Almost all molds are known to produce substances or volatile chemicals that emit a characteristic odor that can cause allergies or make them worse.
Molds can also irritate the eyes, nose, or throat.
There is a wide range of susceptibility among people to the allergic and irritant effects of mold. Persons with a history of allergic reactions, asthma, or other long-term respiratory conditions are more likely to experience symptoms such as watery and itchy eyes, sore throat, cough, nasal or sinus congestion, or headache when living or working in areas where visible mold is present, or where moldy odors indicate the presence of hidden fungal contamination. It is unhealthy and inadvisable for anyone to live or work in a moldy indoor environment. It is generally unnecessary to identify what type of mold is growing in a home before taking steps to remove it. In addition, it is costly to test mold to determine exactly what type of mold is present.