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Traveling Tips
Traveling Post MoldThe unfortunate new reality of traveling for so many of us that have been exposed to toxic mold.Normal Concerns “Will the plane ride create anxiety on my body? Will the planes be cleaned thoroughly? Will there be food that I can eat (that meets a...
Who Can Treat/Pre-treat/and or Remediate Your Home of Mold?
First and foremost, when looking for a contractor to perform any mold remediation activities, always ask to see their license, proof of liability insurance and then also verify that their license is still active. Many lost their license a few years ago when TDLR made...
Mycotoxin: Its Impact on Gut Health and Microbiota
The interactions between gut microbiota and mycotoxins have a significant role in the development of mycotoxicosis, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma. Such knowledge potentially drives the development of novel and innovative strategies for the prevention and therapy of mycotoxin contamination and mycotoxicosis.
Lyme Disease | Mold Toxicity | Double Trouble For Your Brain
The combination of Lyme Disease & Mold Toxicity is Double Trouble for your Brain. In this webinar, Dr. Sponaugle explains why patients who suffer from both, Mold poisoning and Lyme disease, develop more extensive brain infection and more significant brain injury than Lyme patients who have not been exposed to excessive black mold, and the black mold toxin, Trichothecene.
Is Mold Causing Your Thyroid Problems?
We already live in a world where thyroid patients are largely unhappy with their current treatment regimens and we have veteran thyroid patients (those who have had thyroid disease for 10+ years) who report virtually NO improvement in their symptoms despite receiving thyroid medication. Understanding this mold connection can serve to help YOU as a thyroid patient because it may help you get on the right treatment.
The CLUE Report – Get this report before buying any resale home.
Each time a homeowner opens a claim for the insurance to cover, such as for water leaks, roof repairs and so forth, it is logged into the CLUE database for up to 7 years. How amazing would this be, if this report became apart of each home listing?
Maternal mycotoxin exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review
There is some evidence to suggest that exposure to various Aspergillus mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxin) during pregnancy may impair intrauterine fetal growth and promote neonatal jaundice. Findings were inconclusive concerning the influence of aflatoxin exposure on perinatal death and preterm birth. Only two studies assessed effects of maternal exposure to Fusarium mycotoxins (e.g., fumonisin) on adverse pregnancy outcomes. These studies found that maternal fumonisin exposure may be associated with hypertensive emergencies in pregnancy and with neural tube defects.
Mycotoxin exposure and pregnancy
Mycotoxins have negative impacts on human health with their carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects. There are some evidences that mycotoxins can lead to negative pregnancy outcomes. These possible negative effects have been determined to be lower birth weight, neonatal jaundice, fetal loss, fetal defects, preterm birth, maternal anemia, and preeclampsia.
Lyme Literate Physician, Dr. Steven Bock Discusses Lyme & Mold
Dr. Steven Bock, current ILADs President Elect, and Lyme Advise Medical Advisor, discusses Lyme disease and Mold Toxicity.
Safe and Effective Detox Binders That Actually Work By: Dr. Jill Carnahan
Our bodies are exposed to more chemicals now than ever before. Every day, new chemicals are added to our environment through the food we eat, the products we use, and even the air we breathe. Unfortunately, heavy metals, such as aluminum, mercury, and lead, have found their way into our bodies due to our environment. Add to that mycotoxins from mold and endocrine-disrupting Bisphenol A (BPA) found just about everywhere, and you have three of the worst offenders leading to toxic overload.
What Is PANS/PANDAS? And Why Are Cases on the Rise?
Imagine a loving child who’s been hitting all of their developmentary milestones. Then, seemingly overnight, she becomes so aggressive and full of rage that she’s kicked out of her preschool.
Effects of Mycotoxins on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Immune Processes
In one study, patients who had been exposed to mold were impaired on a variety of cognitive measures, including verbal learn- ing, visuospatial learning and memory, psychomotor speed, and emotional functioning. Mold-exposed patients in other studies also displayed similar symptoms of neurologic dysfunction as compared to controls…
Is it Mental Illness or Mold Toxicity?
Central nervous system (CNS) symptoms can include brain fog, inability to concentrate, depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, irritability, headache, and confusion. Unfortunately, there is about a 99.9% chance that anyone presenting with these symptoms will never have mold considered as part of the differential diagnosis. It is simply not on the radar screen of the vast majority of physicians.
