Mold becomes especially dangerous once it goes airborne, which can happen when it’s disturbed. Events like flooding or water damage often trigger this, but even everyday activities—like sanding walls, walking over damp carpets, or doing minor repairs—can unknowingly release spores into the air. Once airborne, mold spreads quickly, especially in humid or poorly ventilated areas.

When these spores are inhaled or ingested, they can lodge in the lungs or digestive tract, triggering inflammation, breathing issues, and other health problems—especially for people with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems.

If asbestos is also present, the risks multiply. Inhaling or swallowing asbestos fibers can embed them deep in lung or abdominal tissue, leading to severe illnesses like asbestosis, lung cancer, or gastrointestinal cancer. That’s why mold and asbestos removal must be handled by trained professionals using proper containment and disposal methods.