Classes of harmful or irritating mold & mold related illnesses:

This document lists classes or types of mold (harmless to toxic) and names types of common mold-related illness. We provide: definitions of cosmetic mold, allergenic mold, & pathogenic mold - three levels of concern.

Definitions of & Explanations of Mycotoxins, Mycoses, Mycotoxicoses. What's the difference between fungal mycoses & fungal mycotoxicoses & what are the usual pathways of infection? Comparing two types of Mycoses: primary pathogens vs opportunistic pathogens. Examples & Symptoms of Mycotoxicoses.

We explain the types and classes of mold or fungal related illnesses, and we provide definitions and comparisons among mold-illness terms that otherwise can lead to confusion: cosmetic mold, allergenic mold, toxic mold, toxic black mold, pathogenic mold, mycoses or mycosis, mycotoxicoses or mycotoxicosis, and primary versus opportunistic pathogens.

Classes or Types of Mold - by Degree of Potential Effect of Mold on Humans

Article Contents

• MOLD CLASSES, LEVELS
  • COSMETIC MOLD
  • ALLERGENIC MOLD
  • COMMON MOLD-ALLERGIC RESPONSES
  • PATHOGENIC, TOXIC, OR "INFECTIOUS" MOLD
  • ATTEMPTS TO "KILL" MOLD USING BLEACH
  • EFFECTIVE MOLD CLEANUP

Cosmetic mold

"Cosmetic mold" refers to mold genera or species which are unlikely to be a health hazard nor to cause damage to the building structure.

A common example found on framing lumber, often from time of construction, is black mold in the Ophistomacae group including Ophistoma sp. and Ceratocystis sp. which are commonly known as "blue stain" fungi.

If these are present in the finished living space it may be appropriate to clean and coat the stained areas for cosmetic reasons.

More costly measures are unlikely to be justified.

See COSMETIC MOLD, RECOGNIZE

Allergenic mold

"Allergenic mold" is not normally dangerous in small quantities, but can be a problem for people who are particularly allergic to mold or who have asthma. In large quantities it is more likely to be a problem for these individuals.

Allergenic mold can be cleaned or removed by people who are not personally mold-sensitive by using ordinary cleaning methods and while wearing appropriate respiratory protection and gloves.

People who are particularly mold sensitive should avoid working with or disturbing moldy materials which might cause a reaction or increase their sensitivity. Where large areas of this mold are involved, e.g. in excess of 30 sq.ft., professional cleaning is likely to be needed.

Common Mold-Allergic Responses

• Allergic Rhinitis -
  
  affects 20-30% of the population. Other than molds, dust mites and mite fecal pellets, pollen or other plant fragments, and animal dander such as from pets or mice can cause or contribute to this complaint.
• Asthma -
  
  affects about 5% of the U.S. population. Several molds commonly found indoors may be a factor in triggering an asthma attack, including the most common genera, Cladosporium sp. and Alternaria sp. Others, Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. which we often find indoors in buildings with a history of water or moisture problem are asthma triggers.
  
  Various other factors besides mold can cause or contribute to asthma attacks.
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or extrinsic allergic alveolitis,
  
  may be caused by airborne biological particles.
  
  Some experts, (Arora, A.S., "Understanding the Health Effects of Mold," vi-vii, Synergist magazine, September 2003) assert that this is a rare problem today but we suspect that it may be a risk where water-cooled air conditioning systems or mishandled air conditioning condensate are used or present.

Examples of Mold Related Illnesses

• Aspergillosis -
  
  affects people who have become sensitized to Aspergillus sp., an inflammation of the respiratory airways. Aspergillosis should not be considered an allergy and is potentially fatal.


• Blastomycosis 
  
  a potentially fatal fungal infection (localized lung infection or a skin infection) caused by inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis, primarily affects farmers, gardeners, potentially also infections by the fungus entering a cut in the skin. (Diagnosed by examination of bodily fluids, assisted by x-ray for lung assessment), lung infections can be successfully treated with proper medication. Some sources describe alternative treatments for skin infections.[10]
• Cryptococcus
  
   infection (cryptococcosis): (from bird droppings), at primary risk are people with compromised immune system but normal adults can also be infected by inhalation of Cryptococcus neoformans, leading to a form of meningial encephalitis.
  
  Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii.
  
  Most people do not get sick with cryptococcosis, but some people are more likely than others to get this disease. For these people, cryptococcosis can cause serious symptoms of lung, brain and spinal cord disease, such as headaches, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and night sweats. Cryptococcus neoformans is found in bird droppings. Cryptococcus gattii is found in soil around trees. [13]
• Histoplasmosis 
  
  (from bat droppings). This is the most commonly occurring infection in this group, caused by inhalation of Histoplasma capsulatum.
  
  In people with compromised immune system this can be a particularly dangerous infection, potentially fatal if not treated. See also granuloma, iritis, lung nodules. [12]
• Tinea pedis
  
   (from skin contact). Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is the most common type of fungal infection.
  
  It's closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. Although contagious, athlete's foot often can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications. [11]
• A very wide range of mold related illnesses
  
   or suspected-mold-related illness complaints has been voiced by both by our clients and InspectAPedia readers.
  