Did You Know That Mold Can Cause Dental Issues?
Did you know that "MOLD" can affect and cause you to have many dental issues? We spent over $8000 correcting the dental issues that mold caused my husband so far... We also had no idea that mold ,and the bacteria that likes to accompany mold, can colonize in many...
NCBI Article – Fungal Toxins and Multiple Sclerosis: A Compelling Connection
We propose here that fungal toxins are the underlying cause of multiple sclerosis and thus may offer an avenue towards an effective cure.
NCBI Article – T-2 mycotoxin: Toxicological Effects and Decontamination Strategies
The symptoms of toxicity are diverse, affecting the GI tract mucosa and digestion process and causing skin blistering, edema, irritation, necrosis and apoptosis. These all present bio-related threats to humans and can induce oxidative stress, causing DNA damage, inhibiting protein synthesis, and damaging lipids.
NCBI Article – Gliotoxin Aggravates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Triggering Neuroinflammation
Gliotoxin (GTX) is the major and the most potent mycotoxin that is secreted by Aspergillus fumigatus, which is capable of injuring and killing microglial cells, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. During the last years, studies with patients and experimental models of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), suggested that fungal infections are among the possible initiators or aggravators of this pathology.
NCBI and Clinical Therapeutics Article – Effects of Mycotoxins on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Immune Processes
People exposed to molds and mycotoxins present with symptoms affecting multiple organs, including the lungs, musculoskeletal system, as well as the central and peripheral nervous systems. Furthermore, evidence has recently implicated exposure to mycotoxins in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. The effects of mycotoxins can be mediated via different pathways that include the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially from mast cells.
NCBI Article – Potential Effects of Microbial Air Quality On the Number of New Cases of Diabetes Type 1 in Children in Two Regions of Poland: A Pilot Study
The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the concentration of psychrophilic bacteria, mesophilic bacteria and mold fungi in bioaerosols, and the number of new cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children.
NCBI Article – Harmful Effects and Control Strategies of Aflatoxin B1 Produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus Parasiticus Strains on Poultry
The concentration of AFB1 is a key factor related to the occurrence of aflatoxicosis in poultry but the fungal strain that produces AFB1 should also be considered. In particular, AFB1 produced by specific fungal strains can have highly deleterious impacts on poultry productivity even when concentration of the toxin is low.
NCBI Article – Aflatoxin B1 and M1: Biological Properties and Their Involvement in Cancer Development
In this review, we summarize the chemical properties of AFB1 and AFM1, their activation pathways and the data, already reported in literature, about their correlation with cancer development and progression. In the context, the published data evidenced that AFB1 and AFM1 exposure were already associated mainly with liver, lung and colon cancer initiation and progression. Still few data are known about other cancers, and, hence, further studies will be necessary.
NCBI Article – The Immune Interplay Between the Host and the Pathogen In Aspergillus fumigatus Lung Infection
The interplay between Aspergillus fumigatus and the host immune response in lung infection has been subject of studies over the last years due to its importance in immunocompromised patients. The multifactorial virulence factors of A. fumigatus are related to the fungus biological characteristics, for example, structure, ability to grow and adapt to high temperatures and stress conditions, besides capability of evading the immune system and causing damage to the host.
NCBI Article – Ecology of Aspergillosis: Insights Into the Pathogenic Potency of Aspergillus Fumigatus and Some Other Aspergillus Species
Some Aspergillus species, most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus, may lead to a variety of allergic reactions and life‐threatening systemic infections in humans. Invasive aspergillosis occurs primarily in patients with severe immunodeficiency, and has dramatically increased in recent years.
NCBI Article – The Potential Role of Mycotoxins as a Contributor to Stunting in the SHINE Trial
We summarize the evidence that mycotoxin exposure is associated with stunting, and propose that the causal pathway may be through environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) and disturbance of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis.
