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What Are Mycotoxins and What Are Their Affect on Your Health?
Everyone has heard the numerous horror stories concerning mold and the sicknesses it can cause. Imagine watching your children or someone you love suffer from an illness that medical professionals cannot explain. An encounter with toxic mold and the mycotoxins that they produce can be not only life altering, but also life-threatening.
What Are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are the toxic chemicals present on mold and mold spores. It is unclear why molds produce mycotoxins. Speculation is that mycotoxins act as a defense mechanism for molds against any competing organism, even other species of mold. They can be released into the air and they easily travel through the air. They can enter your body through inhalation, through the skin, or through the eyes. You can even ingest them by eating mold-contaminated foods.
What Makes Mold and Mold Spores Toxic?
Many types of molds produce toxic chemicals known as mycotoxins. Some molds are capable of producing more than one variety of a mycotoxin. To date, more than 400 mycotoxins have been identified. These mycotoxins are responsible for the adverse health effects in humans.
The diseases caused by mycotoxins are called mycotoxicosis. Another name for these illnesses are Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, or CIRS. The mycotoxins’ effects can be either acute or chronic depending several factors including the degree of susceptibility or sensitivity of the individual, the toxicity level of the mycotoxin, the individual’s age and their overall health, and the duration or repetition of the exposure.
OSHA Warnings About Mold Exposure
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that more than one quarter of the buildings throughout the United States have been water-damaged at one time or another. OSHA also states that common sources of mold can include:
- Plumbing, roof, and window leaks
- Flooding
- Condensation resulting from uncontrolled indoor humidity
- Wet foundations caused by gutters that direct water into or under a building
- Water vapor from unvented or poorly vented kitchens and bathrooms
- Malfunctioning appliances
Symptoms of Mold Illness/CIRS
The more obvious symptoms of mold exposure include respiratory issues, sneezing, nasal drainage, and skin issues. A more specific list can be found below:
Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue or weakness
- Aches, muscle cramps, joint pain, skin rash
- Headache
- Coughing
- Eye irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Sinus problems
Cognitive/Emotional Symptoms
- Memory problems
- Concentration issues
- Disorientation
- Word recollection
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
How to Avoid Indoor Exposure to Mycotoxins
There are no guidelines as to what is an acceptable exposure level to molds’ mycotoxins. However, there are some things that can be done to limit your exposure.
The first, and perhaps the most important way, is to prevent or correct water damage and high humidity issues in your home. Mold will continue to return if the source of moisture isn’t eliminated. Be aware of musty smells, condensation on windows or metal pipes and vents. Watch for water staining on ceilings and walls or paint bubbles. If an area has been water-damaged or you see mold growth, stay out of the area. Seek professional assistance in remediating any mold problem.
Another way is through adequate ventilation and air cleaning. Run exhaust fans in bathrooms while bathing and in the kitchen when cooking on the stove or in the oven. If you have an air purifier, it can help reduce the amount of allergens floating in the air.
Groups of People Most at Risk to Exposure to Mycotoxins and Mold
Mold can be extremely hazardous, especially to certain groups of individuals. These groups include:
- small children or infants - yet to fully develop immune systems; actually breathe twice as fast as adults
- seniors - their immune systems can be weakened due to age or previous illnesses
- pregnant women - their bodies are more susceptible to allergies which mold can cause
- individuals who have a naturally compromised immune system having been diagnosed with problems such as asthma, HIV, and allergies, etc.
When Interviewing a Mold Remediation Specialist SHOW HIM THE DOOR IMMEDIATELY IF:
- He tells you he is going to use bleach to kill the mold
- He thinks it is unnecessary to set up containment to isolate the affected areas.
- He says all that is necessary is to seal the mold and paint over it.
This guy isn't a mold expert, he's a mold expert "wanna-be"! Let him "learn" his craft on someone else's dime, not yours! Your health and your family's health are at risk with this "wanna-be"!
Mold Remediation by Water Mold Fire Restoration
Mold removal is serious business and can be potentially dangerous to people living in the home and to anyone attempting to remove it. Our mold remediation technicians receive extensive training and certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), a global non-profit organization for the water damage industry. You can trust IICRC-certified technicians to safely handle mold removal your home.
How does Water Mold Fire Restoration Solve Your Mold Problem
- We will help eliminate the moisture source - water leaks, flooded rooms, higher than normal humidity, etc.
- We will capture, control, & reduce the movement of mold spores.
- We will physically remove the mold and any contaminated materials.
- We will physically clean the affected areas.
- We will "wash" the air in the affected areas by utilizing HEPA air filtration.
Remember, mold is an organism, not dust or dirt! It cannot be eliminated with detergent or ordinary cleaning solutions. And, contrary to what some "experts" say, bleach will NOT completely or effectively kill mold on porous surfaces.
If you have a mold problem and are concerned with being exposed to the mycotoxins that molds produce, contact Water Mold Fire Restoration at 800-905-0277. We will have a remediation expert come to your home, at no charge, to inspect the situation. If you want to contact us via email, do so at help@watermoldfire.net.
