The top 10 worst states for mold might surprise you! While one might think that the highest incidence of mold infestation would occur in wet states, like South Carolina, Florida, or Oregon, other states that one might not expect to make this list are quite surprising.

Sure, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Oregon are top states for mold growth, mold damage and overall mold contamination, so-called “dry” states have also managed to work their way into the top ten. This dispels the conventional wisdom that we have that climate is the best predictor of mold problems. The top 10 worst states for mold is a list that has been compiled by the American Risk Management Resources.

The Top 10 Offenders

And the winners of the top 10 worst states for mold are…

Texas Florida Oklahoma South Carolina Nevada Arizona California South Dakota Tennessee Kansas

The bottom of the list (meaning the least amount of mold noted in these states) included Wisconsin, West Virginia, Alabama, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Even with the moisture from the lakes in Minnesota, they managed to make it to the bottom of the top 10 worst states for mold list when it comes to the amount of mold that is experienced on average.

Black Mold and Human Health

Black mold is detrimental to human health. Black mold spores move through the air and enter our noses or mouths like other allergens, and our body’s immune system treats them as such. Prolonged exposure to toxic black mold requires black mold exposure treatmentthat might be needed to combat respiratory and lung infections that are caused by black mold. If you suspect that you have black mold growth in your home, look for black mold physical symptoms and then seek out the help of a medical doctor. At best, black mold symptoms can include the same symptoms of allergies – coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and so on. At worst, black mold health risks can include:

Asthma attacks

Breathing difficulty

Chronic upper respiratory infection

Cough with bloody mucous

Diarrhea

Ear pain

Fatigue

Joint pain

Lack of appetite

Muscle pain

Nausea and vomiting

Recurring headache

Repeated infections of the ear

Sudden loss of weight

Swelling in armpit

Swelling in the neck





Common Black Mold Problems

So what differentiates these states from others – or even from wetter states, since most types of black mold prefer a wet or at least damp, environment? According to the Green Guard Environmental Institute or GEI, the difference is in the building materials and building practices used when building homes. That suggests that would-be homeowners make sure that their contractors think about the possibility of mold growth when constructing the home. Black mold prevention with a new construction can begin before the knob is turned for you to move into your home.

Existing Homes with Mold

If an existing home has a mold problem, there are two basic black mold treatment options available to you. You can try to eradicate the mold yourself. Another option is hiring a professional mold company to do the work for you. The latter is the most popular choice, since it involves professional inspectors and contractors who own and put to use professional equipment that can get rid of black mold, once and for all. A professional also knows how to eradicate mold without the danger of mold spores transferring to other parts of the home or structure. Hiring a professional mold company is a wise investment in the health, happiness, and safety of your home.

You don’t have to live in one of the top 10 worst states for mold to have a mold problem, but you do have to be a smart and savvy homeowner to realize that the problem won’t go away on its own!