  Details are at MOLD RELATED ILLNESS GUIDE and
  
  at MOLD RELATED ILLNESS SYMPTOMS

Pathogenic or "Infectious" Mold - Mycoses

Mold in this group can cause infections in humans, including not only people at particular risk (such as those having a compromised immune system) but also people who are normal and healthy. In general, fungal or mold-related illnesses that are classed as mycoses result from a fungus that actually grow on or in human (or other animal) tissues.

Please also read about the difference between fungal mycoses & fungal mycotoxicoses

in DEFINITIONS OF & EXPLANATIONS OF MYCOTOXINS, MYCOSES, MYCOTOXICOSES (found below).

In most general terms we often include this group in our "Toxic mold" category below, but properly it is a separate group.

Toxic Mold - distinguished from Pathogenic Mold

Toxic mold

can present serious health risk to humans or animals by producing or containing chemical poisons. Unlike the pathogenic molds discussed above, Health effects from toxic mold exposure may be temporary irritation or more serious longer term illness, immunosuppression, neurological disorders, or cancer.

Mycotoxins

can be produced by or are contained some fungal spores and may remain present in the fungal material (potentially also in fungal hyphae) even if the mold spores are not viable - i.e. have been "killed" by a chemical disinfectant (bleach).

When a toxic mold has been identified as contaminating a building, advice from a mold professional is appropriate. The average homeowner should not attempt to clean up this type of contamination.

The Toxic Black Mold Mistake - inaccurate reports, misspending, building cleaning mistakes

• Toxic black mold is an unfortunate and misleading term
  
  popularized by a media-scare following reports of pulmonary illness or death due to exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum.
  
  There is no doubt that severe exposure to this fungus can cause serious illnesses in a range of types of complaints that according to our clients include skin infections, eye infections, lung infections, and neurological damage, sometimes quite serious.
  
  Our photo (left) illustrates a serious "black mold" building contamination problem.

Watch out: What is misleading, in fact in our opinion downright dangerous about the term "toxic black mold" is that people may be misled to believe that only black mold is harmful.

Not only is this not at all the case, but in many building mold investigation cases dark colored molds (which may be black, dark brown, or other dark colors) are selected for sampling, resulting in important errors when assessing the risk of building mold contamination:

• Over-reporting of black mold in buildings:
  
  The easy to see toxic black mold becomes the focus, perhaps the sole focus of building cleaning and mold remediation, leading investigators or mold remediators to fail to adequately detect and map the presence of other mold contaminants that are lighter in color, harder to see, or perhaps even hidden in building cavities.
  
  A result of over-reporting of what is easy to see is that studies of the frequency of occurrence of harmful mold genera/species in buildings may be very inaccurate.
  
  This is especially true of amateur-collected mold test samples. See these articles:
  • MOLD FREQUENCY in BUILDINGS
  • BLACK MOLD, HARMLESS COSMETIC
  • BLACK MOLD, TOXIC & ALLERGENIC.

• Over-spending on cosmetic mold:
  
  fear of toxic black mold has led some building owners or occupants to spend enormous sums on unnecessary mold remediation projects because harmless or cosmetic black mold was mistaken for its toxic cousin.
  
  See COSMETIC MOLD, RECOGNIZE and
  
  see BLACK MOLD, HARMLESS
• Under-reporting of other harmful mold contamination  
  
  in buildings: the focus on toxic black mold can mislead investigators to fail to discover that other molds in the building actually pose a great risk to occupants, possibly greater than the "toxic black mold".
  
  For example, Stachybotrys chartarum are large sticky black mold spores that may be as big as 10 x 20u (photo above) that tend to remain on a surface unless vigorously disturbed such as by demolition of moldy drywall.
  
  At the same time, harder to spot Aspergillus sp.. may be present over large building areas in the form of much smaller yet toxic or pathogenic mold spores that may be as small as 1u (photograph below) that are far more easily airborne, remain in air longer and are breathed more deeply into the lungs than their larger cousins.
  
  See GREEN MOLD CONTAMINATION and
  
  WHITE MOLD CONTAMINATION for examples.

Clear Definitions of & Explanations of Mycotoxins, Mycoses, Mycotoxicoses

What's the difference between fungal mycoses & fungal mycotoxicoses & what are the usual pathways of infection?

Actually our use of the prefix "fungal" is redundant as both mycoses and mycotoxicoses originate in the fungal kingdom.

Mycoses

are pathogens that attack healthy or weakened individuals, as we distinguish in a moment, and in seriousness range from an irritating skin fungal infection to potentially fatal invasion of bodily tissues in the lung (aspergillosis) or even the head and brain.

What characterizes fungal mycosis is that the fungus is actually growing on or in the tissues or organs of the person or animal affected. (Both athlete's foot (tinea) and aspergillosis involve such fungal growth on or in a person's tissues - a foot or a lung for example).

The usual path of infection for mycoses is from breathing in spores or by skin contact.

Mycotoxicoses

 are examples of “poisoning by natural means” and thus are analogous to the pathologies caused by exposure to pesticides or heavy metal residues.

In other words, unlike a mycosis (fungus growing in an organ), a mycotoxicosis acts on a person other animal by producing a chemical that itself is a poison. [1]

The usual path of infection for mycotoxicoses are eating contaminated food but breathing in spores or skin contact infections also occur.

