What is the general category of health issues caused by exposure to mold?

Mold exposure is primarily associated with allergic reactions. When individuals inhale mold spores or come into contact with mold, their immune systems can react as if the mold is a harmful substance, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, respiratory issues, skin irritations, and other allergy-like symptoms. This is especially true for people with pre-existing conditions like asthma or allergies, as they may be more sensitive to mold exposure.

While mold can also be linked to other health issues, such as respiratory infections, the most common and general category of health issues associated with mold is indeed allergic reactions. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining a mold-free environment to prevent these health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions.