Mold is an issue, people are hearing about more and more. Unfortunately, not enough is being done to alert the public about this serious threat to human health. Many are aware but do not know the full extent of danger that indoor mold poses. We will discuss conditions which lead to mold growth, toxins, medical conditions, and what to do or not to do.

In total, nature produces thousands of species of mold. For the purposes of this article we will focus on the most dangerous types that take up residence inside man made structures. Mold thrives in dark, damp, & moist places. In nature mold growth is usually balanced by environmental conditions, bacteria, and natural organic compounds. Indoors however, these elements are not present, thus nothing is in place to impede its growth. Molds that thrive indoors produce a variety of toxic chemicals known as mycotoxins.

These toxins, which are located on the tips of mold spores, can affect several bodily systems. They are also present in particulates shed by molds that are smaller then the spores. The mycotoxins can have adverse effects on all organ systems. Gastro Intestinal, tissue, bone, skin, hair, olfactory, ophthalmologic, and neurological systems to name a few, can all be affected. The immune system is one of the paths that lead to the dysfunctioning of these systems. Being unable to defeat these toxic chemicals, our immune system goes on a relentless attack, leading to several inflammatory responses. Dental problems, insomnia, dry skin, weight losses and gains, are just some of the symptoms to mention. Diabetes, eczema, depression, chronic rhinositus, anemia, chronic fatigue, liver, kidney, and cardiological problems are all hallmark conditions that are linked. Asthma, COPD, Sarcoidosis, Aspergillosis and other pulmonary illnesses are linked to mold fungi colonization, as well as certain types of cancer. Like bacteria, mold fungi has been proven to colonize the human body. Cancer has also resulted with exposure to certain species of mold. Another warning sign is if the family pet(s) also present with the above mentioned symptoms or conditions, it could be an additional warning sign that mold is present. With the appearance of these multiple health system ailments all at the same location, it could be the structure that you are occupying, is making you sick. This is what is known as “Sick Building Syndrome”.

Detection and prevention is key. If there is moisture that remains present for at least twenty four hours, mold could take hold. It can hide behind walls and in HVAC systems, blowing spores throughout the structure. Many times there will be a musty and mildew like smell present. To verify the presence, testing should be done. Mold test kits can be purchased very inexpensively at most home improvement stores and Rutgers University has a program where they offer free testing. These tests will only provide some of the species that are present with out providing actual spore counts. I strongly suggest that a certified environmentalist/toxicologist be contracted to take air and culture samples. A common myth of treatment is to use bleach. This could be dangerous and also ineffective. The vegetative body known as the Hyphae can be below the surface. The bleach enzymes may not penetrate deep enough. Plus it is 94% water. This will serve to feed the mold fungal growth. The toxins in bleach are also neurotoxic. This will add to the neurotoxins that the mold is already delivering to the brain. Hydrogen peroxide along with white distilled vinegar is known to destroy many species of mold. However mold is a very defensive organism and I strongly suggest enlisting a trained professional to do all the remediation. Layman handling could prove to be more costly both economically and medically speaking. In future articles I will discuss more in depth specific species, toxins, medical conditions, and other aspects and causes of “Sick Building Syndrome”.

If any readers wish to contact me personally for more information feel free to write to moldleg333@live.com.

Sincerely yours,

John McBride
“MCS” Beacon Of Hope Foundation’s New Jersey State Representative & Toxic Mold Activist/Consultant
Moldleg333@live.com

Gray, Michael R.; Thrasher, Jack D.; Crago, Robert; Madison, Roberta A.; Arnold, Linda; Campbell, Andrew W.; Vojdani, Aristo 2003 Mixed mold mycotoxicosis: immunological changes in humans following exposure in water-damaged buildings: Archives of Environmental Health.

Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker; Mold Warriors. 2005 Gateway Pr. Baltimore, MD: 2005.

Kuhn, D.M.; Ghannoum, M.A. 2003 Indoor Mold, Toxigenic Fungi, and Stachybotrys chartarum: Infectious Disease Perspective Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.

Etzel, Ruth A.; What the primary care pediatrician should know about syndromes associated with exposures to mycotoxins; etzel 2006.