Comparing two types of mycoses: primary pathogens vs opportunistic pathogens

A more accurate characterization of the Fifth Kingdom (molds) with respect to mold related illness (mycoses) start by dividing the causing pathogenic fungi into two categories

• Primary pathogens -
  
  can infect healthy individuals (e.g., Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum)
• Opportunistic pathogens -
  
  tend to infect people already at extra risk due to compromised immune system or other factors (e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans).
  
  Most pathogenic mold-related illnesses are opportunistic pathogens. (Which is where some support for Glenn's "eat healthy" comments above might be found.)

Examples & Symptoms of Mycotoxicoses

The most important mycotoxins that may affect humans or other animals are aflatoxin, citrinin, ergot akaloids, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, patulin, trichothecenes, and zearalenone.

These poisons may enter the body by eating contaminated food (most common means) but also by inhalation or skin contact (such as some of our clients who report severe and some protracted medical symptoms that ensued after unusually high exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum or Memnoniella echinata [the author] during moldy building demolition or cleanup.) [1]

The symptoms of a mycotoxicosis depend on the type of mycotoxin; the amount and duration of the exposure; the age, health, and sex of the exposed individual; and many poorly understood synergistic effects involving genetics, dietary status, and interactions with other toxic insults.

Thus, the severity of mycotoxin poisoning can be compounded by factors such as vitamin deficiency, caloric deprivation, alcohol abuse, and infectious disease status. In turn, mycotoxicoses can heighten vulnerability to microbial diseases, worsen the effects of malnutrition, and interact synergistically with other toxins. [1] J.W. Bennett and M. Klich

Definition of mycotoxin

A mycotoxin is a poison produced by a fungus. "Poison" as used here is properly understood to cause illness or death to a human or
other animal.

Mycotoxins are made by fungi and are toxic to vertebrates and other animal groups in low concentrations. [1

Quoting from Bennett and Kilch in Clinical Microbiology in an authoritative article that itself cites 290 expert sources:

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by microfungi that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals.

Because of their pharmacological activity, some mycotoxins or mycotoxin derivatives have found use as antibiotics, growth promotants, and other kinds of drugs; still others have been implicated as chemical warfare agents. ...

While all mycotoxins are of fungal origin, not all toxic compounds produced by fungi are called mycotoxins. The target and the concentration of the metabolite are both important. Fungal products that are mainly toxic to bacteria (such as penicillin) are usually called antibiotics.

Molds (i.e., microfungi) make mycotoxins; mushrooms and other macroscopic fungi make mushroom poisons. The distinction between a mycotoxin and a mushroom poison is based not only on the size of the producing fungus, but also on human intention. Mycotoxin exposure is almost always accidental. In contrast, with the exception of the victims of a few mycologically accomplished murderers, mushroom poisons are usually ingested by amateur mushroom hunters who have collected, cooked, and eaten what was misidentified as a delectable species.

Mycotoxins are not only hard to define, they are also challenging to classify.

Due to their diverse chemical structures and biosynthetic origins, their myriad biological effects, and their production by a wide number of different fungal species, classification schemes tend to reflect the training of the person doing the categorizing. Clinicians often arrange them by the organ they affect.

Thus, mycotoxins can be classified as hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, immunotoxins, and so forth.

Cell biologists put them into generic groups such as teratogens, mutagens, carcinogens, and allergens.

Organic chemists have attempted to classify them by their chemical structures (e.g., lactones, coumarins); biochemists according to their biosynthetic origins (polyketides, amino acid-derived, etc.); physicians by the illnesses they cause (e.g., St. Anthony's fire, stachybotryotoxicosis), and mycologists by the fungi that produce them (e.g., Aspergillus toxins, Penicillium toxins). None of these classifications is entirely satisfactory. - [1] J.W. Bennett and M. Klich

Not all fungi produce mycotoxins and those that do don't always do so

Not all fungi produce mycotoxins, and even fungi that do produce them do not always do so - depending on growing conditions such as what particular "food" substrate the fungus is growing upon.

Interestingly, and part of our objection to "killing" mold as a mold remedy, is that some mold spores that contain mycotoxins continue to do so even after the a mold spore been rendered unable to "grow" further. Thus a "dead" mold spore can still be harmful to humans. (Fungal products that are toxic to plants are called phytotoxins.)

See MOLD KILLING GUIDE

A More Broad Set of Categories of Building Mold

A more complete categorization that helps people understand the risk associated with all types of mold growths found in buildings on building surfaces would use the following categories, all of which are discussed in thios article: [3][4][5]

MOLD CLASSES, LEVELS

COSMETIC MOLD

ALLERGENIC MOLD

COMMON MOLD-ALLERGIC RESPONSES

PATHOGENIC, TOXIC, OR "INFECTIOUS" MOLD - here we include both mycoses and mycotoxicoses

Attempts to "kill" mold using bleach or fungicidal disinfectants are improper

Attempts to "kill" mold, such as by using bleach, are inappropriate and ineffective since some spores can be dangerous even if they have been made not viable.

This is why simply spraying or "bleaching" a moldy surface with a disinfectant is not effective. Actual cleaning or removal of contaminated materials is the appropriate step when fungal-contamination is found indoors.

Effective mold cleanup is possible - Here's What to Do

An effective mold cleanup is entirely possible and often leaves a building cleaner than when it was originally constructed. A mold clearance test following professional remediation is used to assure that the cleanup has been effective.

But unless the original causes of mold growth are corrected (usually leaks and building water entry) the problem is likely to recur. Finally, the object of mold cleanup is not normally to produce a sterile indoor environment.

