Online Communities Fuel Rise of ‘Black Mould Truthers’ Linking Illness to Fungal Exposure
A growing online movement attributes a wide range of ailments,from neurological issues to ideological shifts,to chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) triggered by black mould exposure,despite limited scientific backing. The phenomenon,dubbed “mouldies” by some,is gaining traction across social media platforms,sparking debate and concern among medical professionals and science communicators.
The interest with mould’s potential impact on health and even worldview isn’t new. Historically, ergot poisoning – caused by grain infected with a fungus – induced mass delirium in medieval villages, a condition known as St. Anthony’s Fire. More recently, the BBC podcast Uncanny featured a case where a man attributed perceived ghostly encounters to potential mould exposure in his flat, though experts note that simply inhaling mould spores isn’t typically sufficient to cause neurological effects like those associated with CIRS. Though, the idea of hidden toxicity and creeping corruption resonates powerfully online.
The trend gained further visibility with claims surrounding author J.K. Rowling, with some online users jokingly suggesting her controversial views stemmed from “TERF brain worms” caused by black mould purportedly visible in a photograph of her living room. The alleged infestation was later revealed to be an unusual wallpaper pattern. This incident exemplifies the allure of CIRS: a seemingly simple description – identify and eliminate the mould – for complex problems.
However, experts warn that pursuing unproven treatments to “remove fungus from the blood” is scientifically unsound and perhaps harmful.The rise of “mouldies” coincides with broader anxieties surrounding conditions like Long Covid, which, while also subject to debate, has a stronger basis in medical research. Critics argue that the spread of unsubstantiated claims about mould represents a “creeping degradation of science and trust in establishments,” echoing a return to “fact-free paranoia.” A recent Instagram post ridiculed Violet Affleck for advocating mask-wearing and raising concerns about Long Covid’s impact on future generations, highlighting the culture war surrounding these health issues.
