Mold is bad for your health Mold can cause harmful effects on human health, especially on children or people with pre-existing health problems. Asthma is the most common health problem associated with long-term indoor exposure to mold. Adults who live in homes with mold are up to 50 percent more likely to develop asthma. When trying to determine how long a person can safely live in a moldy home, it's first important to determine the individual sensitivities of the people involved.
In general, a person can live in a mold-infested house for several years, although some people may experience severe discomfort. For example, if you have asthma or mold allergies, you may have frequent asthma attacks or painful allergy symptoms, such as dark skin rashes, severe itching, sneezing, and general discomfort. If you have a strong immune system and are not sensitive to mold, you may not notice any symptoms. It's possible to live in a moldy house if moldy materials are encapsulated, as this prevents mold spores from being transmitted through the air.
However, it's quite difficult to live in a moldy house if left unattended, as it poses a significant risk to everyone. If you notice any signs or symptoms of mold, it's important to address them before or before it renders your home uninhabitable or turns your prized possessions into damp heirlooms.