Toxic mold is an environmental justice issue because its impact is felt more strongly in communities that are economically disadvantaged or that have experienced a history of discrimination and racism

Why is toxic mold an environmental justice issue?

Those in poverty become trapped in moldy homes
Landlords continually disregard tenants' concerns
Individuals often do not have the economic means to move. Some are forced to stay in their rent-controlled, toxic environments.
People who need to take sick days from mold-induced symptoms are further prevented from becoming financially secure, creating a vicious cycle—a cycle very consistent with exposures to other environmental toxins like lead.
Overcrowding, a common occurrence in housing regions of the economically marginalized, creates more humidity, promoting mold growth even further

“Dampness and mold may be particularly prevalent in poorly maintained housing for low-income people. Remediation of the conditions that lead to adverse exposure should be given priority to prevent an additional contribution to poor health in populations who are already living with an increased burden of disease." World Health Organization

Read the World Health Organization's Dampness and Mold information booklet here

"...'toxic mold'—meaning the varieties that send mycotoxins into the air, the inhaling of which can acutely sicken anyone—causes most concern right after a flood. In the wake of Hurricane Matthew in South Carolina last year, sludge stood feet deep in homes for days. As it receded, toxic black mold grew. In one small community, Nichols, it was more the mold than the water itself that left the town’s 261 homes uninhabitable for month" (James Hamblin).

Read Hamblin's article here

In aftermath of natural disasters, which are only increasing in the context of climate change, communities with fewer economic resources are typically less resilient.

Communities that have faced a history of discrimination and hardship before mold and disaster strike do not have the luxury of acting swiftly to address moisture and expensive structural damage. This forces these communities to deal with the consequences of unfettered mold growth. We have an obligation to support these communities

Click the following menu items to learn more:

What Should You Do if you Discover a Dampness or Mold Problem?

Learn about Toxic Mold Laws in your State and your Rights as a Renter

Prevention: Mold problems can be avoided if building materials and furniture are cleaned and dried,

after becoming wet, within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth ( EPA website)

Dehumidifiers are helpful for preventing mold growth
Higher-quality construction materials that are more resistant to moisture and degradation are less likely to be colonized by mold
Overcrowding needs to be avoided as it creates more moisture and dampness (read more about this here)
Education for homeowners, landlords, and tenants is paramount. Articles like these can address gaps in the public's knowledge surrounding toxic mold exposure: Toxic Mold Forced a Texas Family to Flee their Home. What you Need to Know about Mold’s Danger
Remediation: Remediation is costly.
Governments should step in and provide grants for helping repair mold damage. Currently, the US government only provides remediation-related grants to non-profit organizations, for-profit firms, state and local governments, federally recognized Indigenous Tribes, and colleges and universities but to not individuals.
Write letters to your government representatives and ask them to support toxic mold victims
Healing: equitable access to doctors trained in treating the effects of mold exposure is paramount for human health so that we can have healthy and thriving communities. Dr. Neil Nathan’s book Toxic contains detailed information about mold treatment for exposed victims.