Chances are that most, if not all, of the world’s population has dealt with mold in the bathroom a time or two. Whether in the bathtub, grout, or sink, this room is on the top of this list for that fungus among us to pop up and begin growing. With all of the moisture involved in these washrooms, it makes sense! But what about mold growing in the toilet?
Is that yet another common occurrence that can be chalked up to a typical issue, or does it mean something more?
The answer is: it depends. What many don’t know is that mold growing in the toilet can be a key indicator of a contamination situation occurring in the home, depending on where the growth is.
Understanding why this is a sign and what to do if it happens in a home can be an essential part of any home health plan. Here’s what you need to know.
Before getting into the toilet aspect, it’s important to understand the contaminant in question. Aka, mold.
Mold is a type of fungus with over 100,000 species identified by researchers so far. Each species reproduces by releasing microscopic particles called spores into the surrounding environment.¹’² It’s similar to how a dandelion releases those fluffy, white seeds, except spores are invisible to the naked eye.
These tiny particles will remain in spore form until they land on a surface with the right elements for growth. Thanks to its hardy nature, a spore typically only needs two main components to transition into a living colony.³
If these are present for 24-48 hours, that spore will put down roots called hyphae and begin colonizing the area. The reproductive cycle will also start up, releasing more spores into the surrounding area in hopes of finding another habitable surface.
Going off of the information above, it’s pretty easy to see how some instances of mold growing in the toilet can occur.
For food sources, there are all sorts of organic matter floating around, like skin cells and other particles kicked up while using the bathroom. Tack on the mineral buildup from the water used in the system, and this is an easy box to check off.
As for moisture, this is a given in this specific fixture. Water is contained both in the tank and the bowl, creating a perfect opportunity for microbial growth. Not to mention, the bathroom itself is full of moisture. From steamy showers, wet towels and bathmats, running sinks, and flushing toilets, there’s an endless source of wetness in this room.
Basically, if a lucky mold spore lands inside the toilet, it will think it won the lottery. Once established, this fungus among us can begin to cause a range of problems that can impact our health.
Mold growth in toilets is caused by moisture buildup. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including high humidity levels in the bathroom, poor ventilation, and leaks or cracks in the toilet or plumbing. Other factors, such as infrequent use or cleaning, can also contribute to mold growth in the toilet.
Why is Mold Growing in the Toilet?
That’s the key question! The answer depends on where the growth is.
This can be a common issue for toilets that are infrequently used and cleaned. A spore can zip right in through the opening between the bowl and the seat and begin to grow thanks to the water and organic matter present.
This is the key location to look out for. When it comes to the toilet tank, the lid is heavy, but it’s not hermetically sealed. That’s pretty much a fancy way of saying that it doesnt allow for much air exchange. If mold starts growing inside the tank, that typically means there are enough spores in the indoor air that some were opportunistically able to get into this location.
While it’s not impossible for a lucky spore to make it inside the toilet tank, it’s far more likely that a mold colony elsewhere is pumping spores into the indoor air. That’s why this location can indicate a contamination situation elsewhere in the home, and why it’s a phenomenal trick to determine if there’s a potential hidden problem.
Is Mold Growing in the Toilet Dangerous?
As mentioned above, when mold grows, it releases microscopic spores into the surrounding space. Some species of mold also create microscopic toxins called mycotoxins when threatened, further adding to the particle party.⁴ Interestingly, while mycotoxins are regulated in our food products, no limits exist for acceptable levels in our homes.⁵
And, on top of all of that, bacteria can often grow in the same conditions as mold.⁶ This adds yet another complex layer to the contamination situation going on in the tub.
The ability of these particles to cause problems largely rests on their size. Measured in a unit called a micron, mold spores, fragments, mycotoxins, and bacteria can all be inhaled, ingested, and absorbed into the body.⁷
The EPA further classifies these types of particles as particulate matter and breaks them down into two categories.⁸
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PM10: particles that have a diameter of around 10 micrometers or less.
- PM2.5: fine particles that have a diameter of around 2.5 micrometers or less.
A common misconception is that since mold is everywhere, it’s not a big deal when it grows inside a home. That is not true.
Yes, we are exposed to all of these particles throughout our regular day while driving down the street, walking into work, and even hanging out in our homes. As we can’t put a bubble around ourselves or our indoor environments, it’s impossible to completely avoid coming into contact with some of the particles floating around. When this typically occurs, the body will tag these particles as foreign invaders and send the immune system to kick them to the curb ASAP.
An indoor contamination situation is not the same scenario. Thanks to modern building practices pushing for net-zero energy efficiency, there’s very little airflow between indoor and outdoor environments. So, while particles from a mold colony outdoors have the entire world to disperse through, a majority of those from a colony indoors only have that enclosed space to blow around. The longer that contamination situation exists indoors, the more particles will build up in the room and the rest of the home as well.
This:
- Lowers the indoor air quality
- Contaminants the surfaces within
- Increases the chances of another colony developing elsewhere in the home
Now, instead of a few particles here and there throughout the day, the body is tasked with fighting off an entire army of them. This can lead to the immune system getting bogged down and/or malfunctioning, opening the door to chronic symptoms.⁹’¹⁰’¹¹’¹²’¹³ It can also allow autoimmune conditions to develop, such as Aspergillosis, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
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Headaches and migraines
- Joint and/or muscle pain
- Digestive issues
- Brain fog
- Chronic fatigue
- Flu and cold-like symptoms
- Hair loss
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Mood swings
- Skin issues such as rashes
- Hormone imbalances
The tricky thing is that no two people will respond the same way to a situation such as mold growing in the toilet. One individual may experience occasional brain fog while another develops a dozen symptoms and an autoimmune disease.
Much more research is needed to better understand how indoor contaminants affect our health, but it’s a tough subject to nail down. Factors such as genetics, mold species, mycotoxins, bacteria, length of exposure, and immune system status all play a role. Those with compromised or developing immune systems, for instance, are at greater risk of developing symptoms faster and to a greater extent.
The potential for adverse health reactions is reason enough to want to avoid mold growing in the toilet and in a home, in general.
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FAQ
What is the white gunk in my toilet bowl?
What is the white fungus in my toilet bowl?
What is the weird stuff growing in my toilet bowl?
Can white mold grow in a toilet bowl?
White mold: White mold is not easily identified at its initial stages when growing in the toilet bowl, owing to its white color. Therefore, it is hard even to begin mold treatment as early as possible to prevent further spreading. However, as it grows, the white mold might start changing its color, making it easier to notice.
Why is there mold in my Toilet Bowl?
The bowl thus becomes a perfect condition for mold to flourish. Mold developing in the toilet bowl below the waterline can indicate that your tank is infested with mold. It could mean your water seal is broken, resulting in a leak from the water inlet. Remember, mold can grow anywhere there is moisture and a food source, including your toilet.
What color is toilet mold?
Mold comes in a lot of colors. Black toilet mold is the most common color that forms a “ring” in your toilet. This ring can also be from green mold or grey mold. Orange or pinkish slimy mold can develop around the toilet bowl at the spot where the top of the water sits in the bowl. What Causes Toilet Mold?
Why is there black mold in my toilet?
You could have black mold in the water supply from the pipes or tank. If this is the case the mold will re-establish itself every time you flush the toilet. Rust on the pipes can also cause condensation which leads to black mold. There could be cracks in the ceramic of your toilet. These cracks give black mold a place to stick, grow and flourish.