Mold in College Dorms & Apartments: How Parents Can Help Protect Their Students
- Jana Davis, MS, RDN
- Jun 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 8
College life comes with a whirlwind of changes—new classes, new friends, new routines. But one issue that often gets overlooked? Mold exposure in dorms and student apartments.
As a functional nutrition expert who is passionate about supporting environmental health, I’ve seen firsthand how mold and mycotoxins can affect energy, focus, gut health, immune function, and even mood. That’s why I’m sharing proactive steps you and your college student can take to minimize exposure and stay ahead of potential health issues.
Why Mold Is More Than Just a Nuisance
Mold grows easily in humid, poorly ventilated areas—which describes many dorm rooms and older college housing. Once mold begins to grow on damp walls, ceilings, under sinks, or in HVAC systems, it can release mycotoxins—toxic compounds that pose health risks when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
What Are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are chemical byproducts produced by certain types of mold, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys (black mold). These compounds are invisible and odorless—and can become airborne and inhaled without notice.
Why Mycotoxins Are Concerning:
Neurotoxic effects – can affect mood, cognition, and energy. I have students express concern about brain fog and fatigue frequently.
Immune suppression – increasing susceptibility to illness
Gut inflammation – aggravating digestive issues
Hormonal disruption – especially concerning for young adults
Even low-level, chronic exposure can contribute to symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, headaches, sinus congestion, anxiety, and more.
Consider Mycotoxin Testing
If your child has unexplained health symptoms—or has lived in damp or musty housing—mycotoxin testing may provide crucial insight.
I use the Vibrant Labs Mycotoxin Test, which measures 31 mycotoxins from a simple urine sample. It’s non-invasive and incredibly informative. Link below.
Feel free to always reach out to me at jana@carolinagreenliving.com and I can always order the test kit for you. I can also consult with you after you get your results to establish a protocol if mycotoxins are present.
Proactive Mold Prevention: What You Can Do
Equip your student with a simple action plan. I know this can be challenging because college students have a lot of other priorities!
Monitor Conditions:
Get a digital hygrometer to check humidity levels. Humidity should be kept at about 50 percent. The higher the humidity, the faster the mold can grow.
Look for signs: condensation on windows, musty smells, or discolored ceiling tiles
Daily and Weekly Habits:
Run a dehumidifier if humidity is over 50%. This is a great model that I personally own. This is very practical in apartments.
Use a HEPA air purifier to filter mold spores and dust The Intellipure Compact Air Purifier is my top pick for college dorm rooms. You have to make sure to change the replacement filters regularly according the manufacturers directions for optimal air quality and warranty validity. You do not want the filter to become a medium for mold growth. The Intellipure actually has a disinfecting filtration system (DFS).
The replacement filters schedule is every 6 months for the pre-filter and annually for the main DFS filter. Please use my discount code CAROLINAGREENLIVING at the link below for 10 percent off of your first purchase. I also personally use this unit in my office and home with great results.
Here are a few other ecommendations. Again, I know we are talking about college students. Hopefully, if they understand that doing a few of these important tasks will allow them to stay well which means having more fun, it will motivate them. 😊
Vacuum weekly with a HEPA filter vacuum
Dust surfaces with a microfiber cloth to prevent buildup
Crack windows for air low when weather allows. AC needs to be turned off to do this. See below.
Why You Shouldn’t Open Windows While the A/C Is Running
Many students think cracking a window while the air conditioning is on helps “freshen” the room—but this habit can actually lead to serious moisture and mold problems, especially in humid climates.
Here’s why:
Humid Air + Cold Surfaces = Condensation
When warm, moist outside air enters a cool, air-conditioned room, it quickly condenses on cold surfaces—like vents, ducts, or even walls and windows. This trapped moisture creates an ideal environment for mold growth inside HVAC systems and wall cavities.
Mold in the A/C = Widespread Exposure
Once mold grows in the air ducts or A/C unit:
Spores can be recirculated through the vents
Students may breathe in airborne mycotoxins continuously
It becomes much harder to remediate without professional cleaning
It Overworks the HVAC System
Mixing outside humidity with indoor cooling makes the A/C work harder, which can lead to:
Inconsistent temperatures
Increased moisture in ducts
A higher risk of condensate drain blockages, another mold hotspot
Light Cleaning + Laundry: EC3 Products
I recommend EC3 Mold Solutions for non-toxic, mold-safe products.
