Can mold exposure cause permanent health damage?

For most healthy people, mold-related symptoms like congestion, coughing, and irritation resolve once exposure stops and the mold is removed. People with asthma, mold allergies, chronic lung disease, or weakened immune systems can have more serious or lasting reactions, so CDC and EPA guidance recommends addressing visible mold and moisture problems promptly rather than waiting to see if symptoms worsen.

Do I need a mold test to know if it's making me sick?

Not necessarily. The EPA and CDC both note that there's no established standard for an acceptable type or amount of indoor mold, so testing to identify a species usually isn't the first step. If you can see mold or smell a musty odor, the recommended action is to find and fix the moisture source and remove the mold, regardless of what a lab test would show.

Does Texas require mold remediation companies to be licensed?

Yes. Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1958, mold assessment and remediation work above a minimum threshold must be performed by professionals licensed through TDLR, including Mold Assessment Consultants, Mold Assessment Technicians, Mold Remediation Contractors, and Mold Remediation Workers. You can verify a license at the TDLR License Search tool.

Will my homeowners insurance pay for mold remediation in Texas?

It depends on the cause. Texas homeowners policies typically cover mold damage only when it results from a sudden, accidental covered peril, such as a burst pipe, not from long-term leaks, humidity, poor maintenance, or flooding. Many policies also cap mold payouts unless you've purchased an optional mold endorsement, so check your policy and the Texas Department of Insurance's guidance before assuming you're covered.

Can the same company assess and remediate mold in Texas?

Generally, no. Texas rules require a separation between the company that performs the mold assessment and the company that performs the remediation on the same project above the minimum work-area threshold, to prevent a conflict of interest where a remediator could exaggerate a problem it's also being paid to fix.

Can Mold Make You Sick? Symptoms, Risks, and What Texas Homeowners Should Do

Home → Blog → Can Mold Make You Sick? Symptoms, Risks, and What Texas Homeowners Should Do

Written for Texas homeowners. Licensing claims should be checked against current TDLR mold rules and the statutes they reference. This is general information, not a substitute for professional advice.

Yes, mold can make you sick. Exposure to mold and mold spores commonly triggers nasal congestion, coughing, throat and eye irritation, and skin reactions, and it can worsen asthma or allergies in sensitive people. People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease face a higher risk of more serious fungal infections, according to the CDC and EPA. If you see or smell mold in your home, the health agencies' guidance is the same regardless of species: clean it up and fix the moisture source.

What Health Symptoms Can Mold Exposure Cause?

According to EPA and CDC guidance, the most commonly reported mold-related symptoms include:

Nasal and sinus congestion
Throat irritation or coughing
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Eye irritation (redness, itching, watering)
Skin irritation or rashes

These symptoms tend to show up or worsen when someone spends time in a room with visible mold growth or a persistent musty odor, and often improve once they leave the space or the mold is removed. People with existing mold allergies or asthma can have more intense reactions than the general population.

Who Is Most at Risk From Mold Exposure?

Most healthy adults experience mild, reversible symptoms from typical household mold exposure. But certain groups face higher risk, per CDC guidance:

People with mold allergies or asthma, who may have stronger respiratory reactions
Infants and young children
Older adults
People who are immunocompromised (for example, undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV)
People with chronic lung disease, who face elevated risk of fungal infections from mold exposure

If anyone in your household falls into these categories and you have ongoing water damage or visible mold, it's worth addressing the problem sooner rather than later, even if symptoms seem mild so far.

Is There a Safe Level of Mold Exposure?

No — neither the EPA nor CDC has established a numeric safe exposure limit for indoor mold or mold spores. This is an important point for homeowners who hope a lab test will give them a clean

This article is general information for Texas homeowners, not legal, medical, or insurance advice. Costs, rules, and coverage vary by property and change over time — verify details with a licensed professional and current TDLR guidance before acting.

Can Mold Make You Sick? Symptoms, Risks, and What Texas Homeowners Should Do

What Health Symptoms Can Mold Exposure Cause?

Who Is Most at Risk From Mold Exposure?

Is There a Safe Level of Mold Exposure?

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