Symptoms or Signs of Toxic Mold

Molds exist everywhere as spores, on surfaces and in the air. Mold spores must last in a place of moisture and nutrients to grow. Therefore, most molds occur in houses and buildings. Toxic mold is not poisonous itself, but it does produce mycotoxins which enter the body, colonize and grow. These mycotoxins compromise the immune system and damage the body. Various molds cause different symptoms and signs in its host.

Aspergillus spp.

• Aspergillus is the most common fungus within the environment and contains 16 out of 160 species that cause disease. Common symptoms of Aspergillus are skin rashes and hair loss. Aspergillus niger is a species that colonizes in the lungs and can cause hearing loss and tinnitus. Aspergillus versicolor is the most common species that inflicts severe abdominal pain, acid reflux and vomiting in the host.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

• Stachybotrys is a greenish-black mold that grows on material containing high cellulose and low nitrogen. This mold produces mycotoxins that are dangerously toxic, possible carcinogen and immunosuppressive. Stachybotrys mycotoxin exposure can produce dermatitis, memory loss, balance issues, acid reflux, nose bleeds, flu-like symptoms, bleeding lungs, general malaise, internal lesions and seizures. The mycotoxins can also destroy the myelin sheath, leading to autoimmune disease in long term exposure cases.

Cladosporium spp.

• The Cladosporium species are dark green to black and contain a powdery texture. This species can be found indoors on food, textiles and on the surface of fiberglass duct liners. These fungi cause skin lesions, keratitis, nail fungus, sinusitis, asthma and pulmonary infections. Long term exposure to Cladosporium can inflict pulmonary emphysema.

Fusarium spp.

• The Fusarium species is usually found in humidifiers, water-damaged carpets and various building materials. Fusarium fungi that are ingested or inhaled produce hemorrhagic syndrome characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis and extensive internal bleeding. Some Fusarium species produce trichothecene toxins that target your circulatory, alimentary, skin and nervous systems.

Penicillium spp.

• The Penicillium fungi are found in cellulose, paint, carpet, wallpaper, and interior fiberglass duct insulation. This fungus commonly appear in immunosuppressed individuals. Susceptible individuals may experience hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma and allergic alveolitis. Its mycotoxins are carcinogenic and nephrotoxic, damaging to the kidney and liver. Balance, short term memory, hearing loss and vision loss are permanent problems sometimes associated with this fungi species.