Mold is normal material found in outdoor air and is present virtually everywhere.

The cleaning objective is to clean up or "remove" problematic levels of allergenic or toxic mold and to bring the remaining level of common fungal spores in a building down to levels commonly found in buildings which have not suffered leaks, water entry, and problematic mold growth.

Reference: some of the notes from this page are paraphrased from a guest column, "Understanding the Health Effects of Mold," by Dr. Ajit S. Arora, MD, PhD, appearing in AIHA's magazine "The Synergist," September 2003,

See our main website (below) for very important additional information such as mold testing, cleanup and mold remediation guideline resources.

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

Question: what kind of mold is this?

Do u know what kind of mold this is? - Anonymous by private email 2022/05/16

...

Moderator reply:

No one can reliably identify the mold genera/species from those photos alone, and I'd add

1. Photos don't identify mold:
   
   There will rarely be simply one mold genera/species present; often there are quite a few within the same area.
   
   In our photos I see brown, gray, green molds that could certainly be different genera species often found growing indoors on damp or wet drywall, such as Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp., and others.
   
   
   
2. Mold ID is rarely needed:
   
   Sometimes, in diagnosing mold-related illness, a doctor would indeed want to know what mold species were present at high levels in someone's environment.
   
   But lLuckily knowing those details, though interesting, are not at all necessary to know that your photos show serious mold contamination that needs to be removed and its cause found and fixed.
   

Please post your question and photos (one photo per comment but as many comments as you like)

and take a look at:

MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE - what toxic black mold or other indoor mold looks like in buildings.

as well as my suggestion, below, to Logan, to see our MOLD ACTION GUIDE.

On 2022-05-18 by Friedmandaniel911 (mod) - What type of mold is this? Is it toxic black mold?

@Logan,

Watch out: When you see that much mold growing on into a surfaces there's no doubt that there is harmful mold present.

It's a fundamental mistake to think that the only mold you care about is black in color. There are at least two hundred common mold genera / species that commonly grow in buildings, only a few of which are quite dark in color.

Fortunately knowing the mold genera and species doesn't change what's needed at all.

Watch out: when we see such severe mold contamination on exposed building surfaces we know that a complete building inspection for both visible mold and mold hidden in building cavities as well as a review of the building's leak history are needed to map out the scope of work efore beginning mold remediation.

For the situation in your photo professional remediation is what's required.

That means remove the molding materials, clean the exposed surfaces, and find and fix leaks or moisture that caused the mold growth.

See MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT MOLD

On 2022-05-18 by Logan

What type of mold is this? Is it toxic black mold?

This Q&A were posted originally

at InspectApedia.com HOME

 

On 2020-09-28 by (mod) - Can black mold in home cause cryptococcus in a human. No.

Joan:

1. Don't just worry about black mold indoors:

To be clear at the outset, it is a very serious mistake to think that the only indoor mold contamination of concern is "black mold" - there are well over a million genera and species of mold, hundreds, probably thousands of them grow in buildings, and of the 200 most-common harmful, allergenic, or pathogenic molds found indoors, only a few of them are dark or black; many others are white, green, gray.

2. Cryptococcus is indeed a serious fungal infection in humans, but its most common source is from bird droppings, not mold growing on building surfaces.

[Click to enlarge any image]

"Cryptococcus is an invasive fungus that causes cryptococcosis an infection commonly associated with immunosuppressive individuals while being rare in healthy individuals. The two species of Cryptococcus that are commonly associated with infections in humans are Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gatti.

The organism is widely prevalent in certain regions of the world. However, the most common forms of exposure include a history of exposure to soil, bird droppings. " - Pradeep Kumar Mada; Radia T. Jamil; Mohammed U. Alam, Cryptococcus (Cryptococcosis) [PDF] US NIH, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431060/

You can read this helpful paper also at

CRYPTOCOCCUS INFORMATION from the NIH [PDF] at https://inspectapedia.com/mold/Cryptococcus-NIH-NCBI.pdf

Shown above is a microscopic image of stained Cryptococcus provided by one of the authors, Pradeep Kumar Mada

On 2020-09-28 by Joan

Can black mold in home cause cryptococcus in a human.

On 2018-07-18 - by (mod) -

Brenda

Aspergillus sp. is a genera that has many members. At high exposure levels most of its individual species can be harmful - a health hazard. You and your landlord do not need to know the "type" (I'm not sure what you have in mind but I am guessing you meant either what sub-species or is it "harmful" or not) -

The presence of significant mold levels in a building means the mold needs to be removed and its cause fixed.

Knowing the genera, species or "type" of mold will not change what needs to be done.

On 2018-07-18 by Brenda M

My Landlord had an environmental study done on mold at my insistence. It came back Aspergillus but they refuse to give me the “type”. I’ve been dealing with leaks and mold appeared around the first of June. I feel nauseous and have migraines among other things. I’m a 66 yr old female in a gated 55+ community. I’m concerned for my health and my patience is wearing thin. I have pictures of when the leaks started to now.
IMAGE LOST by older version of Clark Van Oyen’s Comments Box code - now fixed. Please re-post the image if you can. Sorry. Mod.

On 2017-10-13 - by (mod) -

Tracey

You have my sympathy.

