3. Persistent fatigue

There are many causes for feeling tired all the time, but one that’s often overlooked is mold. Feeling sluggish, low-energy, or constantly drained could be due to exposure to mycotoxins—harmful mold byproducts that grow in warm, humid areas and on food.

A study published in Toxins in 2013 found that certain types of mold exposure are linked to chronic fatigue symptoms.

4. Mental fog and lack of focus

If you’re feeling forgetful or mentally foggy, mold may be playing a part. Mold exposure can trigger inflammation in the body, and that inflammation can affect the brain.

Since mold acts as an irritant, it can provoke a strong immune response. A 2009 study in neuropsychology found that chronic inflammation caused by mold exposure can impair memory and thinking over time.

5. Feeling more down or anxious

There’s growing research showing mold’s effects on mental health. Mold in the home can contribute to increased anxiety and depression.

One study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that living in a damp or moldy space could raise the risk of depression by 34% to 44%. Another 2020 study linked mold exposure to behaviors resembling anxiety.

The bottom line

These days, many of us spend nearly 90% of our lives indoors, far more than our ancestors ever did. Only recently have scientists started to understand the health consequences of this shift.

One thing is clear across studies: improving our indoor air quality can significantly improve our health. Paying attention to what we breathe inside our homes is more important than ever.