Mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by fungi or mold. They can be toxic for humans when they are eaten, absorbed into the skin, or inhaled. A small amount of mycotoxin can be damaging to human or animal health and even cause death. Poisoning by mycotoxins is called mycotoxicosis.
Stachybotrys Chartarum (Aka: The Toxic Indoor Black Mold): A genus of molds which derives from the Greek words “stachy” & “botrys”. “Stachy” (progeny/descendants), “Botrys” (cluster or bunch of grapes). Most famous species of this mold include: S. Chartarum and Chlorochalonata which are also known as “black mold” or “toxic black mold”. These are linked with poor indoor air quality that arises after fungal growth on water-damaged building materials (plywood, wallpaper, drywall & carpet). Stachybotrys has also been associated with “Sick Building Syndrome”.
Where S. Chartarum Occurs Indoors
The spores of S. chartarum are in the soil and are introduced along with flood waters or the dust and dirt entering with the water incursion. Also, building materials at the time of construction can have a coating of dust or dirt that contains S. chartarum . The fungus is most commonly found in homes or buildings which have sustained flooding or water damage from broken pipes, roof, wall or floor leaks, condensation, etc. Wet conditions are required to initiate and maintain growth. It is most common on the paper covering of gypsum wall board, but can be found on wallpaper, cellulose based ceiling tiles, paper products, carpets with natural fibers, paper covering on insulated pipes, in insulation material, on wood and wood paneling, and on general organic debris. The paper covering on fiberglass insulation is another area for growth. The fungus can be hidden in the ceiling, walls or floors with no or little visible evidence within the interior of the room. The spores, however, can contaminate the interior of the room through holes and cracks in the building materials (aided by negative pressure) or be transported via the air handling system. It can also be found growing in ducts if there is organic debris. Condensation due to poor design or faulty heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can promote growth of the fungus. The fungus will usually produce large amounts of conidiophores and conidia giving the substrate a black appearance that can be slightly shiny when fresh and powdery when dry. I have observed the fungus growing profusely on the paper covering of gypsum wall board within a week after flood water was drained from a building.
Health Effects: Mild-Nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing & skin irritation. Severe-Fever, shortness of breath, fungal ling infections. Extreme-Can and do occur to those with immune-mediated conditions.
Please contact your local public health department, the CDC, or the EPA for advice on these related issues.
How Do Mycotoxins Spread?
Typically, mycotoxins indoors are created by the following conditions:
Environmental factors
While different strains of mycotoxins produce varying symptoms in people, many of the main symptoms are the Four D's
Difficulty with digestion
Difficulty digesting proteins
Damage immune system
Damage to the lungs
It has been found that these symptoms are often worsened by:
Alcohol consumption
Malnutrition and poor diet
Underlying conditions or diseases
MOLD
MYCOTOXIN PRODUCED
POTENTIAL HEALTH ISSUES
Aspergillus fumigatus
Gliotoxin, Aflatoxin
A. fumigatus is frequently found in homes and buildings. It is considered to be an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it rarely infects healthy individuals, but is the leading cause of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals such as cancer, HIV or transplant patients .
Aspergillus flavus
Gliotoxin, Aflatoxin
A. flavus is the second leading cause of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Particularly common clinical syndromes associated with A. flavus include: chronic granulomatous sinusitis, keratitis, cutaneous aspergillosis, wound infections and osteomyelitis following trauma and inoculation. Can cause liver cancer in humans.
Aspergillus terreus
Gliotoxin, Citirin
Inhalation of fungal spores, which travel down along the respiratory tract, cause the typical respiratory infection.
Aspergillus versicolor
Sterigmatocystin
A. versicolor is one of the most frequently found molds in water-damaged buildings. A. versicolor is known to produce a mycotoxin called sterigmatocystin a potentially carcinogenic and hepatotoxic mycotoxin. It is primarily toxic to the liver and kidneys.
Aspergillus ochraceus
Ochratoxin
Ochratoxin has been demonstrated to be Nephrotoxic, Hepatotoxic, and Carcinogenic and is a potent teratogen and immune-suppressant. It has also been associated with urinary tract infections and bladder cancer.
Aspergillus niger
Ochratoxin, Gliotoxin
A. niger produces gliotoxin, which has been identified in the sera of humans and mice with aspergillosis. Causes immunosuppression in patients.
S tachybotrys chartarum
Macrocyclic Trichothecenes
S . chartarum, commonly known as black mold, is highly toxic to humans. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning erythema, ataxia, chills, fever, hypotension, hair loss and confusion are symptoms in individuals living or working inside S tachybotrys infested homes and buildings.
Chaetomium globosum
Chaetoglobosins
C. globosum is a common indoor fungal contaminant of water damaged homes or buildings. Like S tachybotrys, C. globosum spores are relatively large and due to their mode of release are not as easily airborne as are some other molds.
Fusarium species
Fumonisins; Zearalenone
Fusarium can cause superficial infections such as keratitis or onychomycosis in healthy individuals and disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients.
Candida auris
Unknown
C. auris can be found in healthcare facilities and can be spread through contact with infected patients and equipment''s. C.auris can cause blood stream infections, wound infections and ear infections.
Penicillium brevicompactum
Ochratoxin A
Producer of the toxin Ochratoxin A. Fungal particles depend on the relative humidity. Can lead to chronic Rhinosinusitis if breathed in high concentrations.
Penicillium chysogenum
Ochratoxin A
Producer of the toxin Ochratoxin A. Fungal particles depend on the relative humidity. Can lead to chronic Rhinosinusitis if breathed in high concentrations. High levels are correlated with the development of sick building syndrome.