You describe what I call a shotgun problem: a blast of serious health worries and a list of suspected environmental worries that contains a cloud of many pellets, each of which could be a concern. Most often just a few of the pellets in the shotgun complaint blast are the most serious ones; the difficulty is found in sorting out the cloud.

The list of concerns and complaints you cite makes clear that both your personal health and questions about the safety of the environment in your home cannot properly be addressed by email or e-text. You need both

Advice from your doctor: what things in my environment should I look for and remove or reduce: things that would be likely to cause or aggravate my medical complaints

and

Advice from an onsite environmental and building expert: what evidence is there of an indoor environmental problem from mold (water leaks, stains, visible mold), or other common hazards such as mice, insects, use of chemicals, allergens, dust mites, etc.

It can be diagnostic, though very incomplete, to notice where you feel better or worse. In a home where there is an indoor environmental irritant sometimes people feel better when outside or when in another building.

However keep in mind that even this observation alone is not completely reliable, since complaint symptoms can be slow to diminish, or because other environments can contain their own irritants.

The object of these inquiries is the creation of a "to do" list: treatments, cleanups, etc. recommended by these experts, in a priority order.

Finally, beware of wasting time and money hiring pseudo-experts who stop by to perform some test or other, like an "air test for mold". Such testing, as a building screen for environmental hazards is incomplete, very unreliable, expensive, and worst: even if such tests indicate "a problem" they are not prescriptive: the "test" doesn't tell you where the problem is nor what to do about it. As a result you end up having to pay expensive fees twice, hiring someone more-competent a second time to review the building and come up with an action plan for cleaning or modifications.

On 2017-10-12 by Tracey

Hi,I am a 53,yr old female.ive lived in this house for three years.Ive had pustules of infection,all over.diagnosed with emphysema and COPD.also,monoclonal Gammopathy,

however,results from my CT Scan showed White mass in lungs,and the comment,her Lgm protein,could be due to skin infection..I have infestation of flies,mice in basement,minks,yes minks.I am sick,all the time.

Severe bone pain,fever,chills,my bone in my left jaw gets infection and distorts my face.nobody knows why.Owners painted over one ceiling showing stains.As I write this I'm watching flies go in and out of ceiling tiles,which are stained as well.

They did nothing about the mice feces,or anything else.i have read on your site that two mold toxins,can cause problems with your protein in blood,the Lgm,protein..I am getting public health to come in house.Can you tell me,which mold issues may be playing havoc,with the blood protein..

I wheeze all the time,never did before,I believe my carpets may have been infected,one has passed..Any Help,info is appreciated,,Thanks Tracey Manitoba Canada.I live in a rural area,farms,cows,pigs,lake etc.

On 2017-03-09 - by (mod) -

Anon, please use the Search box just above to search InspectApedia for THERMAL TRACKING BRIDGING GHOSTING - to read the causes, cures, prevention of ghosting stains and marks. Take a look at that article and then let me know if you have further questions.

Daniel

On 2017-03-09 by Anonymous

We have a seriously bad case of ghosting in our rental.gov.came. inspected.3yes ago.it's still here is much worse. I can smell it.feel it on our furniture. Drapes.whatcan

Question: Do Mold Exposure Symptoms Persist After Leaving the Moldy Environment?

I have been trying for months to find a mold doctor, mold test lab or mold treatment clinic that will do mold testing in humans. I have been sick for over two years and to date my doctors are still not sure what is wrong with me.

I have seen a total of 17 physicians, but still I have no diagnosis. The latest finding is one doc who thinks I might have MS. However, I have been reading the symptoms of mold poisoning which also mimic the symptoms of MS.

Unfortunately, I can't get any of my doctors to agree with one another on the mold theory. They keep telling me that if you remove yourself from the [mold-contamination] situation - you should get better. That hasn't happened to me, thus why they think it is something else.

Therefore, I wanted to know if you can point me in the right direction for mold testing in humans. I don't mean skin testing - I've had that done twice already - and I was positive for molds among other things. I need the kind of testing to diagnose whether or not the mold in colonizing in my body.

Mold or Health complaint began with an irritating car interior

I want to clarify that my symptoms started over two years ago - when I purchased a used vehicle. The initial symptoms started about the second day I was driving the car (I bought the car in Dec.).

It started with a burning/irritating throat (almost like chemical/dirt was being blown into my throat). Then it progressed to a cough, respiratory problems, shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle aches, light-headedness and so on.

Because I am no longer driving the car - doctors feel I should have gotten better. However, I stopped driving the car for several months. Then I got the car re-detailed (thinking at first it was in the detailing b/c an environmental dr mentioned that when I had a visit). I got back in the car for one month. The first 3 weeks I did not turn on the heat.

The last week I turned on the heat and I got that same burning/irritating throat (which takes a while to subside). It was then that I knew my illness was coming from the car and I haven't driven it since.

My sister has been helping me diagnose and we both feel that there is mold/fungus in the AC/heating unit and is something that my body just won't tolerate. I've told every doctor I've visited - they sill feel that if I'm not driving the car anymore I should have gotten better.

I am over my head with anger and frustration!! Out of 17 doctors, not one believes that's possible. I'm a person who rarely gets sick. Any of my friends and co-workers can vouch for me. That's why when I bought that car - it was the only new thing in my life - and I know it made me sick and I have been sick ever since. Because it's the car involved - it seems like it's making it more difficult to get a diagnosis.

