Mold is everywhere in our environment. The current evidence suggests that mold can create respiratory issues in susceptible individuals. Those who are sensitive may be at risk for mold toxicity when the body is overloaded, and it causes a reaction. Some of these molds can also produce a mycotoxin that can make people ill. For patients suffering from mold toxicity or mycotoxin exposure, functional labs can offer some insights into the level of exposure. The results can provide guidance on treatment protocols that need to be implemented to improve the body’s ability to reduce mold overload and reduce symptoms for patients.
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What is Mold Toxicity?
Mold toxicity occurs when an individual is exposed to mold, and their body becomes overreactive or overburdened by it, causing adverse health effects and symptoms. Currently, there is mixed evidence of mold toxins being a direct cause of disease. However, in 2004, the CDC concluded that mold or damp buildings can cause respiratory conditions. It’s also important to note that mold can cause symptoms for people who are susceptible, like those with a mold allergy or asthma. Others who are at risk include people who have other chronic respiratory conditions or with immune suppression.
What Causes Mold Toxicity?
Mold toxicity is caused by mold and exposure to mold. Tens of thousands of molds can exist in our indoor and outdoor environments. They thrive in warm and damp conditions. The most common molds that are in our buildings and homes include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus genera. Other molds that can be found in your house to cause issues include Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), and Trichoderma. Clinically significant mold problems from these environments are also called sick building syndrome (SBS). SBS can trigger allergic rhinitis, asthma exacerbation, respiratory infections, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Some molds are capable of producing toxic compounds called mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can make people sick by disrupting cellular health. Some mycotoxins that have been shown to cause serious health threats include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin, fumonisin, zearalenone, and nivalenol/deoxynivalenol.
Mold Toxicity Symptoms
Mold toxicity symptoms can vary in individuals. The most common symptoms are respiratory and include nose congestion, wheezing, and inflamed eyes or skin. Patients with mold allergies or chronic respiratory conditions may have more severe reactions. Shortness of breath and dry coughs can also occur in those more sensitive to mold. Other severe reactions can occur in immune-suppressed patients, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, achiness, mood imbalances, memory issues, and digestive problems.
What Are The Benefits of Regular Lab Testing For Patients With Mold Toxicity?
Since mold can be found in the buildings we live in or work in or the foods that we eat, anytime we see or smell it, it can cause a health risk. Mold symptoms can vary significantly between individuals but can impact patients who have allergies or conditions that make them susceptible to it. Therefore, regular testing can be beneficial for these individuals who have been exposed to mold and are presenting with symptoms.
Testing can help guide interventions to reduce the level of this toxic burden so more serious conditions can be prevented and symptoms improved. Retesting can aid in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment so proper adjustments can be made to optimize the interventions for these patients.
Top Labs To Run Bi-Annually On Patients With Mold Toxicity
The following are the top functional labs that should be considered to be completed regularly for patients with mold toxicity:
Mycotoxin Test
Mycotoxins are produced from molds, which can cause symptoms. The mycotoxin test is one of the best ways to assess for toxic mold exposure. It can detect exposure of 31 of the most common mycotoxins. Patients exposed to mold, present with symptoms, and at risk for mycotoxins should have their exposure levels evaluated. The results of this test can provide treatment strategies to remove mold from the body and to reduce exposure.
Environmental Allergy Test
The environmental allergy test is completed through a blood sample and tests for IgE reactions indicated in mold allergies. This test assesses 88 different environmental allergens, including mold and other fungus forms such as Aspergillus. The results of this test can provide insights into allergies to mold if there are reactions that are occurring in the presence of mold or if mold exposure is suspected in patients. Antihistamines and steroids should be avoided 72 hours before completing the sample for testing.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Constant exposure to mold can contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation, leading to respiratory conditions. CRP is a marker of inflammation and protein, indicating an inflammatory response. Elevated levels can indicate an infection. This test is also beneficial for treatment monitoring as decreasing levels will show treatments are working.
Additional Labs to Check
An additional lab to consider is the skin prick test to test for allergens. This test can assess for small amounts of mold allergens and is typically performed by an allergist.
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Summary
Molds are generally a normal part of the indoor and outdoor environment. However, for those patients who have come into contact with mold and developed symptoms, this exposure can be concerning. Regular lab testing can help monitor mold exposure for patients with mold toxicity, mold allergies, or those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and living in environments with higher levels of mold. These tests can provide guidance on exposure levels and if treatment and avoidance strategies are effective.
Learn More About Mold Toxicity
Lab Tests in This Article
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References
Cox, A. Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness . (2023). Retrieved September 7, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
Fatigue, Body Aches, and Rashes Are Symptoms of Exposure to This Dangerous Toxin. (2022, October 12). Retrieved September 7, 2023, from Rupa Health website: https://www.rupahealth.com/post/fatigue-body-aches-and-rashes-are-symptoms-of-exposure-to-this-dangerous-toxin
Henry, E. (2021, September 27). Retrieved September 7, 2023, from Rupa Health website: https://www.rupahealth.com/post/mycotoxins-101
Telloian, C. (2022, March 9). You Don’t Need to “Detox” After Mold Exposure — Here’s What to Do Instead. Retrieved September 7, 2023, from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-detox-your-body-from-mold#symptoms
Clinic, C. (2023). Black Mold Exposure: Symptoms, Risks & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved September 7, 2023, from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24862-black-mold
World. (2018, May 9). Mycotoxins. Retrieved September 7, 2023, from Who.int website: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins
Pietrangelo, A. (2020, August 17). Mold: Symptoms of Exposure, Risks, and More. Retrieved September 7, 2023, from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/health/mold-in-house#symptoms-of-exposure
Holme, J. A., Øya, E., Afanou, A. K. J., Øvrevik, J., & Eduard, W. (2020). Characterization and pro-inflammatory potential of indoor mold particles. Indoor air, 30(4), 662–681. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.12656
