07/23/2025
🌍 Most people think of climate change in terms of rising sea levels or heatwaves. But one of the lesser-known consequences? A growing mold problem.
As our climate becomes warmer and wetter, mold risk is rising—especially in homes, schools, and buildings that aren’t built to handle increased moisture.
Here’s how climate change fuels mold growth:
💧 More flooding & storms
Warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the frequency and intensity of storms. Water-damaged buildings are prime environments for mold to thrive; especially when drying isn’t fast or thorough. (It only takes 24–48 hours for mold to start growing if there is moisture present.)
🌡 Higher humidity
Even without flooding, more humid air creates indoor moisture buildup. Poorly ventilated bathrooms, basements, and attics can become mold hotspots.
🌪 Erratic weather patterns
Shifting cycles of rain, heat, and cold stress building materials and create condensation—perfect conditions for hidden mold behind walls or under floors.
🧫 Longer growing seasons for mold
With warmer temps, mold has more time each year to grow, release spores, and produce toxins—raising exposure risk, especially in already-vulnerable populations.
🧠 What this means for your health:
As mold exposure becomes more common, so do related symptoms: fatigue, brain fog, sinus issues, hormonal shifts, digestive problems, and more.
You don’t have to see mold to be affected by it.
If your environment has become more humid, storm-damaged, or weather-impacted, it’s worth exploring potential mold toxicity, especially if you’re experiencing unexplained chronic symptoms.
📚 References
• Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (2023). Dampness and mold from severe storms and sea-level rise.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Indoor air quality and climate change.
• Climate Central. (2023). After the storm: Damp, moldy homes.
• Ziska et al. (2021). Climate change increases mold and pollen exposure. Scientific Reports, 11, Article 92178.