I live in PA - are their any mold doctors or human mold-exposure testing labs around my area that test for mold in humans? Any help you can give me is much appreciated. - Christine

Reply: Mold-related Illness Symptoms May Be Persistent

I am not a doctor and emphasize that I am only reporting on my experience as a field investigator, but it seems that while removing yourself from a mold-contaminated environment is recommended and often gives relief of symptoms and complaints, the medicine is more complex than that:

First, some mold exposures can produce ongoing, long-lasting, even permanent symptoms, for example the development of adult-onset asthma.

Second, moving out of a known mold-contaminated environment does not itself guarantee that the new environment is free of mold, allergens, indoor air quality concerns, etc.

Put another way, if on removing oneself from an environment suspected of causing or contributing to health related complaints, the complaints stop or diminish, that's very suggestive about that environment. But the converse does not hold. That is, someone suffering from apparently-building-related complaints may find that some of those complaints may persist.

A physician specializing in environmental medicine along with building inspection by a highly qualified field investigator can work together to help sort out these concerns.

Take a look at MOLD DOCTORS - ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE for help in finding a physician specializing in mold exposure, mold related illness, or environmental medicine.

At MOLD RELATED ILLNESS for an introduction and s

ee MOLD RELATED ILLNESS SYMPTOMS for a complete, detailed list of health complaints associated with mold exposure.

Warning: our MOLD RELATED ILLNESS SYMPTOMS list is not a medical document, has not been peer-reviewed by the medical profession, and is not in a medical sense authoritative. It does, however, collect both substantiated mold-related-illness complaints and a wide sampling of the nature and range of other complaints from people who believe or fear that mold or similar exposure has been a factor in their physical or mental health.

The Indoor Environment of Cars and Campers

About the effects of the indoor environment in an automobile: indeed we have investigated complaints of odors, smells, and mold contamination in automobiles. Keep in mind that for some individuals, particularly people who are sensitive to chemical smells and even perfumes, some plastics, vinyls, and carpets used in automobiles might, especially when new, be an irritant or a response trigger. And mold in automobiles, typically due to a leak that has wet insulation or carpeting, can be difficult to track down and clean.

At BOAT & CAR SMELLS & ODORS we discuss the car odor problem, and

at CAR SMELL - Mold DEODORIZING we report on tracking down, cleaning, and removing smells from mold in cars, campers, and similar vehicles.

Follow Your Physician's Advice About Correlating Illness, Health Complaints, & the Environment

Usually the best place to start tracking down an illness is with the doctor who is your general care physician. Typically he or she will refer you to an appropriate expert based on that discussion and examination.

Our OPINION is that as long as you are consulting a physician who has experience and expertise in environmental medicine, pulmonology, allergy, mold-related-illness, or similar fields, and as long as the physician took time to hear your concerns, case history, and to examine you, that person is in the best spot to answer a critical diagnostic question:

Are your health complaints ones that have been associated with environmental exposure to irritants, contaminants. If the answer is "yes" or even "sometimes" then that doctor's advice can help set the direction for inspection and testing of environments where you have spent time in buildings or automobiles.

Question: Bio-Signs Urine Test for Mycotoxins

I recently had a urine test done by a company called Bio signs, this test detects mycotoxins that may present from molds. In my case it detected a severe systemic yeast infection due to moderate exposure to a myotoxin produced from toxic black mold. This test cost almost $600.00, but to be able to go to a doctor and give them the exact exposure information and to know what is happening in my body made that investment well worth the money. I also had the peace of mind knowing that leaving the infected area was not something I could second guess anymore.

It has been priceless in so many ways and knowing that it is all not in my head gives me the strength to fight to get my health back. I can not explain the turmoil I have been through as my body has rejected the exposure, hives, very high blood pressure, anxiety, liver elevation to hepatitis B, severe vision problems, constant bronchitis and pneamonia and my bowels do not function.

I would encourage anyone that feels like they just have to know to take this test. I have a long road and pray that it has not done to much damage. Knowledge is power and I have been on my own crusade to explain the hasards of Mold.

I am only 44 years old and I was healthy five years ago before i rented my business space and now I feel like I am double in age..Good luck and I hope this helps in your quest for health. - Nikki 10/19/11

Reply:

Nikki,

That test sounds very costly, I'd want to know more about its accuracy and how the results should be interpreted. For example, was your doctor able to confirm that a mycotoxin exposure was the cause of yeast infection? I'm no MD but certainly I've had yeast infections simply from taking antibiotics.

Equally seriously, if your doc confirms that s/he blames mycotoxin exposure for an illness, that expensive test is not diagnostic nor prescriptive about the source of your mycotoxin exposure.

You'll want to determine that source and correct it. I'd start by a thorough inspection and investigation of the places where you spend the most time, most likely at home or at work. I'd also consider however, that an acute exposure to some molds and MVOCs could be a source of medical complaint even if is not chronic and therefore not in the home or office, but rather elsewhere.

Watch out: People who suspect that their illness is caused or contributed to by environmental contaminants such as indoor mold exposure should ask their primary physician for a referral to an M.D. who has expertise in environmental medicine.

This step is particularly important because in our OPINION the fear and frustration that naturally plague anyone who suffers from an illness for a long time without finding successful treatment can make people vulnerable victims for a plethora of "cures" that lack medical basis, are not supported by sound research, and in some cases may be dangerous. In the medical profession there's a saying,

A man who treats himself has fool for a physician. If your doctor doesn't listen to you with care and respect, or never even looks at you (maybe spending too much time looking instead a the computer) then I agree it's time to try elsewhere.

