Mold: 

Mold is a common ubiquitous saprophore that helps decay organic materials in nature.     When certain types of mold are growing inside of a home they become more toxic to the human immune system and may cause devastating effects in all areas of the body and even the brain.   The reason indoor mold is more of an issue is that the growing conditions are difficult so the mold produces more toxins and spores when indoors and under stress. 

The toxins that mold produces are called mycotoxins.   Mycotoxins are quite toxic to the nervous system and immune system. Mycotoxins from black mold have been used as biologic warfare.   THE MOST important thing is to GET OUT of the moldy environment if you think that mold may be affecting you.  

Symptoms of Mold Illness: 

 

 

 

 

The symptoms of mold illness are diverse and may present differently in each individual.  

Here are some of the more common symptoms: 

• Fatigue
• Brain Fog
• Allergies
• Poor reading comprehension/short term memory loss
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Night Sweats
• Insomnia (low MSH)
• Ice Pick Pains
• Joint pain
• Memory issues
• Numbness
• Balance issues/vertigo
• Dry eyes/burning/metal feeling in eyes
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Increased thirst (ADH issues)
• Increased urination (through ADH pathways)
• Tachycardia
• Food allergies
• Chemical sensitivities
• Sinus congestion
• Acne
• Rashes
• Weight gain

Testing for Mold Illness and the CIRS Markers:

Dr. Shoemaker, in his select group of patients with mold illness, found that certain markers will be positive.  They are called CIRS markers.  CIRS stands for chronic inflammatory response syndrome which is a term that is becoming more commonly known.    Other inflammatory agents like bacteria, toxins, implants can also cause elevation in these markers so they are not specific for mold, but more sensitive for inflammation than some of the more traditional markers like CRP and sed rate.    They can be quite expensive if insurance does not pick them up and they will often be denied coverage.

• MSH, 
• MMP-9,
• C4a, 
• TGFB-1.  

Testing your urine for mycotoxins through several companies with a simple urine collection at home in the morning may also be done to detect mycotoxins in the body.  I will often also have patients perform VCS testing at http://www.vcstest.org as a screening modality for mold illness.

Testing the Home

I usually have my patients purchase an ERMI test through a company called mycometrics (www.mycometrics.com) to test the home.    I would advise each initial test to usually include rooms on the same air system.   If you are curious about one area you could test that area or of course purchase more than one test to test separate areas.     Test areas that have not been cleaned in a while, like the tops of ceiling fans or refrigerators in more central locations of the rooms.    Window sills are subject to outdoor mold and can cause unnecessary positive results.   

You may also collect using the vacuum method- if using this method do not test carpet near outdoor  entrances due to the potential of contamination from outdoors.    There are other companies that you may use but I have the best luck with the ERMI/HERSTMI combination of testing.     If you have a high ERMI with the select grouping of HERSTMI molds you may use the less expensive HERTSMI testing as follow up testing.  You should be looking for an ERMI of less than 2 if you are ill with CIRS.  

The Home and Mold 

Mold will not discriminate upon which homes it invades as all it needs is water and a source of organic matter.   Wood, dust and sheetrock that become wet are common sources of mold in homes.    Finding mold can be a challenge for anyone, but especially for the ill individual.   Dust is another common place for mold to find a home and this is usually in the ductwork and plenums of our common AC units.    It is important to evaluate all of these areas to find possible sources.

Steps to help prevent mold in your home:

