Exposure to damp and moldy environments can lead to a range of adverse health effects, with symptoms varying from none to severe. For some individuals, molds may cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, or skin problems. Those with mold allergies may experience more pronounced reactions.

One particularly concerning type is 'black mold,' scientifically known as Stachybotrys chartarum (SC). This greenish-black mold thrives on materials rich in cellulose, such as wood, straw, hay, wicker, cardboard, and fiberboard, especially when these materials have been exposed to water damage. The presence of mycotoxins from black mold can compromise and even weaken the immune system, including lymphoid tissue and bone marrow.