Quoting from Bennett and Kilch in Clinical Microbiology:

Human exposure to mycotoxins is further determined by environmental or biological monitoring. In environmental monitoring, mycotoxins are measured in food, air, or other samples; in biological monitoring, the presence of residues, adducts, and metabolites is assayed directly in tissues, fluids, and excreta. [1] J.W. Bennett and M. Klich

Keep us posted, as what you learn will certainly help other readers, and if you have further specific questions about our website articles I'll be glad to research and reply.

Question: Reader recommends diet & TV shows to cure mold-related illness

People should realize that antibiotics ARE mycotoxins. They are the same. Indeed, they will cause systemic fungal infection. Differentiating between systemic and digestive yeast infections are difficult; the best course of action is to treat both simultaneously. Eating a diet that starves fungus (low carb/sugar) while rotating natural antifungals (olive leaf, oregano oil, tea tree oil) along with re-alkalizing the body chemistry as well as balancing hormones and increasing immunity/replenishing healthy gut bacteria is the only way to cure fungal disease.

To the person asking about coming into contact with molds then removing yourself from the environment: it is simply not that easy. Just like people, fungi require a food source. Once they get inside of you, they are able to live off of you. They simply do not just "come from the environment"; on the contrary, they are a highly invasive species that has no regard other than it's own preservation.

If you are seeking a fungal doctor, look into shows like "Know The Cause" by Doug Kaufmann, do a search for Dr. Greg Emerson, look into products by BioActive Nutrients, NSC24, and Dr. Ohhira. This is [Glen's recommended] source for fungal information in regards to human disease.

Testing for internal fungal disease can be tricky. Fungi exhibit dimorphism, or the ability to change depending on the environment. This means a mold can be a yeast when at incubating temperatures and so forth. The best test you can do: Look at your tongue. If it has either: a thick coat of white film, or large, red bumps towards the back, you have a fungal problem. Do you have dry skin? Fungal. Acne? Fungal. IBS? Fungal. The list goes on, and on, and on until infinity. - Glen - 3/16/12

Reply: best to consult a qualified physician not TV when treating a fungal (or other) illness; not all fungi produce mycotoxins & antibiotics are not properly called mycotoxins

Thanks Glen, for the interesting comments. But your comments are not quite accurate and in some cases are dangerous.

The literature on mycotoxins and mold related illness is enormous. We include some representative, authoritative, and quite credible citations in our reply to your remarks.

Watch out: We agree that a yeast infection in the mouth can be an annoying side-effect of taking antibiotics, but it would be nothing short of stupid to refuse to take an antibiotic when necessary and as prescribed by your doctor. For example, typhoid fever, which is generally successfully treated using a strong (fluoroquinolone group) antibiotic, can otherwise be fatal in up to 30% of cases. Having to treat a yeast infection as a side effect of curing typhoid fever seems a small price to pay. While rehydration is an important component in treating typhoid, eating and drinking a healthy diet won't cure typhoid fever once it has been contracted.

And to add a bit more accuracy to Glen's comments above, there are many fungal illnesses that will not manifest as an oral yeast infection, starting at your feet with athlete's foot and including life-threatening Aspegillosis - a fungal infection of the lung.

A mycotoxin is a poison produced by a fungus. "Poison" as used here is a chemical that causes illness or death to a human or
other animal.

Comparing antibiotics to mycotoxins

The widely used antibiotic Penicillin, originally produced by two genera of the Penicillium fungus first found on an orange [2] indeed is produced by that fungus not as a gift to humans but to enable the fungus to flourish on some of its food surfaces by trying to kill off other fungi that might land there.

But in use as a medicine for humans or other animals, Penicillin is NOT a mycotoxin nor is it acting as a mycotoxin. See our
citation Bennett and Klich [1] below and our more extensive set of definitions of fungal illnesses in the article above. We also cite an enjoyable book about the history of how Penicillin was developed [2].

Choosing a diet is unlikely to cure serious fungal infections nor mold related illness

Finally, your suggestion that fungal disease in humans can be cured by diet is dangerously misleading. While we applaud eating a
healthy diet and recognize that eating properly can help one's immune system, there is absolutely no doubt that for a fungal
infection, ranging from in the sinuses to life-threatening Aspergillosis infections of the lungs, expert medical care is
absolutely necessary and may include the use of specific antibiotics that target fungal infections or in some cases may require
surgery.

A review of medical texts that enumerate the wide range of fungal infections and mold related illnesses (Mycoses) that affect humans and animals will illustrate that successful treatment, choice of medication, and other measures vary widely but none relies on diet as sufficient. [3][4][5]

Watch out: Mold-related illnesses range from the irritation of athlete's foot to life threatening aspergillosis. In short, your advice to cure mold-related illness by diet could kill someone.

Question: mould in leaky caravan

(Apr 7, 2015) Anonymous said:
I have a caravan and it has 60% water ingress i have asthma and copd what are the effects of mould on me

Reply:

Anon

I don't know what you mean by 60% water ingress: that sounds as if 60% of water falling on your caravan leaks inside?

IN any event, with COPD this is a question to take to your doctor: you should make clear that you own a leaky caravan that might be mold contaminated - since you havent indicated you've actually found mold there.

