Toxic or Not – Here We Come …

There are mould species that are non-toxic and there are mould species that are extremely toxic.  Some moulds cause allergic reactions and asthma.  Certain moulds produce toxins (mycotoxins) as a by-product of living.

Short term reactions can include: sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, lethargy, fever, cold and flu symptoms, nose bleeds, digestive problems and joint problems. Long term symptoms can include: dermatitis,  impaired immune function, infections, lung damage, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Pulmonary hemosiderosis, ocular disease, deafness, cancer even death.

Susceptibility

Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to these contaminants.

Mycotoxins are produced by fungi (mold)

to give them a competitive edge against other microorganisms including other fungi.  There are over 200 recognized mycotoxins and over 1000 species of moulds.  Many are harmful to humans when inhaled, ingested or brought into contact with human skin.

Mycotoxins can produce a variety of short term as well as long term health effects.

Aflotoxin :

is one of the most potent carcinogen known to man and has been linked to a variety of health problems.  Aflotoxins are primarily produced by Aspergillus.

Ochratoxin :

is primarily produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium.  This type of toxin damages the kidneys, liver, immune system and is a suspected carcinogen.

T-2 Toxin:

is a tricothecene produced by Fusarium and Stachybotrys and is one of the more deadly toxins.  T-2 if ingested in sufficient amounts can severly damage the entire digestive tract, causing rapid death due to internal hemorrhage.  T-2 has also been implicated in toxic aleukia, pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding of the lungs).

Fumonism:

is a toxin associated with Fusarium.  Fumonism causes leukoencephalomalcia or liquefaction of the brain in animals.  In humans it it has been linked to esophageal cancer.

Vomitoxin:

is associated with Fusarium which can cause acute gastrointestinal illness.

Citrinin:

is produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus.  This toxin can cause renal damage and bronchial constriction.

Satrotoxin H:

are mainly produced by Stachybotrys charturum and Trichoderma viridi.  High doses or chronic low doses are lethal.

Gliotoxin:

is an immunosuppressive toxin produced by Alternaria, Penicillium and Aspergillus.

Patulin

: is a mycotxin produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus which causes hemorrhaging in the brain and lungs.

Sterigmatocystin:

is produced by Aspergillus versicolor and is considered to be carcinogenic.

Now what ?

You didn’t have to really understand each of the specific toxicology areas mentioned above to get a feel for the danger that mold can pose.

Some of the world’s hardiest insects, like termites, dust mites and some of the world’s most prevalent rodents ( you know, the type that eat your expensive rat poison, get a little sick then laugh at you ) also fall prey to mold.

If you are a house inspector, please ensure that you are properly certified to detect mold before signing off that the house is ok.

If you are a home owner with plants inside, or a new home owner who has taken over an inexpensive house that you suspect may have houses numerous plants ( lets not get too specific here ) then you really need to get your home tested for mold spores.

Children and your parents will be particularly susceptible.