Mold isn’t just unsightly, it’s a silent disruptor of health, energy, and living spaces.
In this episode of The Aligned Interior, I’m joined by environmental quality specialist and author John C. Banta to explore the hidden ways mold impacts our homes and health.
We cover how mold develops, why it can be so stubborn to remove, and the steps John takes for effective, non-chemical remediation. He shares decades of insight into how moisture and building materials contribute to mold growth, common mistakes in construction and remodeling, and practical strategies for preventing mold in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and beyond.
John also discusses how environmental exposures, including mold, can contribute to ongoing health issues, like allergy-like symptoms, migraines, fatigue, and asthma, and why early detection and proper remediation are essential. For renters, homebuyers, and designers, he explains what to look for to minimize hidden risks.
We also touch on how John works with medical professionals, and highlight key insights from his books Prescriptions For A Healthy House and his latest, Mold Controlled, A Guide to Finding, Fixing, Preventing and Getting Help with Mold Problems.
Whether you’ve encountered mold firsthand or simply want to understand how our built environments shape our well-being, this episode offers actionable insights for creating healthier homes.
🌀 John Banta is the mold expert, an environmental quality specialist and author whose work bridges environmental health, remediation, and practical solutions for homeowners and professionals alike.
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction.
(2:05) John’s background & how he started in indoor air quality and mold.
(5:20) What sets his approach apart from others in the field.
(7:48) How common are mold issues in homes and buildings.
(11:28) Under-appreciated health impacts of mold.
(14:30) Collaborating with doctors.
(17:23) Construction and remodeling mistakes that encourage mold.
(22:01) “Building better” to prevent mold in practice.
(25:40) Linking hidden mold exposure to chronic symptoms.
(30:24) Most common causes of mold in homes.
(33:00) How material choices affect mold vulnerability.
(42:00) What renters and buyers should look for to spot mold risks.
(48:07) Steps for effective mold cleaning.
(01:05:20) Practical home precautions to prevent mold.
(01:11:40) Key chapters or sections to focus on in the book.
(01:14:17) Ideal changes in building design or regulation.
(01:15:36) One shift listeners should make about their homes and health.
(01:16:25) Closing thoughts & outro.
📚 Resources
🎶 Music by: TELL YOUR STORY by ikson™ | Link
🛑 Disclaimer