Ignoring Possible Mould Health Symptoms

If one or more occupants in your home or building is suffering from unexplained health problems this may be an indicator that you have a hidden mould contamination.  Symptoms such as ongoing itchy eyes,  nose congestion, runny nose, skin rashes, skin sores, coughing, bloody nose, sinus problems, headaches, breathing difficulties, memory loss and not thinking clearly, and/or chronic fatigue can all be as a result of inhalation, ingestion or absorption of mould spores from a hidden problem.  Remember that some people may experience mould health symptoms, while others may have none whilst all living or working in the same mould contaminated building. The young, old and individuals with compromised immune systems will typically be the first to show symptoms.

Health Canada – Effects of Mould on Health
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/air/in/poll/mould-moisissure/effects-effets-eng.php

Black Mould Associated With Health Problems:

Although there are many varieties of mould that are benign or even beneficial (think of blue cheese and penicillin), some are very toxic to humans and pets. Many common health problems, including some that are very severe, have been related to living or working in an environment that is contaminated with toxic mould.  One of the worst is the black mould known as Stachybotrys atra, a member of a family of moulds that produce airborne mycotoxins which can cause serious breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and bleeding in the lungs. 

Mycotoxins: 

Mycotoxins are produced by some species of moulds as part of their natural defense mechanism which gives them a competitive edge in nature.  The mycotoxin adheres to the outside of the spores that the moulds produce as part of their reproductive process.  Whether the spore is viable (alive and able to start growing if put into the right environment) or is non-viable (dead) does not make a difference to the toxicity of the spore from a health prospective.  This is one of the main reasons why remediation using chemicals does not remove the health risks.

There are over 220 known and recorded mycotoxins and the number is continually growing as more research is being done. Many of these mycotoxins are harmful to humans and animals when inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin.  The mycotoxins can produce both long term and short term health effects depending on the type.  These health effects include dermatitis (skin rashes), sore throats, head aches, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, cold and flu like symptoms, coughing, asthma and breathing difficulties, nose bleeds and infections.  Mycotoxins have also been linked to medical conditions such as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Pulmonary Hemosiderosis and Cancer.

Some Mycotoxins: 

Aflatoxins: is one of the most potent carcinogen known to man and has been linked to a variety of health problems.  Aflatoxins 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 trichothecene produced by Fusarium and Stachybotrys and is one of the more deadly toxins.  T-2 if ingested in sufficient amounts can severely 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 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 mycotoxin 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.

Facts About Toxic Mould:

The following is adapted from The Environmental Assessment Association - Mould Awareness Inspection

Health Problems Associated with Toxic Mould:

Is your family at risk? Do you have black mould in your home or office? Don't take chances with your family's health. If you have family members, residents or occupants who experience any of the following conditions, it may indicate that mould is present in their environment:

• Once the mycotoxins are produced they remain attached to the spore.
• If you have a wall with mould and you spray bleach on it…you will kill it. 
• However, these dead spores when inhaled still retain the mycotoxins.
• You will have the same health problems.

About Moulds:

Moulds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance when moisture is present. Outdoors, many moulds live in the soil and play a key role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Without moulds we would all be struggling with large amounts of dead plant matter. Moulds break down plant materials by digesting them, using the plant material for food.

Moulds produce tiny spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. Mould spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mould spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are moulds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, even dynamite. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mould growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mould and mould spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mould growth is to control moisture.

All moulds can cause health problems such as asthma episodes in individuals with an allergic reaction to mould, but the effects of mould on the human body are not fully understood. The Center for Disease Control in the USA states, "The hazards presented by moulds that may contain mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common moulds which can grow in your house". Even people who seem to be immune to the effects of mould can become sensitized and start showing symptoms after repeat exposures.

Mould health problems can be broken down into 3 groups: 

1) Allergenic- Causing allergy and asthma symptoms. Up to 32% of all asthmatics are sensitive to moulds. A study performed by the Mayo Clinic found 93% of patients with chronic sinusitis were caused by mould.

2) Pathogenic- A disease caused by mould. Diseases associated with mould are usually caused by high exposure or found in immune compromised individuals.

3) Toxic- Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites (toxins not necessary for survival) produced to kill other fungi competing for the moulds food and water. Mycotoxins are highly carcinogenic and can cause serious health effects in almost anybody. They are neurotoxins (cause neurological damage) which can enter the body through digestion, skin or the respiratory system.  Three of the most dangerous types of mould that produce mycotoxins are:

Stachybotrys
Also known as "Stachy", "Black mould" and "Toxic mould", Stachybotrys is characterized by its slimy shiny appearance. It is probably the most dangerous of the moulds. Stachybotrys needs a lot of water to grow. It feeds on high cellulose materials with a low nitrogen requirement like paper, carpet, wood, etc. It takes 48 hours to begin growing and is often found where slow leaks have been discovered. Because the spores are heavy and wet they usually are not airborne, but when the mould becomes dehydrated or dies, the Stachybotrys poisons take to the air. Stachybotrys has been linked to lung disorders and brain damage.

Aspergillus
Can be yellow, green or black in colour. There are 150 species, 15 of which are common in dwellings. Aspergillus is easily airborne and produce aflatoxins which are the most extensively studied mycotoxins. They are more toxic than many known industrial cancer causing substances.

Penicillium
Can be white, blue/green, or green in color. Extremely common in buildings. Penicillium produces over 100 classes of mycotoxins. Its spores are easily airborne and it thrives in indoor environments.