New Study Takes Science Closer to Understanding Toxic Mold Exposure

13 Nov 2009 06:25:29

Craig Whittaker

A recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (Nov. 2009) found that 66% of materials sampled from water-damaged buildings contained one or more potent mycotoxins. Pieces of building materials and settled dust were collected and analyzed for toxin content, which the researchers categorized as neurotoxic, genotoxic and/or immunosuppressive material. The most commonly found mycotoxin was trichothecene; it was associated most often with the presence of Stachybotrys spores but was also found when Memnoniella and Trichoderma spores were present.

The researchers conclude that highly potent mycotoxins occur frequently in buildings that have previous or ongoing water damage. The researchers also refer to studies demonstrating that humans and lab animals with documented exposure to Stachybotrys do have measurable levels of mycotoxin proteins in their blood. The researchers believe that biomarkers for monitoring exposure to low concentrations of mold over extended periods of time will become available.