The Dangers of Mold Toxicity

The Dangers of Mold Toxicity

Mold species, which are a type of fungus, are ubiquitous throughout the earth. There are countless species living in soil and growing on various porous surfaces. Nearly all species reproduce by belching out tiny seed-like spores into the air that can then latch onto new damp surfaces. These spores give most molds the characteristic fuzzy appearance and odor. Some molds are beneficial. Penicillin molds, for example, are an important building block for modern food and antibiotics. Penicillium roqueforti is probably the most recognizable but least known type of beneficial mold; it gives Roquefort and other blue cheeses their distinct smell and flavor. Beyond the flavor, this mold gives French cheeses certain components shown to have beneficial effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.^1,2 Other molds, however, are much more insidious. When we think of mold, most think of the much more recognizable black mold.

Black Mold

Black mold refers to many different species of mold. However, probably the most dangerous is known as Stachybotrys chartarum, which is a group of molds that only grows indoors and releases multiple known toxins and irritants. It is a particularly non-competitive mold—meaning it does not grow or get along well with other molds and cannot survive outdoors.³ However, it thrives in warm and damp indoor environments. Basements and bathrooms with high humidity or water damage are notorious for growing black mold. Its chief sources of nutrients are wood and cellulose—a plant material used in wallpaper, drywall, gypsum, and most other construction materials. So, unfortunately, black mold likes our homes as much as we do. While it most commonly infects homes after leaks or flooding, it can also grow in new construction homes. If the moisture in lumber isn’t properly managed or a vapor barrier isn’t properly constructed, it can quickly lead to mold growth in a seemingly undamaged home. However, beyond a cosmetic issue, black mold leads to a variety of health issues.

Stachybotrys chartarum produces two distinct mycotoxins known as trichothecene or satratoxin G and H. Black mold belches both these toxins into the air in mold-damaged buildings which can make indoor air more dangerous than smog pollution.^4,5 These trichothecene toxins attack rapidly dividing cells including those in the stomach, intestines, and bone marrow.⁶ Multiple farm animals that fell victim to mold toxicity were shown to have skin necrosis, nervous disorders, and finally death; their autopsies revealed multiple cuts and inflammation along their gastrointestinal tracts.³ Direct animal studies have shown that when injected into mice, satratoxin G and H was lethal in about 50% of the mice injected.⁷ While no one is injecting black mold spores directly into their veins, inhaling the spores can lead to detrimental effects in humans. Multiple case reports of toxicities from Stachybotrys chartarum have noted severe effects in humans—especially those who are immunocompromised. The most infamous cases were the 37 infants in Cleveland, Ohio, who, in the 90s, were diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage—where the lungs begin to bleed out into the lower respiratory tract and the babies cough up blood. Twelve of the babies died; and all 37 cases were linked to environmental exposure to black mold.⁸ Since mold triggers an inflammatory response of the immune system it can lead to compounding effects in many patients.

The Body’s Response

Even otherwise healthy patients may experience mold toxicity as these mycotoxins accumulate in the body. When exposed to allergens like mold, the body produces antibodies called IgE and IgG. These antibodies lead to inflammation as the body tries to fight off what it perceives as an infection. While black mold spores won’t make everyone sick, particularly sensitive people may experience allergy-like symptoms. People with allergies who are exposed to mold may have red eyes, a perpetual cough, a plugged or runny nose, or sneezing. In more severe cases, mold exposure can make it harder to breathe for people with asthma or COPD. However, due to the inflammatory effect, mold has a danger beyond allergies.

The constant barrage of inflammatory cytokines—which we heard so much about during COVID-19—can also occur with mold toxicity as the body tires out from trying to detoxify. Symptoms of mold toxicity may appear as brain fog, chronic fatigue, trouble sleeping, stomach problems, headaches, unknown soreness or pain. For some, mold can also trigger an emotional response. They may feel irritated, tired, or even depressed sometimes. Those of us who are tasked with maintaining the home may feel an extra mental load knowing about, and smelling, the presence of mold. Not only do we have to worry about our physical health, but we must worry about our home being perceived as “dirty” due to the appearance or smell of mold. A single sleepless night from worrying about our health and our home may make us tired the next day. But, when this is combined with the inflammatory aspect of mold, the constant exposure to spores allows these issues to build up.