NCBI Article – Detection of Mycotoxins in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Mycotoxins can be detected in the urine in a very high percentage of patients with CFS. This is in contrast to a prior study of a healthy, non-WDB exposed control population in which no mycotoxins were found at the levels of detection. The majority of the CFS patients had prior exposure to WDB. Environmental testing in a subset of these patients confirmed mold and mycotoxin exposure. We present the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction is a possible cause of the health problems of these patients. The mitochondrial dysfunction may be triggered and accentuated by exposure to mycotoxins.
NCBI Article – Severe Sequelae to Mold-Related Illness as Demonstrated in Two Finnish Cohorts
In conclusion, we present clinical evidence that poor indoor air due to mold infestation can cause severe morbidity not restricted to asthma. These sequelae are oncological (31), neurological, autoimmune diseases, and even death. We emphasize that scientific discussion based on facts should be pursued without intervention from biased “opinion leaders.” What is not yet known should be studied with an open mind. In conclusion, the absence of the evidence should not be construed as evidence of absence.
NCBI Article – Toxic Effects of Mycotoxins in Humans.
The present article reviews outbreaks of mycotoxicoses where the mycotoxic etiology of the disease is supported by mycotoxin analysis or identification of mycotoxin-producing fungi. Epidemiological, clinical and histological findings (when available) in outbreaks of mycotoxicoses resulting from exposure to aflatoxins, ergot, trichothecenes, ochratoxins, 3-nitropropionic acid, zearalenone and fumonisins are discussed.
NCBI Article – Mycotoxin: Its Impact on Gut Health and Microbiota
The mycotoxins and gut microbiota studies have revealed meaningful interactions. The uptake of mycotoxin and subsequent tissue distribution are governed by GI tract absorption, and the presence of microbiota at the GI tract can affect the intestinal barrier causing different (maximal or limited) bioavailability of these fungal compounds. The gut microbiota can vary within the same species, thus different reactions toward mycotoxin can be observed as discussed in this review article. In addition, mycotoxins disrupt the gut microbiota balance, and thereby dysregulate intestinal functions and impair local immune response, which may eventually result in systemic toxicity that leads to chronic mycotoxicosis, HCC. The severity of HCC condition can be positively governed by restoration of gut microbiota balance and gut health via probiotics administration.
NCBI Article – Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by microfungi that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals. Because of their pharmacological activity, some mycotoxins or mycotoxin derivatives have found use as antibiotics, growth promotants,...
NCBI Article – What the Primary Care Pediatrician Should Know About Syndromes Associated With Exposures to Mycotoxins
Familiarity with the symptoms of exposure to the major classes of mycotoxins enables the clinician to ask pertinent questions about possible fungal exposures and to remove the infant or child from the source of exposure, which could be contaminated food(s), clothing and furniture, or the indoor air of the home. Failure to prevent recurrent exposure often results in recurrent illness.
Article – Top 10 Terrific Uses for Tea Tree Essential Oil
While recovering from mold, Tea tree oil was my savior… it decreased the inflammation on my skin and helped speed up the healing of all the nasty infections from the acne and cysts plaguing me from my mold exposure.
What Is Mold?
Mold are organisms that may be found indoors and outdoors. “They are part of the natural environment and play an important role in the
environment by breaking down and digesting organic material, such as dead leaves and trees. Sometimes people refer to mold as the earths recycling system.
Nasal Fungi Cancer
Chronic exposure to mold/fungi and other micrograms are estimated to cause over 90% of cases of chronic sinusitis 1. A number of studies have reported that chronic sinusitis is associated with a significantly increases risk of many cancers.
Mast Cells and Mold Illness with Dr. Jill Carnahan
Mast Cell is one of the diagnoses that many of our clients are diagnosed with, following their mold exposure. To learn more about Mast Cell, please listen to one of my favorite doctors on this planet, Dr. Jill Carnahan, who is discussing the diagnosis and treatment of Mast Cell with Dr. Sandeep Gupta in the following video.
Need a Second Opinion From Doctors That Know Mold? Watch this…
I love Doug Kaufman and his dedication to bringing awareness to the public on the true dangers mold can cause. Here is a video, straight from his website, of numerous doctors discussing mold.
Tenant Rights
The relationship between Texas landlords and their tenants is governed by several statutes, particularly Chapter 92 of the Texas Property Code, and by various court rulings. However, the most important source of information about your relationship with your landlord is your rental agreement, whether it is written or oral.
