health & HELp
Did you know that we breathe in nearly 3000 gallons of air per day?
With the average person spending 90% of their time indoors,
the quality of our indoor air is vital to our health.
Could your home be making you sick?
Let's talk about mycotoxins
WHAT ARE MYCOTOXINS?
Mycotoxins are toxic, secondary compounds that are naturally produced by mold and fungi as it grows and replicates or when disturbed. They are so tiny that even most HEPA filters are unable to trap and remove them. For reference, a human hair is 100 microns, a mold spore is between 1-6 microns, and some mycotoxins are as small as 0.1 microns. Their size allows them to effortlessly travel through the air in your home, through every crack and crevice, and into your body as you breathe.
Mycotoxins are chemicals, and thus not alive. You can't "kill" them with sanitizing sprays. Even after mold removal or remediation, mycotoxins remain until being carefully removed from your home with specific cleaning protocols.
DO ALL MOLDS PRODUCE MYCOTOXINS?
No, not all molds produce mycotoxins. Certain species of molds produce more than others, and some not at all. Unfortunately, many of the molds found in water damaged buildings produce some of the most dangerous.
When we look for the presence of mycotoxins in a home, we are looking for the most toxic mycotoxins produced by 10 of the most toxigenic indoor mold species.
Knowledge is power.
Refer to our Services page to see how we can test your home for mycotoxins and get you on your way towards safer air.
common signs that
you may be exposed to
toxic mold
Coughing
Sneezing
Sore, itchy throat
Congestion
Runny nose
Sinus headaches
Wheezing
Breathing abnormalities
Itchy, dry, or unusually watery eyes
Irritated or itchy skin
Unexplained rashes
Fatigue
Mood instability
Digestive issues, IBS, or SIBO
Shortness of breath
Slow wound healing
Weakened immune system
Muscle twitching
Feeling inexplicably better
when not at home
Hair loss
Nail ridges
Urinary issues
Nutritional deficiencies
Cracked lips
Bloodshot eyes
Anxiety
Post-exertion malaise
Short term memory issues
Poor word recollection
Vision changes
Tinnitus
Tremors
and more
Mold
Illness
Stats
It is estimated that 50% of all homes and buildings in the United States have enough water damage to cause illness in humans.
At least 24% of the population has a genetic defect (HLA-DR) making them susceptible to a mold illness called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS.)
The other 76% may also experience a variety of reactions and symptoms related to exposure to toxic, indoor mold.
You don't need to be good at math to see that water damage and the resulting molds can pose a serious threat to your health.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
According to leading experts in the field of mold illness, 24% of the population contains a genetic defect making them susceptible to a form of mold illness called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS.)
Dr. Richie Shoemaker, pioneer in mold illness research and treatment, describes CIRS as a multi-system, multi-symptom biotoxin illness that can be acquired following exposure to the interior of water damaged buildings. It is an activation of the innate immune system, which should not be confused with a mold allergy which is an activation of the acquired immune system. In short, this means that those with CIRS will experience chronic activation of their immune systems, causing systemic inflammation.
The symptoms of CIRS are vast and varied and depend on which systems in the body have been affected. Some common symptoms of CIRS include gastrointestinal issues, respiratory distress, memory and cognitive issues, neurological symptoms such as neuropathies, heightened sensitivity, & mental health issues, weakness, blurred or distorted vision, ice-pick pain, blood shot eyes, joint pain, fatigue (chronic and otherwise,) frequent static shocks, migraines & headaches, trouble regulating body temperature, urinary issues, and much more.
CIRS is often misdiagnosed for other conditions such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, lupus, lyme, the list goes on. Fortunately, there is treatment available for CIRS, but the issue must be identified and addressed, both environmental and physical.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a disease
characterized by profound and debilitating fatigue, sleep abnormalities, pain, and other symptoms
exacerbated by physical exertion. There is currently no cure for CFS/ME, however research in
this field is advancing and there are some treatments that may provide symptom relief.
New research suggests that there is a link between exposure to specific mycotoxins
released from toxic molds found in water damaged buildings and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Mold Allergies
In people with mold allergies, contact with mold in their environment causes the immune system to go into overdrive.
They may experience a variety of symptoms such as sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, dry and flaking skin, stuffy nose, cough, rashes, and more.
Mold allergies are also linked to respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Respiratory Issues
Exposure to mold has been linked to respiratory issues such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and asthma. Those who already have asthma may have a more difficult time breathing in moldy environments.
Prolonged exposure to certain toxic molds has also been linked to pulmonary diseases such as Aspergillosis, COPD, and more.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained in these topics is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.