Mold toxicity, also known as mold illness or biotoxin illness, is a condition caused by exposure to mold spores and mold biotoxins. It is characterized by an immune system response that can lead to a range of symptoms and health issues. Mold toxicity is often overlooked in conventional medicine due to its complex and varied symptoms, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Mold can produce spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Common symptoms of mold exposure include sneezing, coughing, congestion, eye irritation, and skin rashes. In more severe cases, mold allergies can lead to conditions such as mold-induced asthma, allergic fungal sinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
In addition to allergic reactions, mold can also pose other health risks to susceptible individuals. For example, people with weakened immune systems may be at risk of developing fungal infections (mycosis) in their airways or other parts of their bodies. However, there is no proof that mold toxins cause diseases in otherwise healthy individuals.
Its important to note that not all molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins). Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds that can grow in your house. Furthermore, there are very few reports of toxigenic molds found inside homes causing unique or rare health conditions.
