Mold and Mycotoxin Exposure Risks in the Built Environment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that as molds grow, some, but not all, may under various conditions produce toxic byproducts known as mycotoxins. The agency warns that some of these molds are also commonly found in moisture-damaged buildings, and that there are more than 200 mycotoxins from common molds that have been identified so far.

EPA shares the following regarding potential health effects of exposure to mycotoxins:

Some mycotoxins are known to affect people, but for many mycotoxins little health information is available. Research on mycotoxins is ongoing. Exposure to mycotoxins can occur from inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. It is prudent to avoid unnecessary inhalation exposure to mold.

The amount and types of mycotoxins produced by a particular mold depends on many environmental and genetic factors. Most of the research currently available regarding human exposure to mycotoxins involves contact through ingestion. It’s important to note that elevated levels of mold, even without the presence of mycotoxins, are a known allergen, respiratory irritant, and asthma trigger. Some types of mold associated with indoor mold growth can also cause opportunistic infections in people with a weakened immune system.

For those who suspect their home, school, or place of business may have a mold issue, CSC has experienced, certified, and insured professionals that can assess the built environment, prescribe corrective measures, oversee remediation efforts if needed, and provide proof of completion. CSC’s experts achieve this by providing comprehensive building assessments, testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services to identify and mitigate indoor exposure risks to mold, mycotoxins, and other microbial pathogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, and airborne pollutants. They also recently sponsored an educational video about mycotoxins and mold that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/4i6cq2fsoYM

To learn more about this or other building science and industrial hygiene services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com, or call 800-807-1118. 

About Clark Seif Clark, Inc. (CSC)

Since 1996, CSC has helped clients in both the public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational health, and environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers, and real estate professionals.