MOLD EXPOSURE – MOLD TOXICITY
Mold exposure and mold toxicity are very serious issues that can be effectively diagnosed and successfully treated by the experienced professionals at COEM.
Many studies link exposure to damp or moldy indoor conditions to increased incidence and/or severity of respiratory problems such as asthma, wheezing and rhinosinusitis and even life-threatening systemic infections in immunocompromised persons. Stachybotrys, also known as toxic black mold, produces trichothecenes and other mycotoxins, which can inhibit protein synthesis and induce hemorrhaging disorders. Indoor mold exposure can alter immunological factors and produce allergic reactions. Several studies have indicated that indoor mold exposure can alter brain blood flow, autonomic nerve function, and brain waves, and worsen concentration, attention, balance and memory.
Health officials are increasingly concerned about the dangers of mold in our homes and offices. It is understood that mold (fungi) is capable of causing allergy, infection, and even toxicity in humans. Doctors who are members of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine have known for some time that specific molds, in sufficient concentration over a sustained period of time, are potentially detrimental to our health. These doctors have become expert in the diagnosis and treatment of mold-induced medical problems. The physicians at COEM are world class doctors having experience diagnosing mold poisoning and its associated conditions. This includes proper documentation through biomarkers of exposure and effect supported by comprehensive lab testing that is very specific for mold mycotoxins.
Molds have been present for billions of years and comprise 25 percent of the earth’s biomass. They are everywhere! Most of these molds are harmless and don’t affect our health. But indoor fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, Cladosporium, and Alternaria are capable of creating health issues when at sufficient levels.
Many molds reproduce by making spores. When the spores come into contact with a moist ‘food’ source, they germinate and commence the production of a branching network of cells called hyphae. The hyphae secrete mycotoxins and digestive enzymes that work on cellulose in our house walls. Moisture is a key requirement.
What are some of the health problems mold can cause?
Dr. Vojdani lists seven categories of health affects:
- Allergy–immediate reaction
- Allergy–delayed reaction, hours to days after exposure
- Infection–mainly in susceptible people
- Adverse reactions to odor—becoming sensitive to many chemicals
- Neurotoxicity—headaches, fatigue, nosebleeds, memory loss
- Immunotoxicity—frequent infections, especially of the sinus and lungs; rashes; autoimmune diseases
- Mucous membrane irritation
Dr Allan Lieberman, in his paper “Explosion of Mold Cases in Homes, Workplaces and Occupational Medicine Practice,” examined 48 patients who were heavily exposed to mold. The results were as follows:
- Muscle and joint pain (71%)
- Fatigue and weakness (70%)
- Neurocognitive dysfunction (67%)
- Sinusitis (65%)
- Headache (65%)
- Gastrointestinal problems (58%)
- Shortness of breath (54%)
- Anxiety/depression/irritability (54%)
- Chest tightness (42%)
- Insomnia (40%)
- Dizziness (38%)
- Numbness/tingling (35%)
- Laryngitis (35%)
- Tremors (25%)
- Heart palpitations (21%)
In a review paper entitled “Adverse Health Effects of Indoor Molds,” the authors cite the study by Rea et al of 150 heavily indoor mold-exposed patients, which found similar health problems in similar percentages as Lieberman’s study.
The Mayo Clinic noted that 96% of chronic sinusitis patients were infected with fungus. This fact is alarming since antibiotics are repeatedly given to treat the bacteria, but anti-fungal are not given to treat the fungus.
Lebowitz et al reported that 56 percent of 45 patients having sinus surgery had positive fungi cultures.
How should a patient be evaluated for a mold toxicity-related symptom?
Environmental sampling can be performed to check for spores and mycotoxins. Placing agar plated mold dishes in suspected moldy environments can yield counts of colony forming units. One study implies more than four colonies could be a problem, especially for those with recurrent sinusitis.
Calling in a mold inspector to do a thorough evaluation and written report of their findings is important. If litigation is involved it is wise to bring in a CIH, Certified Industrial Hygienist, who is qualified by training to determine the presence and extent of mold over growth.
Proper treatment for mold toxicity involves evaluation by an environmental physician, including a comprehensive history and physical examination. Laboratory testing can include:
- Mold and mycotoxin antibody levels
- Immune markers—T and B cells/natural killer cells
- Vision contrast sensitivity
- SPECT brain scans
- Antimyelin auto-antibodies
Treatment is individualized and specific to the findings of a complete evaluation. Treatment modalities can include: anti-fungal medications, allergy/immunotherapy, treatments for sinusitis, nutritional/herbal support, intravenous vitamin and mineral supplementation, and/or biodetoxification.
Recommendations will be made as to avoidance of the contaminated environment entirely. If that is not an option then proper professional remediation of affected areas is required.
The physicians at COEM have seen thousands of cases of mold exposure and its toxic effects. They are experienced in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of mold injuries and can help you to detoxify your body of mold mycotoxins.
For further information about mold injury:
Please call our office to speak to the New Patient Coordinator, Krystal: (843) 572-1600.
See the article, The Effects of Toxic Molds on Personality and Brain Functioning, by a Licensed Neuropsychologist, for additional information as well.
For information about mold assessment of homes or businesses:
Please see the article in this issue, “Assessment of Mold in Indoor Environments,” by a Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC). In addition, mold plates for household sampling of molds are available for our patients at The Center. We can also make referrals for mold inspectors and Certified Industrial Hygienists to assist you in confirming the extent of mold damage in your residence or business.
References:
Curtis L, Lieberman A, Stark M, Rea M, Vetter M. Adverse health effects of indoor molds. Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (Sept 2004) 14(3) 261-274.
Lieberman, A. Explosion of mold cases in homes, workplaces and occupational medicine practices. Presented at the 21st Annual Symposium on Man and His Environment in Health and Disease, Dallas, Texas, 19-22 June 2003.
