One-fourth of US homeowners worry about mold and unsafe living conditions

Twenty-six percent of Americans say their home isn’t safe for their health because of mold, according to a new survey of 2,000 adults conducted Aug. 12–15, 2025. The poll, commissioned by Rainbow Restoration and conducted by Talker Research, also found that 80% of respondents believe their living conditions are up to code, with homeowners more confident than renters (86% vs. 73%).

Across respondents, the average estimate of how many homes contain mold was 37%, though the study notes the actual figure is closer to 47% per the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Despite concerns, 77% of those surveyed said they have never had mold in their own home. About three-quarters (76%) expressed confidence in their ability to identify what mold looks like, yet only 25% could correctly identify the most common types of mold. A quarter of respondents said they had spotted two of the most common types: stachybotrys chartarum (25%) and alternaria (23%).

The survey also found notable misperceptions about mold prevalence: 43% believed that fewer homes contain mold than is actually the case. When it comes to signs of mold, respondents cited water stains (21%), peeling paint (20%), and musty odors (19%). About one in five believe annual mold inspections aren’t necessary, and 39% admit they do not inspect for mold every year.

Respondents were asked where mold is most likely to develop. The bathroom was named by 63% as a common site, followed by basements (44%), living rooms (40%), and bedrooms (30%), suggesting a perceived hierarchy of risk that may not align with actual mold patterns. "Mold thrives in damp and poorly ventilated areas in a home. Areas highly susceptible to mold growth are bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, as well as around any windows or doors," said Josh Miller, president of Rainbow Restoration. "Mold can cause serious health problems if left untreated, so it’s important to be aware of indicators that your home may be infected. This includes smelling a musty odor in a room with no clear cause, signs of water damage like peeling paint or damp surfaces, and visible traces of mold around walls and corners of the home."

Among those who have an emergency preparedness plan, 21% say mold prevention tends to be a low or non-priority. About 18% reported learning that they had mold in their home only after experiencing a natural disaster this past year. Miller added, "Mold growth is a side-effect of natural disasters, such as extreme flooding and torrential rains. It can spread rapidly if untreated, and owners should take immediate action if they experience any kind of water damage."

When it comes to remediation, 49% of respondents said they would immediately call a professional for mold concerns, while 40% would try to handle it themselves. DIY mold removal methods are generally ineffective, and professionals are better equipped to safely remove the mold and prevent its return.

Health symptoms associated with mold exposure were more commonly recognized in the survey than less common effects. Respondents reported coughing (44%), wheezing (39%), and sneezing (36%). Fewer respondents connected mold exposure with weight changes (5%), ringing in the ears (5%), numbness or tingling (7%), hair loss (8%), or abdominal or muscle pain (9%). The findings underscore the gap between perceived risk and actual mold prevalence, as well as the importance of professional assessment and remediation to protect health.

Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 American adults from the general population. The survey was commissioned by Rainbow Restoration and conducted online between Aug. 12 and Aug. 15, 2025.