WELCOME TO FLIGHT MOLD, DESTINATION NOSTRILS: ARE WE BREATHING IN MOLD IN THE AIR, EVERYDAY?

 



We tend to think of mold as something we see, a fuzzy patch on bread, a green bloom on old fruit, or the suspicious spots in a damp bathroom. But what if I told you that mold doesn’t need to be seen to be part of your life?

In fact, with every breath you take, you're likely inhaling thousands of microscopic mold spores floating in the air around you.

Before you run for the search bar in the internet, let’s unpack what that actually means, and whether you should be worried.

🌫️ What Is Mold, Really?

Mold is a type of fungus, much like mushrooms or yeast. Unlike mushrooms, that pop up from the ground or yeast that makes bread rise, mold typically spreads through invisible spores.

These spores are its version of seeds, but lighter, smaller, and easily airborne. Once released, they drift through the air until they land on a surface with the right conditions, such as, moisture, warmth, and a food source (like bread, wood, or even skin cells).

That means mold isn’t just a kitchen issue, it’s an airborne traveler.

🌬️ So... Are We Actually Breathing Mold?

So, do you want the bad news first, or the good news? Or the good news, and then the bad news?

Here goes.

In short, yes. Every day, we inhale tiny mold spores without realizing it.

Buuuut.

Mold spores are everywhere, indoors and outdoors. In fact, they’re a natural and necessary part of ecosystems. Outdoors, they help break down leaves, wood, and dead organisms. Indoors, though, too many spores can become a problem, especially in damp or poorly ventilated areas.

You’re likely breathing in mold right now. But don’t panic, that’s normal. For most people, these spores are harmless. Your nose, throat, and lungs are equipped to filter out or handle small amounts without issue.

So you see, still got good news, in the end.

🧠 Why Don’t We Get Sick All the Time?

The human body is surprisingly good at dealing with mold spores. Our immune system recognizes them as foreign invaders and either filters them out through mucus or neutralizes them before they cause harm.

However, some people are more sensitive:

  • Individuals with asthma or allergies may react to even small amounts.
  • Immunocompromised people may be more vulnerable to infections.
  • Certain types of mold (like Stachybotrys, or “black mold”) can release mycotoxins that pose a greater risk, especially with long-term exposure.

But for the average healthy person? A few airborne spores aren't cause for alarm. Your body’s got you covered.

🏠 When Mold Indoors Becomes a Problem

While spores in the air are normal, something like, indoor mold growth, is another whole story. When mold finds a damp corner, like behind wallpaper, under sinks, or in air ducts, it can begin to colonize and reproduce rapidly.

Signs you may have an indoor mold issue:

  • Musty smell that lingers
  • Visible fuzzy patches (gray, black, green)
  • Increased sneezing or respiratory irritation indoors

Managing indoor mold is more about moisture control than anything else. No moisture = no mold growth.

🔍 Fun Fact: Mold Spores Have Been Found in Antarctica...and Space

Mold spores are tough. Some can survive freezing temperatures, intense radiation, and long periods without food or water.

They’ve been found in sealed tombs, floating in the upper atmosphere, and even on spacecraft. That’s how determined mold is to spread, and why it’s so common.

Don't believe it? Check out the links below.

https://www.science.org/content/article/space-station-mold-survives-200-times-radiation-dose-would-kill-human

https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2023/03/28/mold-in-space-the-hidden-danger-astronauts-face/

https://www.learningarcticbiology.info/learning-arctic-biology/species-and-adaptations/fungi/fungi-in-the-arctic-environment/

🌬️ So What Can You Do?

If you’re healthy, you probably don’t need to worry about the mold floating through the air every day. However, if you’re curious or cautious, here are a few quick tips to reduce mold exposure indoors:

  • Keep your home well-ventilated, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Use a dehumidifier in damp rooms.
  • Clean spills and leaks quickly build moisture, which is mold’s best friend.
  • Air out old books, clothes, and fabrics that might trap spores.

🧪 Final Thought from the Biolab desk: The Air You Breathe Is Alive

Mold is just one of many microscopic life forms drifting through the air at any given moment. It’s a reminder that biology isn’t just in labs or textbooks, it’s in your lungs, your kitchen, your shower, and beyond.

So yes, you’re breathing in mold. But you’re also inhaling a living world that, in many ways, keeps life going.

Now that’s biology in real life.


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