wegetridofmold.com  

There are mold species that are non-toxic and there are mold species that are extremely toxic. Some molds cause allergic reactions and asthma. Certain molds produce toxins (mycotoxins) as a by-product of living. 

Short term reactions can include: sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, lethargy, fever, cold and flu symptoms, nose bleeds, digestive problems and joint problems.   

Long term symptoms can include: dermatitis,  impaired immune function, infections, lung damage, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Pulmonary hemosiderosis, ocular disease, deafness, cancer even death.

Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to these contaminants.

Mycotoxins are produced by fungi (mold) to give them a competitive edge against other microorganisms including other fungi. There are over 200 recognized mycotoxins and over 1000 species of moulds. Many are harmful to humans when inhaled, ingested or brought into contact with human skin.

Mycotoxins can produce a variety of short term as well as long term health effects.  

Aflotxin: is one of the most potent carcinogen known to man and has been linked to a variety of health problems. Aflotoxins are primarily produced by Aspergillus.

Ochratoxin: is primarily produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium. This type of toxin damages the kidneys, liver, immune system and is a suspected carcinogen.

T-2 Toxin: is a tricothecene produced by Fusarium and Stachybotrys and is one of the more deadly toxins. T-2 if ingested in sufficient amounts can severly damage the entire digestive tract, causing rapid death due to internal hemorrhage.  T-2 has also been implicated in toxic aleukia, pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding of the lungs).

Fumonism: is a toxin associated with Fusarium.  Fumonism causes leukoencephalomalcia or liquefaction of the brain in animals.  In humans it it has been linked to esophageal cancer.

Vomitoxin: is associated with Fusarium which can cause acute gastrointestinal illness.

Citrinin: is produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus. This toxin can cause renal damage and bronchial constriction.

Satrotoxin H: are mainly produced by Stachybotrys charturum and Trichoderma viridi. High doses or chronic low doses are lethal.

Gliotoxin: is an immunosuppressive toxin produced by Alternaria, Penicillium and Aspergillus.

Patulin: is a mycotxin produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus which causes hemorrhaging in the brain and lungs.

Sterigmatocystin: is produced by Aspergillus versicolor and is considered to be carcinogenic.