Toxic Mold

Molds also produce secondary metabolites such as antibiotics and
mycotoxins (a poisonous substance produced by a fungus).
Sometimes it is possible to isolate antibiotics from the molds
themselves in order to utilize some of their properties in fighting
infections. Secondary metabolisms are not necessary for maintaining
the existence of a mold---either by creating energy or synthesizing
structural components, informational molecules or enzymes. They do,
however, function to provide molds with advantages over other mold
and bacteria and are toxic to certain plant and human cells.

Toxic conditions exist when a human has exposure to these
mycotoxins---either through ingesting mycotoxin-containing mold
spores or with skin contact to mold itself. Mycotoxins are nearly all
cytotoxic (substances produced by microorganisms that are toxic to
individual cells), which disrupt various cellular structures such as
membranes, and interrupt important processes, including protein,
RNA and DNA synthesis.

Mycotoxins vary in how dangerous they are for humans. Mycotoxins
pose a threat to larger organisms not because they are specifically
targeting them, but rather because these large organisms
inadvertently come across the byproduct of the competing molds all
vying for the same ecological niche. Numerous mold types produce
mycotoxins, including some found indoors in contaminated homes and
office buildings. Another factor that determines the mycotoxins that
are produced by specific molds usually depends on the materials or
organisms that they grow on.

It used to be thought that dangerous molds were primarily
contaminants in foods. This notion is quickly changing. Recently,
researchers have become more concerned with multiple mycotoxins
that derive from many types of mold spores growing in moist indoor
environments. Health effects from exposures to such mold mixtures
can differ from those related to single mycotoxins in controlled
laboratory exposures. Although it is difficult to predict how exposure
to multiple toxigenic molds can affect an individual (they can synergize
the effects), the following provides possible poor health effects from
mycotoxin exposure to multiple molds indoors.

Problems with the vascular system. Increased vascular fragility,
possibility of hemorrhaging into body tissues. Possible molds
include aflatoxin, satratoxin, roridins.
Problems with digestive system. Diarrhea, vomiting, intestinal
hemorrhage, liver effects (such as necrosis and fibrosis).
Aflatoxin results in deleterious effects on mucous membranes.
Problems with respiratory system. Including respiratory distress,
and bleeding from the lungs.
Problems with nervous system. Tremors, lack of coordination,
depression, and headaches.
Problems with cutaneous system. Symptoms include rash,
burning sensation, and sloughing of skin.
Problems with urinary system.
Problems with reproductive system. Including infertility, changes
in reproductive cycles, etc.
Many mycotoxins can produce changes or a weakening of the
immune system.

Unfortunately, not all types or species of molds have been tested
for the presence of mycotoxins. The production of toxins varies
according to the type of mold, the substrate on which it grows,
and seasons of the year.