Guides
Mold exposure symptoms: what to watch for and what to do
Mold exposure symptoms include a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes and skin rash, and they can be severe in people with asthma or mold allergy. In Puerto Rico's humid climate, mold grows year-round, not only after floods. Drying out and cleaning up is what helps most. If you have symptoms, the doctor can see you by video.
Is it an emergency? Call 911.
Is this an emergency?
This is not an emergency service. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- An asthma attack that does not improve with the rescue inhaler
- Severe shortness of breath, blue lips or nails, or being unable to speak in full sentences
- Fever with cough and shortness of breath in someone with a weakened immune system or lung disease
- Dizziness, headache and nausea while using a generator or cleaning products indoors
Help lines
How mold affects your health
Mold grows wherever there is moisture: roof or wall leaks, unventilated bathrooms, closets, air conditioners and walls after a flood. Puerto Rico is humid year-round, so mold is not only a post-hurricane problem.
According to the CDC, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes or a skin rash. People with asthma or mold allergy may have severe reactions. People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease may get infections.
The CDC does not single out "black mold" as uniquely dangerous: any indoor mold should be cleaned up, whatever its color.
Common mold exposure symptoms
The most common symptoms, according to the CDC:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Coughing or wheezing
- Burning or itchy eyes
- Skin rash
- More frequent asthma attacks in people with asthma
How we help by video
You see Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, a Puerto Rico–licensed general practice physician with several years of emergency-department experience, in English or Spanish. The doctor asks about your symptoms and the damp in your home, and helps you get them under control.
We evaluate, diagnose and treat. If you have allergies or asthma, the doctor reviews your treatment and action plan. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. If you already use an inhaler or allergy medicine, you can request a refill in a follow-up visit.
A doctor visit costs US$79, the same price for every age, with a full refund if it can't take place. We see children of all ages with a parent or legal guardian on camera. Book a visit.
How to control mold at home
The CDC and EPA recommend controlling moisture:
- Keep indoor humidity as low as you can: the CDC says no higher than 50%. A dehumidifier or air conditioning helps.
- Fix leaks in the roof, walls and plumbing.
- Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans that vent outside.
- Dry anything wet within 24 to 48 hours: according to the EPA, mold usually will not grow.
- Do not paint or caulk over mold: clean it and dry the surface first.
How to clean up mold safely
According to the EPA, if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (roughly a 3 by 3 foot patch), you can usually handle it yourself. If it is larger, or if there was a flood with dirty water, consider professional help.
Protect yourself while cleaning: gloves, goggles without ventilation holes and an N95 respirator. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry them completely. If you use bleach, the CDC says no more than 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water.
Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners: it makes a poisonous gas.
Should you test for mold?
The CDC does not recommend mold testing, and the EPA explains that if mold is visible, sampling is usually unnecessary: clean it and fix the moisture. There is also no blood test that proves your symptoms are "from mold": the doctor evaluates your symptoms and history. After a flood, see health after a hurricane.
When to go to the ER
For your safety, go to the emergency room or call 911 if you notice:
- An asthma attack that does not improve with the rescue inhaler
- Severe shortness of breath, blue lips or nails, or being unable to speak in full sentences
- Fever with cough and shortness of breath in someone with a weakened immune system or lung disease
- Dizziness, headache and nausea while using a generator or cleaning products indoors
How we care for you
We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you.
We see adults and children of all ages. Patients under 21: a parent with patria potestad (parental authority) or a legal guardian is on camera for the whole visit and shows photo ID.
Real-time video visit. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors, tourists and cruise passengers are welcome).
In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Can mold in the house make you sick?
Is "black mold" more dangerous?
Should I test my home for mold?
Can I clean mold with bleach?
About this page
Author: The Health Initiative
Medical care provided by Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD (PR license 24027)
Disclosure: Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative
Published: 2026-10-02 · Updated: 2026-10-02
Sources (2)
- Mold: basic facts (CDC) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home (EPA) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)