• Humidity – making sure humidity levels are less than 52% to help discourage mold growth.  Some say higher values, but my research and feeling is that 52% is a good target to shoot for in your home to prevent issues with slight fluctuations in humidity levels in more humid areas.    Mold will grow more easily when humidity is over 62% so need to be sure that all areas in the home are less than that.    I use a couple of simple humidity monitors placed in two locations of my home to maintain a lower level. Remember that keeping the home too cold can cause also condensation in areas behind walls and in ducts that can then also cause mold.   If you have trouble getting your humidity down, you might consider contacting a reputable AC company to help you.    Sometimes decreasing the flow over the coils can help to remove more moisture in the air without overcooling the home. 
• Locating Sources – An inexpensive wall humidity monitor  can be purchased to help locate moisture behind walls.    Look for areas higher than 10% and ideally keeping levels less than 2%.   Check under windows and look for cracking or caulking issues outside as a potential source. Outdoor sprinklers spraying on the home can also cause mold behind the wall. Another common place can be in plumbing systems under sinks/baths.   These can be a bit more challenging and may require more investigation. 
• Roof leaks can easily happen especially around chimneys, ducts and poor gutter drainage.     Make sure all of your gutters drain away from the home and prevent standing water around the foundation.  Pier and beam homes if not properly built and protected for mold for your area are often sources of mold.   The underneath of these homes can be very humid, causing mold to grow under the homes and making inhabitants ill.     This can be a very costly remediation process so be sure to do your homework on the company you use. 
• Removing sources- if you find a source of mold it will be important to contain it and not disturb it.    If it is wet and already with signs of mold (smell or visualized mold) do not disturb it and cover it.  Attempt to find source of moisture and immediately correct that.    DO NOT place a fan on active mold as you could disperse it further throughout your living space.   Mold remediation companies can help remove the damaged materials while protecting your space.   It is best to remove all damaged material, but if you cannot- clean with H2O2 10%   or hypochlorous acid.   Bleach is extremely caustic and does not remove/kill enough of the mold and can make you sick.  Remove 12-18 inches surrounding the water damage area to get any potential spread that is not visible.   

Cleaning

Once you feel you have most of the mold remediated it will be important to then clean items in your home.    If they are old/disposable then replace what is reasonable.   Wash all bedding in Borax- sometimes multiple washes are necessary.    If it smells musty you may need to discard, but most things can be cleaned.   

• Removing sources of dust in the home and paper items may have to be discarded.     A UV/HEPA vacuum can help with carpets/couches etc.    If you have your carpets cleaned make sure they use only steam and remove moisture quickly.  I would not advise doing in humid times of the year as the carpets need to dry quickly to prevent mold growth.  
• Mattresses should be covered with an allergen protector if there are no visible signs of mold on the mattress.   
• Airing out the home is an option if your outdoor air is relatively clean on non-windy days.  
• A good quality air filter can be purchased to put in locations where you spend time in the home such as the bedroom.   I like the smaller units from Austin Air and have heard good things about AirDoctors as well.  www.austinair.com.   I offer a discount for the Austin air units- just inquire with us.  

Treatment

Remember, all treatment should be carried out by a licensed health care provider and the following includes observations only and not to be used for individual treatment.   Always seek the attention of a health care provider for your health concerns.  

Finding a doctor who specializes in mold treatment can be helpful.  The most important thing is getting out of the environment.  Find another place that is safe and see if your symptoms improve after 4 days.  This can be helpful for multiple reasons.   Outdoor areas are usually good places to spend your time while healing as the air quality is generally better in most places.   

Think clean air, clean food, clean water and clean personal care products.    Then, make sure your body is functioning optimal by encouraging detox through sweat, urine and stool.  Voiding multiple times by drinking enough filtered water ( usually 60-90 ounces daily) and having daily bowel movements to help with removal.    Using supplements to help with inflammation and binding of mycotoxins can be done with providers specializing in mold treatment.  

Food and Nutrients  

It will be important to eat a low inflammatory diet with lots of nutrients and antioxidants and polyphenols to help heal and calm the immune system dysfunction.    Due to the potential immune dysfunction causing an increased potential to harbor yeast and candida in the gut, avoiding sugar and high carbohydrate foods.    Avoiding foods that grow candida can be helpful in healing from mold.    These would include many of the high starch vegetables/grains.  

Also, many grains and dried fruits/meats can have high levels of mold and mycotoxins due to the washing/drying process, so keep your food as fresh as you are able. Eat primarily fresh vegetables, organic grass-fed meats, and wild-caught cold-water fish.     

Adding in supplement protocols through a certified provider may also help.   Antioxidants and binders may be helpful for the overall immune system process.    Remember these things also bind nutrients so need to use the appropriate amount away from healthy meals and medications/supplements.    Glutathione is another agent that can help with mold illness.   

Lymphatic drainage is another helpful option to be used sparingly at first.    Increasing it as tolerated to remove more toxins into the central venous circulation to be removed.    Sauna has also been helpful.  It is important to shower within 15 minutes to not absorb extra toxins from the sweat.  

I do hope this is helpful for you!     Always seek professional advise from a medical provider as this is meant to be used as  information only.