...

Question: cleaning moldy furring strips

(Apr 21, 2011) Wanda said:
The area I need to clean is in the shower we have stripped the walls and we would like to save the base of the shower. There are at least (2) furring strips that are wood and I can't get to them to clean. What should I do?

Reply:

We don't understand quite where the furring strips are nor if they are moldy. Also, if they are moldy, there could be mold on other surfaces in that same area. So the total area of moldy surfaces may be more than you think.

For small moldy surfaces (we use the example of the space between a floor joist and the plywood subfloor) that are dry and undamaged, sealing those areas may be sufficient to prevent detectable levels of problem mold from showing up in your indoor occupied space. Just be sure that the leaks that caused mold are repaired and that there is no hidden structural damage from rot.

Question: find a professional mold inspector and removal service?

(Jan 24, 2012) Ms Norma said:
Please can you help direct me to a Registered (?) Licensed "Professional" Mold Inspector and a Removal Service for Mold, and Attorney.
Recently, after having my Kitchen flood while on the phone;
The cabinets were removed: the drywall, and the cabinets were covered with black mold (the back and under the base cabinets, (in an visible area of more than 60 sq ft), and with the amount of mold, it appears it has been cultivating for years.
Over the past years there have been three flooding incidents:
The source of the Floods:

• This incident: the plumber discovered a rusted drywall screw which had pieced the copper tubing.
• Second incident: Earlier this past summer: There was a ‘Roof flashing leak’ around the sewer gas stack on the roof. This water leak went through these same walls and spread through the walls into other rooms
• The third incident: near ten years ago: the Water Heater flooded the inside hall.

MY AGE and HEALTH: I am 79, live in Florida, and have had to depend on Medical Breathing Treatments, and was told I have asthma since this water heater incident happened.
• I have contacted My Primary Care, and My Respiratory Physicians’ for Letters, (not sure of the Legal wording needed)
The insurance Company Adjuster tells me: they will only allow $800.00 to clean up the mold and I should return the cabinetry to the kitchen.

I live in a Condo, whereby I have two insurance policies:
• Condo Co-op Insurance policy: it covers the outside up to the drywall inside.
• Home Owners Insurance policy: it covers the inside of the Condo.

They both are placing blame on the other. Therefore, I am trying to locate an Attorney whom can review my policies and advise me as to what funds ate available to me.
Another situation, which your articles advise against is:

The Cabinet Company also advised me: (The Cabinet Company has removed the spotted drywall, however I was able to obtain some tape samples.)
• They are a mold removal service: they can clean up and make the mold safe.
• They see ‘No point in replacing the drywall with GREENBOARD’.

And, If I WANT (it should be ‘NEED’) New Cabinets: I will have to pay for them myself.
CAN YOU provide me with some Inspectors, type of Attorney, and any other guidance to help me with this situation?

Reply:

Sure, see

• MOLD & ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP COMPANIES
• MOLD & ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTORS
• MOLD DOCTORS - ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

Also see CONFLICTS OF INTEREST and also FEES: How Much Should You Pay?

Question: bits of mold on the ceiling and upper wall of our bathroom

(June 9, 2012) S McCumsey said:
We have bits of mold on the ceiling and upper wall of our bathroom. Suspect that the fan wasn't doing the job which are are going to correct. After surface cleaning can we sand off the remaining mold if it isn't too deep or do we have to remove the drywall? We have fine colonies that wiping doesn't remove. We are planning to replace the tile as well but not in the immediate future. The grout has mold and we expect we will have to pull it all out.

Reply:

S McCumsey,

It is rarely effective to try to "sand" drywall to clean mold. The effective repair for moldy drywall is to remove and replace it. However, if the total moldy area is trivial in size, and if I were very confident that the ONLY mold on the drywall were from an exterior source - such as condensation on that surface - and therefore if I were confident that we didn't risk more mold on the hidden side of the drywall nor a leak hidden inside the wall or ceiling cavity, then I might be tempted to surface clean the small area (say a square foot or less), let it dry, coat it with a lacquer primer sealer or a fungicidal sealant paint, and then repaint the surface. That little repair, combined with proper moisture handling to avoid a new mold problem could be effective, though it's not our "standard" recommendation. Just be sure you're not ignoring a hidden leak or mold reservoir.

The grout mold runs into the same issue. If the wall is intact and we are sure that there were no leaks into or behind the tiled surface, surface cleaning could be sufficient.

Question: Is hydrogen peroxide useful in treating mold?

(May 9, 2015) Robert A. Jungst said:
Is hydrogen peroxide useful in treating mold?

Reply:

The object in mold cleanup is to remove the mold = any household cleaner would suffice = from cleanable surfaces, to dispose of materials that can't be cleaned (such as moldy drywall) and to correct the cause of the mold growth. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective cleaner for wounds.

See MOLD KILLING GUIDE

...

Continue reading at MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• MOLD CONTAMINATION IN BUILDINGS - home
• MOLD EXPOSURE STANDARDS definitions of "problematic levels" of mold.
• MOLD DOCTORS - ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE for help in finding a physician specializing in mold exposure, mold related illness, or environmental medicine.
• MOLD RELATED ILLNESS for a complete, detailed list of health complaints associated with mold exposure.

Suggested citation for this web page

MOLD CLASSES, LEVELS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING ENVIRONMENT

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Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

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