Mould in homes is more than just an eyesore or a source of musty smells—it’s commonly linked to asthma and respiratory allergies. But does it cause serious lung diseases, especially in children? The science says: probably not.
What exactly is black mould?
‘Black mould’ is a general term for various fungi, most often referring to ‘Stachybotrys Chartarum’. This fungus gained notoriety in the 1990s after reports linked it to fatal lung bleeding in infants, allegedly due to mycotoxins—toxic compounds produced by some fungi.
In the 90s, the initial studies were flawed, with incorrect mould spore measurements and shaky methods. Once corrected, the link between black mould and infant lung disease essentially disappeared.
Should we worry about mycotoxins?
While S. Chartarum can produce dangerous mycotoxins in controlled lab settings, it rarely releases enough spores indoors to be harmful. And those spores are typically embedded in a sticky mass, making them less airborne.
Inhaling these toxins in real-world home environments is extremely unlikely to reach harmful levels.
What mould can actually do?
Mould does pose a real risk for allergies and asthma. It can trigger severe conditions in sensitive individuals, such as fungal sinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and, rarely, hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Immunocompromised people may also be vulnerable to fungal infections.
There’s solid evidence that mould can worsen respiratory problems, especially through allergic reactions. But the idea that black mould routinely causes serious toxicity or deadly illness? That’s largely a myth.