A method and technique designed to capture, detect, and measure mycotoxins in indoor environments. 

It’s objective is to identify the most dangerous chemical byproducts of mold that exist in both the air and on surfaces within indoor environments. This can be useful in evaluating the potential health risks and aid in taking measures to remove them. 

A technique for capturing and measuring a diverse range of mold/fungal spores present in the air.

It’s objective is to detect mold spores in the air and identify the specific type of mold to evaluate whether the spore levels indicate a fungal issue in the indoor space.

Spore trap testing is essential for detecting the types of mold present, while mycotoxin testing identifies the toxic chemicals produced by active or previously active molds that can significantly endanger your well-being. By incorporating these two testing methods, you can obtain a more comprehensive evaluation of your home or building’s quality and safety.

Mycotoxins can have serious adverse effects on human health, both in the short-term and long-term. Exposure to mycotoxins, either by eating contaminated food or inhaling mold spores, can lead to a range of health problems:

Acute poisoning can occur from consuming large doses of mycotoxins, causing symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and in severe cases, liver failure and death. Chronic exposure to smaller amounts over time can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and diseases. 

Certain mycotoxins like aflatoxins are genotoxic carcinogens. Regular exposure can damage DNA and cause liver cancer and potentially other types of cancer as well. Kidney toxicity and kidney cancer have also been linked to ochratoxin A exposure in animal studies.

Mycotoxins may also impair fetal development during pregnancy and cause birth defects. [citation:4][citation:10] Other possible long-term effects include liver and kidney damage, hormonal disruption, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

The severity of health impacts depends on the specific mycotoxin, the level and duration of exposure, and individual factors like age and overall health. However, mycotoxins undoubtedly pose serious health risks that should not be ignored. Minimizing exposure through proper food storage and mold prevention is crucial to protecting your well-being.

Mycotoxins can cause serious long-term health effects, especially from chronic exposure over time. Some potential long-term impacts of mycotoxin exposure include:

Cancer – Certain mycotoxins like aflatoxins are potent carcinogens. Chronic dietary exposure to aflatoxins is a major risk factor for liver cancer. ¹ Animal studies have also linked kidney tumors to ochratoxin A exposure. ¹⁰

Immune suppression – Mycotoxins can weaken the immune system over time, reducing resistance to infections and diseases. This may increase risk of conditions like allergies, asthma and autoimmune disorders. ^4 5

Liver and kidney damage – Many mycotoxins are hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic. Repeated exposure can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and kidney failure. ^5 10

Reproductive harm – Some mycotoxins may disrupt reproductive hormones and impair fertility. Exposure during pregnancy could result in birth defects and developmental abnormalities in offspring. ^4 10

Neurological effects – Certain mycotoxins are neurotoxic and may cause long-term neurological symptoms like tremors, incoordination, and cognitive deficits. ^2 7

Gastrointestinal problems – Chronic mycotoxin ingestion can damage the GI tract lining, causing persistent digestive issues like stomach pain, diarrhea and nutrient malabsorption. ^5 10

The specific long-term impacts depend on factors like the type of mycotoxin, exposure level and duration, and individual susceptibility. ^1 3 However, mycotoxins clearly have the potential to cause lasting harm to multiple body systems. Minimizing exposure is key to reducing risk of these serious chronic health effects. ^1 10

Several mycotoxins have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly through chronic dietary exposure or inhalation over time. The mycotoxins with the strongest evidence of carcinogenicity in humans include:

Aflatoxins – Produced by Aspergillus molds, aflatoxins are potent liver carcinogens. Chronic exposure to aflatoxins in contaminated foods is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer. ^1 3 8

Ochratoxin A – This mycotoxin is produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species. It has been classified as a possible human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of kidney tumors in animal studies. However, the link to human kidney cancer is still unclear. ^6 8 10

Fumonisin B1 – Fumonisins are produced by Fusarium molds and commonly contaminate corn. Fumonisin B1 exposure has been associated with increased risk of esophageal cancer in humans in some studies. ^6 7

Sterigmatocystin – Closely related to aflatoxins, sterigmatocystin is another possible human carcinogen. Although less potent than aflatoxins, it may also contribute to liver cancer risk. ⁷

Other mycotoxins like zearalenone and deoxynivalenol have shown carcinogenic potential in experimental studies, but the evidence in humans is currently limited. More epidemiological research is needed to confirm their role in human cancer development. ^4 6 9

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has formally evaluated the carcinogenicity of several mycotoxins. Aflatoxins are classified as Group 1 human carcinogens, while ochratoxin A and fumonisin B1 are considered Group 2B possible human carcinogens based on sufficient animal evidence. ^3 6 8

Minimizing long-term exposure to these carcinogenic mycotoxins in food and the environment is an important step in cancer prevention. ^1 10