So, is it possible for you to get sick from mold? See the next section for risk factors. 

You may be at risk of forming a mold-related illness when …

• • Your work environment is poorly ventilated: In some non-residential buildings, ventilation is combined with air conditioning. However, this can “… introduce excess humidity, chemicals (used to treat the water in humidification systems) or microorganisms that grow on components in humid locations, such as drip pans in air-conditioning units or humidifiers,” confirms the World Health Organization. If you’re worried about mold in the workplace, please report this to your employer immediately – this can help prevent you and your colleagues from getting reactions.  
  • Excessive moisture accumulates inside or around your home: Floods and leaky pipes can instigate mold overgrowth, especially when water isn’t properly cleaned up. In fact, mold can progress in flooded areas in as little as 24 hours! Health Canada also warns that some Canadian regions may experience boosts of indoor dampness due to climate alterations. So, if you notice musty scents around the home – yet you’re unaware of water damage or mold forming – please consult with a professional contractor. 
  • Your immune function and breathing are already compromised: If you have a health condition that weakens immunity, such as an autoimmune condition, you could be vulnerable to the effects of mold. The same goes for people diagnosed with breathing troubles, which includes asthma; mold-related infections can worsen symptoms and may boost your risks for heart disease. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that people with chronic lung disease and people suffering from poor immune function can form mold-related lung infections. 
  • You have a specific gene mutation: There’s a complex interplay between mold exposures and people born with certain gene mutations. It’s been shown that those with mutations to the HLA-DR group of genes – which instruct the body to use antibodies to battle toxins – are susceptible to severe repercussions from mold. These mutations can prevent people from detoxifying spores from the body, as the antibodies do not recognize mold as foreign invaders. Hence, whole-body inflammation and the formation of a chronic condition may arise. 

These risk factors are alarming, yet understanding them encourages us to safely avoid mold overexposures. Our clinicians are currently inviting new patients to have treatments customized, especially for targeting environmental toxins. If you’re concerned about mold-related illnesses, our functional lab tests can help detect spores lurking in your body. Start enhancing your wellness journey with our practice today!

Suggested reading: Achiote: A Medicinal Plant Profile from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre

Ask us to tailor your clinical experience

Our integrative personalized medicine approach may offer new insight into your symptoms, such as brain fog, headaches, chronic pain or the seasonal sniffles. At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our goal is to scrutinize the root cause of your health concerns; we can also help manage various conditions, especially those linked to fatty liver disease, inflammation, heart disease, recovery from brain injury, and food allergies.  

Our patient-centered functional medicine therapies are designed to treat symptoms, support chronic disease prevention, and provide health education to patients. When there is full disclosure of how your condition was formed, the benefits of lifestyle modifications, and how treatments affect the body, patients tend to ‘stick’ to their treatment plans – this can contribute to optimizing long-term health needs.  

Each of our therapies are customized for biological needs only. We can amalgamate several modalities for you, such as integrating Western medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal remedies, naturopathic medicine, holistic nutrition, hormone optimization programs, psychotherapy, and more. The functional medicine model is implemented for personalizing treatments, so doses of IV drips, botanical supplementation, and nutrient booster injections are arranged for your unique needs only. 

Keep in mind, our treatments – especially intravenous therapy from our IV Lounge – are not meant to replace healthy living practices. When complementary nutrition advice and therapies are combined with formal health interventions, wholesome nutrition, and exercise, then they may contribute to wellness enhancements.  

Are environmental factors exacerbating your chronic symptoms? Find out with our laboratory testing services – contact the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre now to request your first session with us.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Baxi, S. N., Portnoy, J. M., Larenas-Linnemann, D., Phipatanakul, W., & Workgroup, E. A. (2016). Exposure and Health Effects of Fungi on Humans. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. In Practice, 4(3), 396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2016.01.008

“Benefits of Fungi for the Environment and Humans” from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, viewed on May 14, 2025. 

“Guide to addressing moisture and mould indoors” from Health Canada, The Government of Canada, posted on April 9, 2020, viewed on May 14, 2025. 

Harding, C. F., Pytte, C. L., Page, K. G., Ryberg, K. J., Normand, E., Remigio, G. J., DeStefano, R. A., Morris, D. B., Voronina, J., Lopez, A., Stalbow, L. A., Williams, E. P., & Abreu, N. (2019). Mold inhalation causes innate immune activation, neural, cognitive and emotional dysfunction. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 87, 218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2019.11.006

Hernberg, S., Sripaiboonkij, P., Quansah, R., Jaakkola, J. J., & Jaakkola, M. S. (2014). Indoor molds and lung function in healthy adults. Respiratory Medicine, 108(5), 677-684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2014.03.004

“How to clean up mold after a flood” from the Cleveland Clinic, viewed on May 14, 2025. 

Kespohl, S., Liebers, V., Maryska, S., Meurer, U., Litzenberger, C., Merget, R., & Raulf, M. (2022). What should be tested in patients with suspected mold exposure? Usefulness of serological markers for the diagnosis. Allergologie Select, 6, 118. https://doi.org/10.5414/ALX02298E

Kraft S, Buchenauer L, Polte T. Mold, Mycotoxins and a Dysregulated Immune System: A Combination of Concern? Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Nov 12;22(22):12269. doi: 10.3390/ijms222212269. PMID: 34830149; PMCID: PMC8619365.

“Mold” from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, last reviewed April 23, 2025, viewed on May 14, 2025. 

Saghir SA, Ansari RA. HLA gene variations and mycotoxin toxicity: Four case reports. Mycotoxin Res. 2024 Feb;40(1):159-173. doi: 10.1007/s12550-023-00517-y. Epub 2024 Jan 10. PMID: 38198040.

Seppänen O, Kurnitski J. Moisture control and ventilation. In: WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 3. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143947/

“Straight talk about mold and mold spores” from the University of Houston, Environmental Health and Safety, posted on June 10, 2021, viewed on May 14, 2025. 

Valtonen V. Clinical Diagnosis of the Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Review of the Literature and Suggested Diagnostic Criteria. Front Immunol. 2017 Aug 10;8:951. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00951. PMID: 28848553; PMCID: PMC5554125.