Toxic Mold and Mycotoxins
If you suspect you have been exposed to toxic mold, let this be a guide to inform you of the symptoms and available testing. Toxic mold exposure can cause serious health problems. In fact, chronic exposure can cause an entire family and even the pets to become seriously ill. Since biblical times, entire buildings have been torn down due to mold infestation. All molds themselves are not necessarily harmful, however some species produce metabolites called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are some of the most toxic substances in existence and are very potent in causing a wide range of serious detrimental effects in the human body.
Mycotoxins are heat resistant (you would have to heat them to 500 degrees or more) and they are a fraction of the size of mold spores, so they pass right through a normal air filter. Mold spores are 3-100 microns, but mycotoxins are a fraction of the size. They are as small as .1 micron. Consequently, they can contaminate clothes or belongings in an affected room and may continue to haunt you in a new home as some resilient forms may take years to break down.
Mycotoxin exposure is a problem in water damaged buildings or homes. Mold can grow in nearly any area with water leaks and grows well on porous surfaces such as drywall and other building materials. A moldy smell can be more concerning than visible mold, since it can grow on hidden surfaces, behind walls, or under sinks.
Mycotoxins in the Body
These toxic compounds can be inhaled and absorbed into the body through the sinuses, GI tract, or through the skin. While some mycotoxins can damage your cellular mitochondria, other can damage the liver or kidneys. Also, some varieties are immunotoxic; They suppress IgA (antibodies) and B cell and T cell activation. Furthermore, the mold species aspergillus flavus and aspergillus parasiticus produce harmful aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are among the most carcinogenic substances in nature. Mycotoxins are also genotoxic, meaning they cause damage to your DNA.
Symptoms of toxic mold exposure can vary widely. A family living in a water damaged home may each experience different symptoms. One person may experience headaches or sneezing and coughing, while another may experience extreme fatigue. Mycotoxins in water damaged buildings become airborne and inhaled directly or with contact of contaminated clothing or furniture. Inhalation can cause respiratory symptoms similar to allergies. Also, mold can grow on food and ingestion of mold containing foods can cause a more acute onset of symptoms within hours instead of days to weeks.
Mold exposure can be difficult to diagnose and can be missed by many healthcare providers. Sometimes people will go from one doctor to the next, trying to figure out what is wrong with them. If you suspect you are being exposed to toxic mold from a home or building with water leaks and are experiencing some of the symptoms below, call a mold testing company to test the house or building, and get out immediately. Positive tests would be legitimate evidence for breaking a lease agreement.
We can help with testing for molds + mycotoxins with the MycoTOX test with a urine sample and design a personalized detox protocol for recovery.
Symptoms of Toxic Mold Exposure
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Itchy watery eyes
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea
- Allergies
- Sinusitis
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Brain fog
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Night sweats
- Numbness in hands and feet
Solution Steps
Home: Contact local mold testing or mold remediation company for testing and home repairs.
Body: Test for mycotoxin levels in your body with MycoTox by Mosiac Diagnostics.
Detox: Use detox protocols to clear mold and mycotoxins.
Surroundings: Neutralize remaining mycotoxins in your environment.
Mold Testing Resources
How to Neutralize Mycotoxins