Liebowitz, R, Waltzman M, Jacobs J, Pearlman A, Tierro P. Isolation of fungi by standard laboratory methods in patients with chornic rhinosinusitis. Laryngoscope 2002:112(12):2189-91.
Vodjani A, Campbell A, Kashanian A, Vodjani E. Antibodies against molds and mycotoxins following exposure to toxigenic fungi in water-damaged building. Archives of Environmental Health 2003; 58(^):324-36.
Vodjani, A, Thrasher J. Madison M, Gray M, Heuser G, Campbell A. Antibodies to molds and satratoxin individuals in a water-damaged building. Archives of Environmental Health 2003; 58(7)421-32.
Vodjani, A. Health effects and immunotoxicology of toxigenic molds and mycotoxins. Presented at the 21st International Symposium of Man and His Environment in Health and Disease, Dallas, Texas, 20 June 2003.
Related Article
- Mold and Cancer: Can Mold Cause Cancer?
- Mycotoxins Toxicity: What You Need to Know
- Mold and Dampness: How Mold Affects Your Health
- Mold On Food: Is Moldy Food Dangerous?
- Mold and Candida: What Is the Real Connection?
- Mold and Asthma – What’s the Connection and its Effects on Your Health
- How to Remove Mold Spores From Your House And Prevent Mold Infection?
- Mold Assessment: What You Should Know About It
- Mold Mycotoxins: Important Things You Should know
- The Endocrine System and Your Hormones
- Adverse Health Effects of Indoor Molds
Indoor exposure to black mold, or any other mold, has not been linked to cancer. However, mold is linked to various other health issues.
Mold can grow anywhere where moisture is found. Mold spores fly through the air to enter homes and other structures, and as a result, we may breathe them in at times. This can aggravate allergies and asthma and induce upper respiratory symptoms when present in high quantities for a long time in our bodies.
Read on to learn more about black mold, different varieties of mold, and who are most vulnerable to them.
Types of Dangerous Mold and Their Relation to Cancer
There are several dangerous and toxic molds found in our surroundings. Two of them are regarded as extremely dangerous and related to cancer.
Black mold and cancer
Stachybotrys chartarum, often known as black mold, or Stachybotrys atra, has a reputation for being a toxic mold. Satratoxin, a form of mycotoxin produced by black mold, is a toxic chemical that can cause disease in some people, but black mold and lung cancer haven’t been linked to it yet.
Aspergillus and cancer
Molds in this category produce aflatoxins, which are toxic components that can make you feel very ill and lead to liver cancer if you ingest them too much. Rather than inhaling, this mold enters your body through digestion.
Mold can grow in a variety of places, including your home. Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Alternaria are other dangerous molds found.
Also read: MYCOTOXINS TOXICITY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Mold Toxicity Symptoms
The adverse effects of short-term mold exposure are different for every person. If you’re allergic or sensitive to mold, you’re more likely to experience severe symptoms.
Symptoms in general include:
- sinus and nasal congestion
- nasal irritation
- itchy, watery eyes
- red eyes
- blurry vision
- trouble breathing
- coughing
- sore throat
- sneezing
- nosebleeds
- asthma attacks (if you have asthma)
What Are the Risks of Mold Exposure?
Some people are completely unaffected, while others are more sensitive. If you have a mold allergy, you may experience severe symptoms such as lung inflammation.
According to the CDC, the Institute of Medicine found sufficient evidence associating indoor mold and wet indoor settings in general, with:
- Symptoms of the upper respiratory tract in healthy adults
- Symptoms in people suffering from asthma
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in vulnerable people
Furthermore, lung cavities can be infected with Aspergillus niger if you have emphysema, TB, or severe sarcoidosis. Invasive aspergillosis is a more serious reaction in which the infection spreads from the lungs to the brain, heart, and kidneys. This is more likely to happen in persons with a weaker immune system.
What Type of Cancer Does Mold Cause?
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by some varieties of this mold that can make you sick and even cause liver cancer. That usually comes from eating it rather than breathing it in.
Who’s at Risk?
People with the following conditions are at the biggest risk:
- allergies
- asthma
- a chronic lung disease
- cancer treatment
- intaking strong drugs and medicines
- organ or stem cell transplant
Also read: MOLD ON FOOD: IS MOLDY FOOD DANGEROUS?
How Do You Keep Mold Out of Buildings and Home?
Mold growth can be slowed down in your home and building by performing the following:
- Controlling humidity levels.
- Repair the leaking roofs, windows, and pipes as quickly as possible.
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying after floods.
- Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking facilities.
Call us at 843-572-1600 or make an appointment with one of our mold toxicity expert doctors now if you are seeking the best mold treatment near you. We have a team of professionals at the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine who can help you with all of your health-related issues.
It is well known that mold exposure heightens the risk for respiratory diseases. However, there is a possibility that mold toxicity can impact brain health and cause cognitive issues. Today, no conclusive scientific research has linked mold exposure to dementia. Nevertheless, substantial case studies suggest that mold exposure may contribute to cognitive impairment for people vulnerable to mold toxicity. This article describes some of the long-term effects of mold exposure.
Mold is a kind of fungus that is present nearly everywhere. Generally, reasonable quantities of mold in the environment are harmless to people with a well-functioning immune system. However, some people can be very sensitive to mold spores and may develop respiratory problems when inhaling even a small number of spores.
Mold is a fungus that develops on humid or damp spots such as ventilation ducts, walls, shower cubicles, bathrooms, etc. You can identify mold growth either by smelling the musty, damp, or mildew odor or by observing signs such as water stains or discoloration on ceilings, floors, or walls in your house. Read more to learn how mold can make you sick and ways to prevent mold health risks.