

What Black Mold Really Does to Your Health - AI Podcast
Jul 24, 2025
08:50
Story at-a-glance
- Black mold’s toxic reputation stems from a debunked 1990s study that falsely linked it to infant deaths — subsequent reviews exposed major flaws in the study’s data and methods
- Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) rarely becomes airborne and doesn’t grow well in the human body, making it unlikely to cause lung toxicity or systemic infections in healthy individuals
- While it does not directly cause deaths, black mold still causes significant health issues, especially allergies, asthma, respiratory irritation, and fungal infections in sensitive or immunocompromised individuals
- Mold thrives in damp indoor environments like wallpaper, drywall, and insulation — detecting it often requires inspecting hidden spots, checking for musty smells, or using moisture meters
- Effective mold remediation involves more than cleaning — avoid using bleach or ammonia (use vinegar and baking soda instead) and call certified professionals for serious infestations to prevent regrowth and contamination