What You Can Do

So, how do we alleviate some of these dangers? To start, it’s important to address the problem at its source. Since mold thrives in humid environments, fixing any leaks or dampness indoors is crucial. Houses can be too “energy efficient” and airtight leading to the trapped and stale air that mold loves. The cooler weather at the start of summer is a wonderful opportunity to open the windows. Fresh air and ventilation can significantly prevent the growth of mold. Running the fan in the bathroom during and after showers helps too. For windowless basements, a dehumidifier will help to control humidity. Clean your gutters regularly to ensure water flows away from your house’s foundation.

Proper cleaning indoors is another key factor to removing mold from the home. Clean up or dry wet areas immediately to prevent mold growth in bathrooms or basements. If you spot visible mold, use an appropriate product like bleach, vinegar, or an anti-mold spray. For those sensitive or allergic to mold, extra precautions may be necessary. Wearing gloves and a mask left over from COVID-19 can help prevent allergic exposure when cleaning. More extensive cases may require hiring a professional.

If you’re concerned about mold toxicity in your body, it may be time to seek out a functional medicine provider. There are multiple labs available to determine how well the body is working to eliminate stored toxins through organs like the liver. PharmToTable offers multiple functional medicine tests to assess recent or chronic mycotoxin exposure including urine and stool tests or genetic panels that can reveal if the detox pathways are sufficiently clearing the body of toxins. To speed things along, detox plans may include sauna therapy or lymphatic drainage techniques. An anti-inflammatory or a Mediterranean diet that focuses on safe, toxin-free foods may also help. There are also multiple supplements to provide additional support to the detoxification systems like glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, L-theanine, and more. However, each one of us is unique and different; it’s important to work with a functional medicine provider that can best tailor an approach to you as an individual. If you’re in need of a provider, you can request a complimentary 15 minute discovery call here.

Written by Ira Van Matre, PharmD Candidate 2025

Edited by Lindsey Dalton, PharmD

References:

1. Chávez R, Vaca I, García-Estrada C. Secondary Metabolites Produced by the Blue-Cheese Ripening Mold Penicillium roqueforti; Biosynthesis and Regulation Mechanisms. J Fungi (Basel). 2023;9(4):459. Published 2023 Apr 10. doi:10.3390/jof9040459
2. Petyaev IM, Bashmakov YK. Could cheese be the missing piece in the French paradox puzzle?. Med Hypotheses. 2012;79(6):746-749. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2012.08.018
3. Dyląg M, Spychała K, Zielinski J, Łagowski D, Gnat S. Update on Stachybotrys chartarum-Black Mold Perceived as Toxigenic and Potentially Pathogenic to Humans. Biology (Basel). 2022;11(3):352. Published 2022 Feb 23. doi:10.3390/biology11030352
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5. Miller JD, McMullin DR. Fungal secondary metabolites as harmful indoor air contaminants: 10 years on. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2014;98(24):9953-9966. doi:10.1007/s00253-014-6178-5
6. Fung F, Clark R, Williams S. Stachybotrys, a mycotoxin-producing fungus of increasing toxicologic importance. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1998;36(1-2):79-86. doi:10.3109/15563659809162592
7. Wannemacher, R.W. JR., and Wiener, S.L. (1997). Chapter 34: Trichothecene Mycotoxins. In R. Zajtchuk (Ed.), Medical Aspects of Chemical and Biological Warfare. Maryland: Office of The Surgeon General.
8. Dearborn DG, Yike I, Sorenson WG, Miller MJ, Etzel RA. Overview of investigations into pulmonary hemorrhage among infants in Cleveland, Ohio. Environ Health Perspect. 1999;107 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):495-499. doi:10.1289/ehp.99107s3495