Children and Mold – Health Effects of Mold
Children are more vulnerable to mold, because the immune system is developing from birth to adolescence, and theirs is not fully developed. Any threat to their health will disturb its balance and will lead to abnormal immune reactions like gut issues, inflammation, asthma and other similar conditions. They are all symptoms related to this fungus. When your children experience an adverse reaction to mold, it should not be considered an allergy, it is an immune reaction to this toxic fungus.
NCBI Article – Effects of Mycotoxins on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Immune Processes
People exposed to molds and mycotoxins present with symptoms affecting multiple organs, including the lungs, musculoskeletal system, as well as the central and peripheral nervous systems. Furthermore, evidence has recently implicated exposure to mycotoxins in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder. The effects of mycotoxins can be mediated via different pathways that include the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially from mast cells.
NCBI Article – Chronic Illness Associated with Mold and Mycotoxins: Is Naso-Sinus Fungal Biofilm the Culprit?
The persistence of mycotoxins suggests that there may be an internal source of mold that represents a reservoir for ongoing mold toxins that are excreted in the urine. Otherwise, one would anticipate that the toxins would have cleared over time. Herein, we discuss the concept that the nose and sinuses may be major internal reservoirs where the mold is harbored in biofilm communities and generates “internal” mycotoxins.
NCBI Article – Detection of Mycotoxins in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Mycotoxins can be detected in the urine in a very high percentage of patients with CFS. This is in contrast to a prior study of a healthy, non-WDB exposed control population in which no mycotoxins were found at the levels of detection.
Different Brain Regions are Infected with Fungi in Alzheimer’s Disease
The possibility that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has a microbial aetiology has been proposed by several researchers. Here, we provide evidence that tissue from the central nervous system (CNS) of AD patients contain fungal cells and hyphae.
WHAT’S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN TOXIC MOLD AND LYME DISEASE?
Many people who suffer with chronic Lyme disease continue experiencing symptoms because something, often times multiple issues, are standing in the way of their recovery. If you have been treated for Lyme, but are still unwell, one of the underlying issues could be toxic mold exposure.
This Nightmare “Mold” Season, Like All Seasons, Will End! Don’t Give Up….
One of the biggest battles I faced, like many going through mold face, is staying positive and hopeful. Thoughts are a very powerful weapon. Your thoughts can send your body into a fight or flight mode which will hinder it’s ability to heal. It’s also better to be positive on a bad day than to make the bad worse with negative thoughts. So help protect and help heal yourself by doing what you can to stay positive and hopeful as you recover and get through this season.
Estimation of Direct Healthcare Costs of Fungal Diseases in the United States
Fungal diseases range from relatively-minor superficial and mucosal infections to severe, life-threatening systemic infections. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to poor patient outcomes and high medical costs. The overall burden of fungal diseases in the United States is challenging to quantify, because they are likely substantially underdiagnosed.
Fungal Disease Awareness: Think Fungus! By the CDC
“Fungal diseases often are not diagnosed right away because their symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases. Earlier diagnosis and treatment can save lives!”
TEXAS: How to Find a Licensed Mold Consultant or Licensed Mold Remediation Contractor in your Area
In Texas, TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) oversees the Mold Assessment and Remediation industry. If you need to find a Licensed Mold Consultant or Mold Contractor/Company in your area, you will need to follow these 5 simple steps below.
Mold Assessment Consultant VS. Mold Technician Licensing
Learn the differences between a Mold Assessment Consultant VS. Mold Technician Licensing requirements, job description and duties for the state of Texas.
Cleaning and Laundry Products:
If you have been or are being exposed to Toxic Mold, eliminating sources of other toxins in your environment is critical for your body to have the break it needs to begin to detox mycotoxins.
Tips On: How to Prevent Ducts From Becoming Wet
Moisture can enter the duct system through leaks or if the system has been improperly installed or serviced. Research suggests that condensation (which occurs when a surface temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the surrounding air) on or near cooling coils of air conditioning units is a major factor in moisture contamination of the system.
How to Detect Leaks Using Your Water Meter
Use your water meter to check for leaks The best way to determine if you have a leak in your plumbing system, is by first checking your water meter. If you do not know where your meter is located you can call your Billing Department Make sure no water is being used...