What are mycotoxins, and how do they differ from regular mold spores?

Mycotoxins are toxic chemical byproducts produced by certain mold species as a defense mechanism. While mold spores are microscopic living organisms used for reproduction, mycotoxins are non-living chemical compounds. Because they travel on tiny dust particles, they can easily be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, causing severe immune and health complications.

If I already had a mold inspection or remediation, do I still need a mycotoxin test?

Yes. Mycotoxins have low molecular weight and are highly heat-stable, meaning they do not degrade easily. Because they are non-living chemical toxins, they cannot be "killed" by traditional mold treatments and often remain in dust and air long after the physical mold has been removed. Testing ensures your environment is truly safe.

How does Certified Indoor Air test for mycotoxins in a home?

We perform an Environmental Mold & Mycotoxin Assessment (EMMA) by collecting dust samples from your property. This sample is sent to a specialized laboratory that utilizes advanced molecular detection technology to identify the 10 most toxigenic molds and the 16 most poisonous mycotoxins associated with them.

What specific types of mycotoxins does your laboratory analysis look for?

Our EMMA testing screens for five core, high-risk groups of toxic chemical compounds: Trichothecenes, Gliotoxins, Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, and Zearalenone. Identifying these specific groups helps determine the exact nature of the chemical contamination in your building.

If mycotoxins are found in my home, can they be removed?

Absolutely. Because mycotoxins are chemical residues rather than living organisms, they cannot be sanitized with standard mold sprays. Instead, they must be meticulously extracted from the environment using highly specialized, intensive cleaning and dust-removal protocols designed to bind and remove the chemical compounds completely.

Mycotoxin Testing from Certified Indoor Air Inc

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by various mold species as a toxic defense mechanism to protect their food source and territory. They can become a severe threat to the health of humans and animals. These toxins can be breathed into the body or absorbed by the body. Mycotoxins can then accummulate in the body and play havoc with one's immune system.

Common Types of Mycotoxins

AFLATOXIN M1 (AFM1)
OCHRATOXIN A (OTA)
STERIGMATOCYSTIN (STG)
RORIDIN E
VERRUCARIN A
ENNIATIN B
ZEARALENONE (ZEA)
GLIOTOXIN*
MYCOPHENOLIC ACID*
DIHYDROCITRINONE*
CHAETOGLOBOSIN A*

What is Mycotoxin Testing?

Mycotoxins are dangerous chemicals produced by mold. Mycotoxins are separate from the spores molds produce for reproduction. However, these chemicals can become airborne and travel with mold spores. Researchers have demonstrated that mycotoxins also travel through the air on very small particles of dust, which can easily be inhaled Different species of toxic molds produce different mycotoxins. Mycotoxin testing is a type of analytical testing used to detect and measure the presence of mycotoxins in your building.

Why Choose Mycotoxin Testing?

Mycotoxins have low molecular weight and thermostability. As a result, they do not degrade easily. They can remain present even after the mold has been removed from the environment. Because they are chemicals, they are not alive and, therefore, cannot be "killed." Instead, mycotoxins must be carefully removed from your environment using specific cleaning protocols.

Certified Indoor Air Inc Mycotoxin Testing Procedure and Reporting

Dust samples are collected from your home to send to a laboratory for identification. The test we use is called EMMA (Environmental Mold & Mycotoxin Assessment). It uses molecular detection technology to look for the presence of the ten most toxigenic molds and the 16 most poisonous mycotoxins associated with them.

This test will determine if four specific groups of mycotoxins are present - Trichothecenes, Gliotoxins, Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, and Zearalenone.

View a Sample Report

Mycotoxin Reporting — Raleigh, NC — Certified Indoor Air

Frequently Asked Questions

What are mycotoxins, and how do they differ from regular mold spores?
Mycotoxins are toxic chemical byproducts produced by certain mold species as a defense mechanism. While mold spores are microscopic living organisms used for reproduction, mycotoxins are non-living chemical compounds. Because they travel on tiny dust particles, they can easily be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, causing severe immune and health complications.
If I already had a mold inspection or remediation, do I still need a mycotoxin test?
Yes. Mycotoxins have low molecular weight and are highly heat-stable, meaning they do not degrade easily. Because they are non-living chemical toxins, they cannot be "killed" by traditional mold treatments and often remain in dust and air long after the physical mold has been removed. Testing ensures your environment is truly safe.
How does Certified Indoor Air test for mycotoxins in a home?
We perform an Environmental Mold & Mycotoxin Assessment (EMMA) by collecting dust samples from your property. This sample is sent to a specialized laboratory that utilizes advanced molecular detection technology to identify the 10 most toxigenic molds and the 16 most poisonous mycotoxins associated with them.
What specific types of mycotoxins does your laboratory analysis look for?
Our EMMA testing screens for five core, high-risk groups of toxic chemical compounds: Trichothecenes, Gliotoxins, Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, and Zearalenone. Identifying these specific groups helps determine the exact nature of the chemical contamination in your building.
If mycotoxins are found in my home, can they be removed?
Absolutely. Because mycotoxins are chemical residues rather than living organisms, they cannot be sanitized with standard mold sprays. Instead, they must be meticulously extracted from the environment using highly specialized, intensive cleaning and dust-removal protocols designed to bind and remove the chemical compounds completely.

General & Health Questions

What are mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are toxic, secondary chemicals produced by certain mold species as a defense mechanism to protect their territory. Unlike mold spores, they are not alive, meaning they cannot be "killed" and can easily accumulate in the human or animal body through inhalation or absorption.
Can mycotoxins remain after mold is removed?
Yes. Because mycotoxins are heavy chemicals with low molecular weight and high thermal stability, they do not degrade easily. They can linger on tiny dust particles long after the physical mold growth has been remediated.
Which types of mycotoxins do you test for?
Our comprehensive panel identifies the most dangerous toxic chemical strains, including Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), Ochratoxin A (OTA), Sterigmatocystin (STG), Roridin E, Verrucarin A, Enniatin B, Zearalenone (ZEA), Gliotoxin, Mycophenolic Acid, Dihydrocitrinone, and Chaetoglobosin A.

Testing Procedures & Technology

What is the EMMA test?
EMMA stands for Environmental Mold & Mycotoxin Assessment. It is an advanced analytical testing method utilizing molecular detection technology to identify the 10 most toxigenic molds and the 16 most poisonous mycotoxins associated with them.
How are mycotoxin samples collected?
We physically collect dust samples from key locations inside your home or building. These samples are then safely sent to an advanced laboratory for specialized molecular extraction and reporting.
What specific mycotoxin groups does the report look for?
The laboratory analysis specifically screens for four highly toxic target groups: Trichothecenes, Gliotoxins, Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, and Zearalenone.

Service & Booking Info

How do you get rid of mycotoxins if they are found?
Since mycotoxins are non-living chemicals, standard mold treatments won't destroy them. They must be physically and meticulously cleared from the property using highly specific environmental cleaning protocols.
What areas do you serve for mycotoxin testing?
Certified Indoor Air Inc provides professional testing services throughout the broader Raleigh, NC region, including Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Pittsboro, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Willow Spring.