Mycotoxins
Learn About Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are an unseen chemical defense mechanism, sometimes utilized by molds and fungi to protect themselves. These unseen toxins can easily become airborne by means of evaporation and/or indoor air movement. This poses a major threat to our health and the air quality of our homes. If you previously had a mold or water damage problem, or currently do, you could be at risk.
Mycotoxins are aerosolized primarily via evaporation because of their hydrophobic properties. Meaning, they rest on top of water molecules. As water molecules heat up, they vibrate very quickly. When they begin to speed up, these molecules escape into the air as a gas. When damp/wet mold heat up, the mycotoxins attached to these molds get lifted into the air amidst the water vapor.
How is this different from what is ingested? We have the food industry to thank for regulating mycotoxins in our food and animal feed for many years. They have well established safe levels for ingestion.
Addressing inhalation within our built environments, as a method of entry into the body, is groundbreaking in the industry.
To learn more
see video below
Mycotoxin Health Risks
Certain mycotoxins have been identified as carcinogens, while others are linked to neurological symptoms, and a diverse range of mycotoxins can lead to various unspecified health complications.
Neurological Health
- Alzheimer's disease
- Autism
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Cognitive Dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches/Migraines
- Mental Health Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
General Health
- Crohn's disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Kidney Stones
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Raynaud's disease
- Sjögren's syndrome
Cardiovascular Health
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Vasculitis
Respiratory Health
- Asthma
- Respiratory difficulties
Breathe With Confidence Through Testing
Do you want to know if your structure has elevated mycotoxins? Air sampling is considered the strongest strategy for the detection of airborne contaminants, especially when conducted for health concerns as it provides a better understanding of inhalation exposure than tests using settled dust. Sampling settled dust can provide a historic analysis of the structure but does not provide current exposure to inhalable mycotoxins. Only AMEA samples the air you breathe!
The Goldmorr Solution
Goldmorr USA continues to be at the forefront in providing solutions and strategies to address environmental air quality issues in the indoor environment. Using our newly developed products and mycotoxin removal protocols, coupled with ground breaking AMEA mycotoxin testing procedures, Goldmorr Member companies can identify the presence of mycotoxins, remove them from the environment, and then verify the return to normal levels with post-remediation testing. Join the Goldmorr family today, to become a Mold & Mycotoxin Removal Professional. If you are a customer, please reach out to us so we can help you find the nearest provider.
Mold vs. Mycotoxin Symptoms
Molds can release both spores and mycotoxins, causing two separate potential reactions. Mold spores are an allergen causing hay fever-like symptoms according to the EPA. Mycotoxins are chemical poisons that can cause severe health consequences such as what is displayed above. It is important to note that everyone reacts differently to mycotoxin exposure. Even though you may not show immediate symptoms, you may be at risk for long term or short term health affects. Listen to your body and don’t hesitate to get help from a healthcare professional.
frequently asked questions
Mycotoxins are fungal poisons produced by various species of molds, including Stachybotrys chartarum, often referred to as “Toxic Black Mold.” The term “toxic” in this context points to the mycotoxins produced by molds, which can be harmful to health.
There’s been a suspected link between water-damaged environments, mold growth, and the presence of mycotoxins. While initial evidence suggested small amounts of mycotoxins, individuals experiencing mycotoxin-related illnesses disagreed. Research aimed to determine the actual health implications.
Molds are generally allergens, causing respiratory irritation and common allergy symptoms. Mycotoxins, however, can enter the respiratory system and bloodstream, leading to a range of health issues, including neurological symptoms and potential carcinogenic effects.
The research aimed to study indoor airborne mycotoxins. A hypothesis suggested that as mold-produced mycotoxins have hydrophobic properties, they might be aerosolized via evaporation. Samples were collected using specific methods, analyzed by an independent laboratory, and the results indicated elevated mycotoxin levels.
The research revealed that mycotoxin concentrations in indoor air could be quite high, especially during drying processes like dehumidification. The decrease in humidity appeared to trigger the aerosolization of mycotoxins, confirming the earlier hypothesis.
The findings suggest that indoor spaces can contain significant levels of mycotoxins, potentially exposing occupants to harmful chemicals. Additionally, the research noted that mycotoxins attached to dust could be released into the air when passing through filters, potentially reintroducing them into the “clean” air of the room.
