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What CDC says about mold and health

Health effects vary. CDC recommends removing mold and correcting moisture rather than using mold testing to judge health risk.

Published

Source last verified: 2026-10-01

Who it is for
Homeowners, renters, schools, industry professionals
Location
United States
Application status
unverified

CDC explains that damp and moldy environments can cause health effects in some people and no symptoms in others. People with asthma or mold allergies may have more severe reactions, and some people with immune compromise or chronic lung disease are at increased risk.

CDC advises removing visible or smelled mold and fixing the underlying moisture. It does not recommend relying on mold testing to determine health risk. No single indoor mold measurement establishes that everyone will become ill or that a building is safe.

Consult a qualified healthcare professional for symptoms or medical concerns. This summary is not medical advice.

Cited source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html

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