help gently flush nasal passages.
Injections
Another treatment option is an allergy shot. Typically allergy shots are used for immunotherapy mold allergy treatment. Small amounts of the problematic allergen are injected under the skin to help slowly build tolerance. Consult with a doctor to see if this treatment option is right for your black mold allergy issue.
Decongestants
To help unclog nasal passages there are several different decongestants on the market. The most commonly used are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine (usually in pill or liquid form). For direct application via nasal spray oxymetazoline has been used for decades.
Non-Medical Treatments
Black mold health treatments are only stop-gap measures unless the core black mold issue is addressed. Removing black mold and black mold spores while also keeping black mold from spreading is the only way to keep unhealthy respiratory conditions at bay. Start with a thorough mold remediation plan and follow it through completely. Once the mold is removed it must be kept from returning. Once the mold is gone talk to your doctor about how to conclude black mold symptom treatment.
Hiring a professional mold remediation company is highly recommended even if the mold issues seem small. While some signs of mold infestation are obvious, some can be not only hidden but deeply entrenched. Many people go wrong by only treating the surface mold (for example: simply painting over a moldy wall). Treating black mold requires not only removing the black mold itself, but also stopping the conditions that allowed it to grow in the first place. Moisture and temperature control are both required to put a halt to black mold growth in homes, offices or any other living spaces.
If mold remediation cannot be performed immediately there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Start by using several Intellipure air purifiers throughout the living space to remove not just mold spores, but the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) given off by the mold. Change HVAC filters often to prevent mold from growing in the filter media. Place one or more dehumidifiers in the areas with moisture problems to prevent further mold growth.
How To Prevent Black Mold
Keeping black mold at bay is a lot easier than black mold remediation. The best form of mold growth prevention is by keeping things dry. Mold problems can almost always be traced back to a moisture problem. Things like high humidity levels, plumbing leaks, condensation, flooding, leaks in roofs, or any other way that water gets into places it should not be.
Here are a few ways to keep black mold from growing:
- Repair water leaks immediately. Inspect attic, basement and crawl space areas often to catch leaks early. Don’t forget to check HVAC unit drip pans and water heater drip pans for any collected water.
- Monitor indoor humidity levels in multiple areas. Use fans to circulate air and disperse moisture. If humidity levels remain above 60% for extended periods of time, consider using a dehumidifier or activating your HVAC dehumidifier function. Ideally keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50%.
- Keep air moving to prevent stagnant, wet air from building up. Bathrooms and kitchens should have an exhaust fan to remove humid air. Use ceiling fans or even the HVAC fan to circulate air. Make sure all HVAC vents are free from obstructions for proper airflow. When outdoor air quality, temperature, and humidity levels are beneficial consider opening a few windows.
- Use a high-quality air purifier like the Intellipure Compact. Mold spreads through the air so using a few strategically placed Compact air purifiers can remove mold spores before then can find a new warm, wet place to live. Plus an air purifier helps lower the chance of a mold allergy reaction.
- Use mold inhibitors to prevent black mold from taking hold. Mold inhibitors are chemicals that prevent mold from growing. It can be sprayed on building materials during construction or even mixed in with paint.
Black mold needs moisture to live, so keeping water under control is the best method of black mold control.
Cleaning Black Mold
Removing black mold that has infiltrated your home needs to be done immediately. The longer black mold is allowed to stay, the more it will grow. Not only do you need to remove the current mold issue, you need to prevent future mold growth from happening. Unfortunately removing black mold may require tearing up carpet, cutting into drywall, or even replacing framing lumber. Do not hesitate to call in an expert mold removal specialist if you are uncomfortable with what might turn into a remodel project.
There are also a number of environmentally friendly disinfectants on the market targeted at removing black mold. For minor mold outbreaks you can just use baking soda and water, then scrub with a brush. You can also use straight vinegar and a scrub brush to remove black mold. You may be tempted to try a bleach solution, but while it does kill surface black mold it is also nasty to use. Bleach also won’t kill mold that has burrowed under the surface and will certainly return. Here’s an overview of black mold removal steps:
- Before you attack that mold-damaged drywall, you need to protect yourself. You don’t want to need a detox from black mold exposure by getting covered in it. Wear proper personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, N-95 respirator, and ideally a plastic mold-resistant suit to protect your clothing. Now that you are suitable protected here’s an overview how to get rid of black mold:
- First turn off the HVAC system to prevent spreading mold spores throughout the home. In the area you are working, open a nearby window for ventilation if possible. Hang plastic drop cloths from the walls, covering and doors and HVAC vents. You want to keep the black mold contained as it is removed.
- Use a spray bottle filled with water to dampen the black mold. This helps keep mold spores from getting into the air.
- For moldy carpet use a utility knife to cut it into small sections (including the padding). Roll up the carpet/padding and place it in large contractor size trash bags for disposal. Tape the trash bags shut before attempting to move them.
- For moldy walls or ceilings start by turning off the electrical breaker to the affected room. Then remove any water damaged drywall along with any moldy or wet insulation. Do this carefully as there may be wiring or pipes inside the wall, so work slowly. If black mold has damaged wood inside the wall you may have to reinforce or replace the wood. Consult with a local licensed contractor for the best solution and prevent structural damage to the building.
- For black mold on surfaces such as wood, brick, or tile spray the mold with fungicide and scrub it with a brush. There are a number of mold-killing products on the market, just make sure the one you use is safe for the material you are using it on. After scrubbing the moldy area, wipe it off with a rag. If there are any signs of mold repeat application of the mold remover, scrub, and wipe again. Once all signs of the mold are gone give the area one last treatment of mold remover to prevent any future growth.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum with a filter to clean up any mold covered debris. Make sure to change the vacuum filter once the job is done so black mold spores aren’t spread to the next job.
- Once black mold has been removed it is important to thoroughly dry the affected area for at least 72 hours. Use portable circulation fans or even a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the treated area.
- Use mold inhibitors (such as paint with fungicide) to coat and seal wood, brick and sheetrock so mold is less likely to return.
- Replace any wood trim, sheetrock, carpet or other materials that were removed during the mold remediation process. Again, this may be a bigger task than you think so don’t be scared to seek professional help.
- Once all of the mold has been removed and the affected area has been repaired to as it was before, we suggest cleaning the air as well. Pick an air purifier with a filter that meets or exceeds the HEPA standard to remove any lingering mold spores, dust, or other harmful particulates from the air.
- Finally remove the plastic drop clothes, unblock the HVAC vents, closed windows, and set the HVAC system back to normal operation.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of instructions for black mold removal. We recommend contacting a local mold remediation specialist for large mold problems to make sure everything is removed.
Don’t Ignore Black Mold Problems
Hopefully we’ve cleared the air on how important it is to take black mold seriously. Unfortunately black mold problems only get far worse the longer they are ignored. Recognizing the symptoms of black mold exposure early is key to not only stopping it from spreading, but also seeking treatment for your own health.