Laundry Additive – helps remove mold spores from bedding and clothing
Mold Spray or Wipes – safe for wiping down surfaces like desks or shoes
Important Note! If mold is visible or the space smells strongly musty, do not try too clean it yourself without the proper protection. There is special PPE for mold. DIY cleaning may spread spores or worsen exposure. Report concerns to housing management or hire a qualified professional with mold remediation experience.
Mold Detoxifying Foods to Support Recovery
In addition to testing, food plays a powerful role in supporting your student’s detox pathways and immune system—especially after mold exposure.
Encourage them to include these mold-detoxifying foods regularly:
Cruciferous Vegetables (daily if possible)
Broccoli, kale, arugula, cabbage, cauliflower
These are bitter foods that are rich in sulforaphane and they are very detoxifying .
Lemons & Limes
Stimulate bile flow and help alkalize the body
Add to water or use in salad dressings
A special note here. I also talk to many college students that are drinking water right out of the tap in their dorm or apartments. The pipes in some of these older buidlings is my concern not just the municipalities water system.
Drinking water is definitely very important to reduce mycotoxin burden
and other chemicals of concern. I would highly recommend some level of filtration but one of the most popular pitcher brands actually filters out few chemicals of concern.
The brand that I recommend for a pitcher system is Clearly Filtered. The filters do need to be changed every after 100 refills, however, to keep the filter from releasing contaminants back into the water. This is true of all water pitchers.
My top pick would be a countertop reverse osmosis system, however, with a glass pitcher. The cost is greater up front but the filtration will be exceptional and the filters will last longer.
Food Based Binders
Chia Seeds
Ground Flax Seeds
Psyllium Husk
Garlic & Onions
Contain sulfur compounds that boost glutathione production (our master antioxidant).
Natural antimicrobials that support immune function
Blueberries & Raspberries
High in antioxidants that help repair oxidative stress from mycotoxins
Brazil Nuts
Rich in selenium—essential for glutathione recycling
Just 1–2 per day supports thyroid and detox. Limit to 2 per day. More is not better. This is a "goldilocks" nutrient.
Colorful Veggies & Leafy Greens
Provide a wide range of antioxidants and phytonutrients
Help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
Herbs: Cilantro & Parsley
May support gentle chelation and detox
Add fresh to meals or blend into smoothies
Her “detox-supportive plate” a few times per week, especially if thee hamold exposure or are actively detoxing after movin
Basic Supplements to Support Mold Resilience
While foods, lifestyle and environment are key, certain supplements may help support the body’s natural detox and defense pathways:
Glutathione (liposomal) – antioxidant that supports detox of mycotoxins.
Binders (e.g., activated charcoal, bentonite clay, fulvic and humic acid ) – may help remove toxins from the gut. I am very particular about brands and these need to be taken away from food and medicines.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – helps the body make glutathione and supports respiratory health
Quercetin – supports mast cell stability and reduces inflammatory responses
Vitamin C & Magnesium – to support immune resilience and detox pathways
Always work with a healthcare provider to personalize supplement protocols.
All of my readers are able to get 20-25 percent off of all supplements ongoing in Fullscript for guaranteed quality. Just email me once you join at jana@carolinagreenliving.com and I will adjust your discount.
Want to Learn More?
I also recommend Dr. Jill Crista’s book listed here : Break the Mold,, an insightful guide for understanding mold illness and how to recover and more .The goal is to prevent your student from getting sick, however!portant Note: If mold is visible or the space smells strongly musty, do not try to clean it yrselihout protection. DIY cleaninmapread
Final Thoughts
Helping your student prevent mold exposure may not be on the official college checklist—but it could make a huge difference in their health, mood, and academic performance.
If you’re concerned or want to be proactive, I invite you to reach out if you’d like personalized guidance.
Best,
Jana Davis MS,RDN
843-801-4686
I may earn from qualifying purchases a commission on some links in this article including Intellipure. I only recommend products from companies that meet high quality standards that I have thoroughly researched or personally use.
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