July 24, 2025

What Black Mold Really Does to Your Health - AI Podcast

8 minutes

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

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14871,487 ratings

July 24, 2025

8 minutes

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

...more