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Health effects (of mold) generally fall into seven categories:
1. Type-1 Allergy or Immediate-Type Hypersensitivity
2. Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Reaction
3. Infection
4. Mucous Membrane and Trigeminal Nerve Irritation
5. Adverse Reactions to Odor or Pseudoallergy
6. Toxicity or Neurotoxicity by Molds and Mycotoxins
7. Immunotoxicity Induced by Molds and Mycotoxins
By: Aristo Vojdani, Ph.D., M.T.
The following is by Aristo Vojdani, Ph.D., M.T.
Mycotoxins
Molds can have a negative impact on human health. The specificity of the
impact depends on the nature of the species involved, the metabolic products
produced by the species, the amount and duration of the individual’s
exposure to the actual mold or its byproducts, and the specific susceptibility
or state of health of the person exposed.
Health effects generally fall into seven categories:
1. Type-1 Allergy or Immediate-Type Hypersensitivity
2. Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Reaction
3. Infection
4. Mucous Membrane and Trigeminal Nerve Irritation
5. Adverse Reactions to Odor or Pseudoallergy
6. Toxicity or Neurotoxicity by Molds and Mycotoxins
7. Immunotoxicity Induced by Molds and Mycotoxins
Type-1 Allergy or Immediate-Type Hypersensitivity
The most common response to mold exposure may be allergy. People who are atopic,
that is, people who are genetically capable of producing an allergic response, may
develop allergic symptoms when their respiratory system or skin is exposed to mold or
mold products to which they have become sensitized. Sensitization may occur in
atopic individuals with sufficient exposure. This reaction is IgE-mediated and occurs
within minutes after exposure to molds.
Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Reaction
This type of reaction occurs hours or days after exposure to molds. It is mediated by
IgG, IgM, IgA or immune complexes and is referred to as Type-2 and Type-3 allergic
reaction. Finally, direct lymphocyte reaction to mold antigens may result in delayed
type hypersensitivity or Type-4 allergic reaction. This reaction is mediated by
lymphocyte reaction to mold antigens.
Infection
Infection from molds that grow indoors is not a common occurrence, except in certain
susceptible populations, such as individuals who have compromised immune systems
as a result of disease or drug treatment. A number of Aspergillus species that can grow
indoors are known to be pathogens. Aspergillus fumigatus is a weak pathogen that is
thought to cause infections (Aspergillosis) only in susceptible individuals.
(SMH note: We have had several reports of infection (Aspergillosis) in previously healthy individuals - in one case this was diagnosed by bronchial lavage. In another case, fungi migrated from the lungs to the top of the spine and formed an abscess, diagnosed by MRI and other scans.)
Mucous Membrane and Trigeminal Nerve Irritation
A fourth group of possible health effects from fungal exposure derives from the
volatile compounds (VOC) produced by means of fungal primary or secondary
metabolism, and subsequently released into the air indoors. Some of these volatile
compounds are continuously produced as the fungus consumes its energy source in
the course of the primary metabolic processes. Such compounds, in low yet
sufficient aggregate concentration, can irritate the mucus membranes of the eyes and
the respiratory system.
Adverse Reactions to Odor or Pseudoallergy
Odors produced by molds may also adversely affect some individuals. The ability to
perceive odors and respond to them is highly variable among people. Some individuals
can detect extremely low concentrations of volatile compounds, while others require
high levels of perception. An analogy to music may give perspective to odor response.
What may be beautiful music to one individual could be unbearable noise to another.
Some people derive enjoyment from odors of all kinds. Others may develop negative
symptoms, such as headache, nasal stuffiness, nausea or even vomiting to certain
odors, including perfumes, cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust, or moldy odors.
(SMH Note: This reaction has been described as Multiple Chemical Sensitivities or Chemical Sensitivities, noted by one physician/researcher as occurring in a majority of mold-ill patients.)
Toxicity or Neurotoxicity by Molds and Mycotoxins
The spores of many molds are capable of producing secondary metabolites, such as
antibiotics and mycotoxins, some of which are extremely toxic. Depending on the
route of entry, they may do damage to the skin, the lungs, the gut, the vascular system,
the urinary system, the reproductive system, and the neuroimmunological systems.
The spores from Stachybotrys chartarum, a mold capable of producing some of the
most toxic substances known to mankind, can survive temperatures of up to 500
degrees Fahrenheit, as well as acid, caustics, and bleach without being destroyed.
In heavily contaminated environments, neurotoxic symptoms related to airborne
mycotoxin exposure have been reported. Recently for example, highly abnormal
brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) was tested in adolescents with acoustic
mycotic neuroma due to environmental exposure to toxic molds. This abnormal,
evoked response correlated with objective findings, such as headaches, loss of memory,
hearing loss, lack of concentration, fatigue, sleep disturbance, facial swelling, rashes,
nosebleeds, diarrhea, abdominal pains, and respiratory difficulties. In addition,
antibodies to neuron-specific antigens have been detected by our laboratory in the
majority of patients exposed to toxigenic molds. This may be due to compromised
blood brain barriers in the patients.
(SMH note: Dr. Vojdani is an internationally recognized researcher in the area of mold and health. For more information on this topic and some of Dr. Vojdani's research, see our Mold Research and Sick Building Symptoms pages and the book, Molds and Mycotoxins, which contains 18 research articles gathered from a mold symposium. Note: Molds and Mycotoxins no longer available through publisher but you may email http://www.ciin.org/ to inquire about ordering.)
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