Clues Mold in Your College Student’s Housing Is Making Them Sick
Sending your child off to college comes with enough worries—safety, grades, and whether they’ll remember to eat something besides ramen. But for many families, there’s a hidden risk that doesn’t make the packing list: mold exposure in student housing.
If your child’s health takes a sudden turn after moving into a dorm, apartment, or campus housing, it might not just be stress or late nights to blame.
1. They Don’t Mention Feeling Worse
Don’t assume your student will automatically tell you if their health changes after school starts. Many don’t connect new or worsening symptoms to their environment—especially when college life is full of other changes.
What to say: “If you notice new symptoms, especially ones that don’t go away, please let me know.”
2. Symptoms Go Beyond Typical College Life
Yes, late nights, junk food, and stress can cause breakouts or fatigue. But they don’t cause dramatic mood changes, cognitive issues, or constant illness.
If your student is struggling with these, it’s time to look deeper.
3. Concerning Changes in Mental Health or Behavior
Pay attention to:
New or worsening anxiety, depression, or panic attacks
Brain fog, memory issues, or slower learning
OCD-like behaviors or sudden personality changes
4. Physical Symptoms That Don’t Add Up
Watch for:
Digestive problems that don’t respond to diet changes
Dizziness, headaches, balance issues, or constant fatigue
Insomnia or overwhelming daytime sleepiness
Noticeable increase in thirst and frequent urination—especially waking at night to pee
5. Environmental Red Flags
Ask:
Do symptoms improve when away from housing or campus?
Are there musty smells, water stains, or visible mold?
Is there high humidity making belongings feel damp?
6. Poor Mold Remediation
Many universities paint, bleach, or “clean” mold without fixing the source. Old mold + old stains can be as harmful as new growth.
7. Your Child’s Health Comes First
For some, a quality air purifier may help manage symptoms enough to finish the semester. But for the 25% of the population with genetic susceptibility, even small exposures can trigger serious immune responses. The only safe option may be moving—mid-year if needed.
🎯 Not Sure If Mold Is the Problem?
Don’t guess. I created a free checklist to help you identify whether your home—or your student’s housing—could be making you sick.
📥 Grab the free checklist: Is My Home Making Me Sick?
Start here before you spend thousands chasing the wrong solutions.