70% of Homes Have Mold: Here’s Why It’s An Issue And Why We Need to Protect Our Kids from Mold Toxicity

19 snips

Dec 15, 2025

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Pejman Katiraei, a board-certified pediatrician with expertise in integrative medicine, uncovers the rising issue of mold toxicity in modern homes. He explains how today's toxic environment amplifies the dangers of mold exposure, particularly for children. Listeners learn about the hidden sources of mycotoxins in our food supply and common symptoms that may signal mold-related health issues. Dr. Katiraei emphasizes the importance of understanding mold's role in chronic illnesses, providing essential insights for concerned parents.

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INSIGHT

Mold Acts As A System-Breaking Load

Modern environmental toxicants plus mold create a compounded toxic load that overwhelms physiology.
Dr. Pejman Katiraei likens mycotoxins to a "500 pound gorilla" that breaks already stressed systems.

INSIGHT

Modern Buildings Trap Mold Toxins

Building science changes concentrate indoor toxins by sealing homes for energy efficiency.
Drywall and modern construction materials also increase mold growth risk when wet.

ADVICE

Ventilate To Reduce Indoor Mold Load

Open windows to bring in fresh air and dilute indoor mold-toxin concentrations.
Increasing ventilation helps move mold toxins out of the home and reduce exposure.

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This episode is brought to you by Pique Life and Hollow Socks.

An estimated 70% of U.S. homes contain at least one mold species. And, while mold has always been part of our environment, something has shifted. Mold toxicity is showing up more often, more intensely, and in ways past generations simply didn’t experience.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, we’re revisiting one of our most talked-about moments with Dr. Pejman Katiraei. Dr. Katiraei shares why today’s “toxic soup” environment makes mold far more disruptive than it used to be, and why kids are uniquely vulnerable. We explore how to recognize mold-related issues, how to think about mold in the larger context of chronic illness, and what steps parents can take if their child or they themselves have unexplained symptoms that don’t improve despite healthy habits. Whether you’re struggling with mysterious health issues or simply want a clearer understanding of what may be happening inside your home and your body, this conversation is an essential starting point.

Dr. Pejman Katiraei is a board-certified pediatrician with advanced training in integrative and holistic medicine. After completing his undergraduate studies at UCLA and earning his osteopathic degree from Western University, he trained in pediatrics at Loma Linda University, where he later served as Chief Resident and faculty while founding the Wholistic Medicine Clinic. One of the few physicians skilled in osteopathy, functional medicine, endocrinology, and medical herbalism, Dr. Katiraei now practices in Santa Monica.

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Katiraei dive into:

Why a threat we’ve lived with forever is suddenly wreaking havoc (3:01)
Environmental toxins and how they’re reshaping our biology (8:50)
The unexpected symptoms in parents that often point to hidden mold exposure (17:22)
The deeper story: where mold really fits in the modern health puzzle (21:41)
Final revelations and insights that bring the whole picture together (28:03)

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This episode is brought to you by Pique Life and Hollow Socks.

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