Atlanta Bricks: Mold Fueling "Clean" Air Lies?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 11, 2026

The scent of damp earth and something vaguely unpleasant hangs in the air. It’s a familiar aroma to many Atlanta residents, especially those living in the city’s historic neighborhoods. Could the charming brick facades that define areas like Inman Park and Midtown be contributing to a hidden health hazard: mold?

Atlanta’s love affair with brick is undeniable. From stately Victorian homes to repurposed industrial buildings, brick is a defining architectural element. But this porous material, combined with Atlanta’s humid climate, creates a perfect breeding ground for mold.

Brick, while durable, is surprisingly absorbent. It acts like a sponge, wicking moisture from rain, humidity, and even groundwater. This moisture then penetrates the brick and can seep into interior walls, creating a damp environment where mold thrives.

Older brick buildings, common in neighborhoods like Inman Park and Midtown, are particularly vulnerable. The mortar between the bricks can crack and crumble over time, creating pathways for water intrusion. Furthermore, many older homes lack proper vapor barriers, allowing moisture to easily migrate from the brick walls into the interior.

The consequences of this moisture intrusion can be significant. Mold growth can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

Allergic reactions: Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.
Asthma: Mold can trigger asthma attacks and worsen existing respiratory conditions.
Respiratory infections: Some molds can cause serious lung infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Beyond health concerns, mold can also damage building materials, leading to costly repairs. It can rot wood, stain walls, and even weaken the structural integrity of a building.

So, what can Atlanta residents do to mitigate mold risks in their brick homes? The first step is to identify potential problem areas. Look for:

Visible mold growth: This is the most obvious sign, often appearing as black, green, or white patches on walls, ceilings, or floors.
Musty odors: A persistent musty smell can indicate hidden mold growth, even if you can’t see it.
Water stains: Water stains on walls or ceilings are a sign of water intrusion, which can lead to mold growth.
Cracked or crumbling mortar: This allows water to penetrate the brick walls.

Once you’ve identified potential problem areas, it’s time to test for mold. DIY mold testing kits are readily available at most hardware stores. These kits typically involve collecting a sample of dust or surface mold and sending it to a lab for analysis.

However, DIY kits have limitations. They can tell you if mold is present, but not necessarily what kind of mold or how much is present. For a more comprehensive assessment, consider hiring a professional mold inspector.

A professional mold inspector will use specialized equipment to detect hidden mold growth and identify the species of mold present. They can also assess the extent of the problem and recommend appropriate remediation strategies.

If you find mold in your home, it’s important to address the problem promptly. Small areas of mold (less than 10 square feet) can often be cleaned yourself using a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).

Important: Always wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection when cleaning mold. Ensure adequate ventilation to avoid inhaling mold spores.

For larger areas of mold growth, it’s best to hire a professional mold remediation company. In Georgia, mold remediation companies must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. You can verify a company’s license status on the department’s website.

Professional mold remediation involves:

Identifying and addressing the source of moisture.
Containing the affected area to prevent the spread of mold spores.
Removing and disposing of mold-contaminated materials.
Cleaning and disinfecting the affected area.
Testing to ensure that the mold has been successfully removed.

Preventing mold growth is always better than dealing with it after it occurs. Here are some tips for preventing mold in your Atlanta brick home:

Control humidity: Use dehumidifiers, especially in basements and crawl spaces. Aim for a humidity level of 30-50%.
Ventilate properly: Ensure adequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture levels are typically high. Use exhaust fans when showering or cooking.
Repair leaks promptly: Fix any leaks in your roof, plumbing, or foundation as soon as possible.
Improve drainage: Ensure that rainwater is directed away from your foundation. Clean gutters and downspouts regularly.
Consider a vapor barrier: If you’re renovating your home, consider installing a vapor barrier between the brick walls and the interior walls.
Regularly inspect your home: Look for signs of water damage or mold growth.

Air purifiers can also help to reduce mold spores in the air. Look for air purifiers with HEPA filters, which are effective at trapping mold spores and other airborne particles. Consider models specifically designed for mold and allergy control.

Choosing the right air purifier for your Atlanta home depends on several factors, including the size of the room, the severity of the mold problem, and your budget. Look for models with a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate), which indicates how quickly the purifier can clean the air in a given room size.

Living in a historic brick home in Atlanta is a unique experience. But it also comes with unique challenges, including the risk of mold growth. By understanding the factors that contribute to mold growth in brick buildings and taking proactive steps to prevent and remediate mold, Atlanta residents can protect their health and preserve the beauty of their homes. Don’t let the charm of brick become a source of hidden danger.