times vague, effects. Each person in the family had different symptoms and Jane’s spouse was unaffected. Some people are genetically more susceptible to the effects of mold. It is esti- mated that 25% of the American population carry the HLA-DR gene, making them susceptible to mold and its toxins. People with this gene cannot clear toxins from theirs bodies and tend to have more allergies. Some molds are very allergenic. However, allergy to mold is only one of the ways that mold effects the body. Molds also cause irritation to tissues, cause infections, disrupt the immune system, cause diffuse inflammation, and alter hor- mone production. Mold is a type of fungus, like a mushroom, that spreads by spores through the air. Mold and mold spores can be found in- doors, outside, and in food. Microscopic spores are easily spread and can survive harsh environmental conditions for long periods of time. When mold spores are in warm moist conditions they begin to grow, feed and produce more spores. Commonly called “Black Mold”, Stachybotrys grows on building or other surfaces that have high cellulose content, such as wood, fiberboard, sheet rock, paper, dust, and lint. This mold requires constant moisture such as the conditions in Jane’s kitchen with a plumbing leak. Like most living organisms, mold has mechanisms to protect itself and compete for food. Mold produces toxins called, my- cotoxins, to compete with other microscopic organisms. Differ- ent molds produce different mycotoxins which can be measured in the body of people exposed to the mycotoxin. For example, Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus mold. It can be found in or on foods that are stored such as animal feed, rice, seeds and peanuts. According to the CDC, Aflatoxin is a cause of liver disease and liver cancer. Stachybotrys produces a mycotoxin called Trichothecene
which is used as a biological weapon because it is extremely toxic and difficult to destroy. Trichothecene can be absorbed through the skin, ingested and inhaled, causing damage to vari- ous organ systems and altering the immune system. A weak immune system allows bacteria and other infections to grow, especially in sinus and lungs. You may have mold exposure or mold sensitivity if you an- swer yes to some of these questions:
• Do musty odors, chemical smells or perfume bother you? • Have you worked or lived in a building where the air vents or ceiling tiles were discolored? • Have you noticed water damage or discoloration elsewhere? • Has your home or workplace been flooded? • Any leaks in the roof or air conditioners not draining prop- erly? • Have you experienced a sudden decline in health? • Do you experience unusual shortness of breath? • Do you experience recurring sinus infections? • Do you experience recurring respiratory infections and cough- ing?
• Do you have frequent flu-like symptoms? • Do your symptoms worsen on rainy days? • Do you have frequent headaches?
If you think you have mold in your home Do not panic! Household mold is common, especially in bathrooms and not all mold causes illness. Most molds can be
www.FamilyFunctionalMed.com MAY 2018 37
cleaned up without hiring professionals or using harsh chemicals. However, if you think you are ill from mold you may want some- one else to clean up. When cleaning mold it is important to protect yourself. Wear gloves, eye protection and a Half Mask Respirator from a hardware store which cost around $25. Clorox is not recommended because it gives off a strong gas and odor which is irritating especially if someone is chemically sensitive after a mold exposure. Surface mold such as in bathrooms should be sprayed with a cleaner that is left on the area for about one hour before wiping. One cup of Borax mixed with one gallon of water or made into a paste works well as does hydrogen perox- ide. Grapefruit Seed Extract, 20 drops in two cups of water in a sprayer bottle is another natural treatment. Undiluted white distilled vinegar or Vodka diluted with equal part water also work well and are safe around food, children, and pets, as long as they do not drink it.
Moisture control is critical! Mold cannot grow without the
right conditions. Leaks need to be completely repaired, and good ventilation maintained. Bathrooms and damp areas need a vent and/or dehumidifier. Basements and crawl spaces may need improved drainage, sump pumps and a dehumidifier. If you smell a musty, moldy odor or have extensive mold
growth, an air quality specialist may be needed for professional testing. Do-it-your self mold testing kits are not reliable. In Greensboro, Environmental Solutions Group is a good resource and can also guide in remediation of water damaged areas. If you hire a contractor for repairs or a remediation company, make sure they take care to remove mold contaminated objects in a way to prevent spreading mycotoxins and mold spores. Con- taminated objects should be bagged for removal, not carried
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