Mycotoxins and Mold
What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Mycotoxins are harmful chemicals made by certain molds when conditions are right, often in buildings with water damage. They settle as dust on surfaces above the floor and can be very strong, with no agreed-upon safe levels. Even small amounts can build up in the body over time. To be cautious, it's best to remove mycotoxins from homes as much as possible. While myco-toxins aren't alive and don't need to be killed, they can be physically removed with careful cleaning methods because they stick to dust particles.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: Mold species Aspergillus
Found in: Corn, wheat, peanuts, and other foods.
Risks:
Weakens the immune system.
Potentially linked to liver cancer.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: Alternaria fungi.
Found in: Water-damaged materials like drywall, and foods such as wheat, barley, and sorghum.
Appearance: Black mold typically linked to water damage.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: Chaetomium globosum molds.
Found in: Long-term, heavily water-damaged buildings and drywall.
Risks:
Causes infections in immunocompromised individuals.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: Penicillium and Aspergillus molds.
Found in: Stored grains, building materials with water damage.
Risks:
Affects kidneys and other organs.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: The "black mold" Stachybotrys.
Found in: Water-saturated wood materials.
Risks:
Causes allergenic and toxic effects.
Contaminates cellulose insulation.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: The "black mold" Stachybotrys.
Found in: Water-saturated wood materials.
Risks:
Causes allergenic and toxic effects.
Contaminates cellulose insulation.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: Aspergillus and Chaetomium molds.
Found in: Water-damaged buildings.
Risks:
Triggers liver and kidney damage.
Causes lung tissue inflammation.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: Stachybotrys and other fungi.
Found in: Saturated building materials.
Risks:
Severe respiratory, neurological, and immunological symptoms.
Airborne exposure through inhalation.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: Stachybotrys molds.
Found in: Water-damaged, saturated wood materials.
Risks:
Causes neurological damage.
Severe effects on the immune system.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: Aspergillus and Penicillium molds.
Found in: Moisture-damaged building materials and foods.
Risks:
Respiratory distress and kidney failure.
Potential links to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
One mold species may produce many different mycotoxins, and several species may produce the same mycotoxin.
Produced by: Fusarium fungi.
Found in: Corn, animal feed, and other agricultural products.
Risks:
Infertility, spontaneous abortions, and birth defects.
Weakens the immune system and increases infection risk.
