ATLANTA — Children attending schools with visible mold growth or persistent musty odors had significantly higher rates of asthma exacerbations, respiratory illness, and school absences than children in mold-free schools, according to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in January 2026.
The study, which analyzed health and building condition data from more than 2,000 schools across 15 states, found that the association between mold and respiratory illness was strongest in children with pre-existing asthma — but was also significant in children without a prior asthma diagnosis, suggesting that mold exposure may contribute to the development of asthma.
The CDC estimates that approximately 10 percent of U.S. school buildings have visible mold or moisture problems that could affect indoor air quality. The problem is most prevalent in older school buildings in humid climates, where inadequate HVAC systems and deferred maintenance have allowed moisture to accumulate over decades.
The study's findings have prompted calls for increased federal funding for school building remediation and for the development of federal indoor air quality standards for schools. Currently, no federal law requires schools to meet specific indoor air quality standards, and state requirements vary widely.
Restoration contractors who specialize in educational facilities should be aware of the specific challenges of mold remediation in occupied school buildings, including the need to work around school schedules, the heightened sensitivity of child occupants, and the additional documentation requirements that school districts typically require.
