Mold is more than just an allergy or a fungal infection. It can have serious and lasting impacts on our health, including symptoms like fatigue, hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, hair loss, brain fog, mood swings, sleep issues, night sweats, and light sensitivity (NIH). Many Americans aren’t even aware that mold exposure is linked to many chronic illnesses, including asthma and chronic sinus infections.
Here’s the problem: Over 50% of homes in the U.S. have some form of mold, water damage, or dampness (Spengler). Yet, our current healthcare system does not screen for or treat Mold Illness or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). There’s also emerging research that 25% of the population is genetically predisposed.
To provide for safer and healthier homes and communities in America, we need the following:
1. Officially recognize Mold Illness / CIRS as a medical disease
A formal recognition would mean increased research funding in this area from the NIH and other major research institutional bodies, which would deepen our understanding of mold-related health problems and enable our best scientists and doctors to find effective treatments.
Insurance companies would also be more likely to cover the costs of treatments, such as specialized testing, medications, or mold-specific therapies, making it more affordable for families. In the meantime, some healthcare companies, such as MoldCo, are using digital health solutions to deliver treatments, lab tests, and mold-certified providers.
This would also encourage more doctors to be aware of this medical condition - a more formal recognition would be doctors regularly incorporating mold symptom evaluation / questions when patients visit them for their annual medical care.
2. Update building codes to stop mold growth
Nationally, numerous cases involving severe toxic mold have been reported: in homes, rental units, schools, and military housing.
A lot of the mold problems we face start in the way homes are built. Poor construction practices and the use of materials (e.g. wood) that trap moisture are a big part of why mold problems are so common. Updated national and local building codes should require the use of materials that are more resistant to mold, such as moisture-proof insulation, ventilation systems that reduce humidity, and mold-resistant paints and wall coverings.
New homes, schools, and public buildings would be built to ensure that moisture doesn’t build up inside, which would stop mold from growing in the first place. This also can be applied to renovations, so existing buildings are safer to live and work in. Over time, we would save money that would otherwise be spent on fixing mold problems after they occur.
3. Provide grants and zero-interest loans for mold remediation
For families whose homes are already affected by mold, the cost of removing it can be overwhelming (up to thousands of dollars). Offering grants or zero-interest loans would make it easier for homeowners and renters to afford mold removal services—like hiring a professional mold remediation team or replacing materials that have been damaged by mold.
These financial resources would help reduce the financial burden on families and ensure that more people can live in homes that are safe and healthy.
Funds can also be made available to landlords who need to fix mold in rental properties, so that there is strong incentive for renters to have healthy living conditions too.
4. Require mold training for home inspectors
Home inspections are an important part of buying or renting a home, but many inspectors are not properly trained to thoroughly detect mold. This means that mold problems are often missed, even if many states require landlords/home sellers to disclose if mold is present before a lease/contract is signed. Requiring home inspectors to undergo specialized training or certification in mold detection would help solve this issue. Inspectors would learn how to spot the signs of mold, even in areas that may not be immediately visible, such as inside walls or beneath floors. At minimum, some type of scientifically validated mold test should be performed before the home is rented or sold.
This additional transparency would give homeowners and renters the information they need to make informed decisions about their health before moving in. Say that a home inspector identifies a mold problem — the buyer or renter can negotiate with the seller or landlord to have the issue resolved before moving in, thus preventing future problems.
5. Expanded legal protections for renters
Renters who live in homes with mold problems often may not feel comfortable reporting mold to their landlord. For example, they may fear being evicted or fined in other ways. Stronger legal protections will ensure that renters are not penalized for notifying about mold issues. Renters would have the right to ask for mold remediation and have their living spaces cleaned without fear of rent increases or other unfair treatment.
If mold is found in a rental property, there should be clearer and easily enforceable national guidelines that require landlords to fix the mold in a timely manner. Given how the renter may also not be living in their home for several weeks while the mold removal is taking place, their original monthly rent should be pro-rated and they should receive additional compensation to assist in finding alternative housing in the meantime.
Taking action on these issues is crucial for safeguarding the health of millions of Americans. Addressing mold exposure through policy changes will not only improve the quality of life for those affected, but will also create long-term benefits by preventing future health crises. It’s time to prioritize the well-being of our families and communities, and these steps are one meaningful way to achieve this.