Most Tri-State Residents Fear Indoor Toxins — Mold Tops the List
79% link indoor toxins to severe health risks, yet many skip testing
A majority of Tri-State residents say indoor toxins are a real risk. According to RTK Environmental 61% of respondents believe toxins are present in their homes or workplaces, while 63% report being concerned about environmental toxins in their daily lives.
Among specific toxins, mold (66%) ranked as the most widely recognized and concerning, followed by lead (58%), asbestos (52%), radon (41%), and microplastics (37%). Nearly all respondents (98%) agreed that tobacco smoke, mold, dust, and cleaning chemicals negatively affect indoor air quality, with mold identified as the most harmful.
“These findings underscore what we see in the field every day,” said Robert Weitz, Certified Microbial Investigator and Principal at RTK Environmental. “People understand that hidden toxins like mold, asbestos, and lead can have serious health consequences, but awareness alone isn’t enough. Regular testing and proactive environmental management are key to protecting both homes and workplaces.”
Other key findings include:
- 55% of respondents have checked their home or workplace for mold
- 72% are aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure
- 79% believe mold, lead, asbestos, radon, and poor indoor air quality can cause severe health issues
- 75% said they would be interested in learning more about reducing exposure to toxins
The survey highlights both heightened awareness and a willingness to take action to create safer, healthier living and working environments.
Talker Research surveyed 100 Americans in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut; the survey was commissioned by RTK Environmental and administered online between Sept. 8 and Sept. 15, 2025. Talker Research uses a mix of traditional online access panels and programmatic sampling, ensuring quality control through measures such as captcha, deduplication, and statistical significance testing at the 95% level.
