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Healing Mold Toxicity
Mold toxicity is an acute or chronic illness caused by exposure to “toxic mold” or related toxic compounds, most often in water-damaged buildings. It can present with symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity, headaches, neuropathy, asthma, chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and more.
At Aspen Integrative Medical Center, Drs. Paul Despres and Alexandra Mele specialize in the diagnosis and management of mold toxicity, having seen it as the root cause of many conditions. Our physicians have extensively studied the work of leaders in this field, including Dr. Christopher Shoemaker, Dr. Neil Nathan, Dr. Jill Crista, and others.
Treatment of mold toxicity can be complex and overwhelming. Please call us to establish care with our doctors and receive expert guidance on your road to recovery.
Which molds cause mold toxicity?
Mold toxicity is most commonly caused by exposure to Stachybotrys (black mold), Aspergillus (which can also appear black—so don’t be fooled by color alone), Penicillium, Fusarium, Alternaria, Wallemia, or other mold species that produce mycotoxins.
Mold toxicity can occur not only from direct exposure (inhalation or ingestion) to mold itself, but also from exposure to:
- Mold spore fragments
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Microorganisms such as Actinomycetes and Mycobacteria (often found alongside toxic mold species)
- Other byproducts including beta-glucans, hemolysins, mannans, and proteinases
What are the symptoms of mold toxicity?
Patients with mold toxicity may experience a wide range of symptoms, depending on which organ systems are affected. Common symptoms can include:
- Fatigue (acute or chronic), brain fog, cognitive impairment
- Insomnia or unrestful sleep
- Weakness
- Muscle aches or cramping
- Headaches
- Unusual pains (e.g., “ice pick” or “lightning bolt” sensations)
- Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or gastritis
- Sensitivity to bright light, tearing, or blurred vision
- Chronic sinus congestion
- Cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath
- Joint pain or morning stiffness
- Appetite swings or unexplained weight gain
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Numbness or tingling (often in unusual patterns)
- Night sweats
- Frequent urination
- Temperature dysregulation (feeling unusually hot or cold)
- Dysautonomia (including POTS)
- Sensitivity to static electrical shocks
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Excessive thirst
- Impotence or reduced libido
Mold Toxicity FAQs
There is no single diagnostic test or marker for mold toxicity. Diagnosis is typically based on a combination of findings, including:
- Evidence of exposure to mold toxins and/or a water-damaged building
- Symptom presentation and physical examination
- Urine mycotoxin testing (e.g., Mosaic Diagnostics, RealTime Labs)
- Mold antibody testing (e.g., MyMycoLab)
- Standard blood tests that indicate secondary imbalances caused by mold toxicity
- Positive clinical response to treatment
Once mycotoxins enter the body, they can easily dissolve into fat AND water solutions. This allows them to essentially move through any body tissue, cell membrane, and insidiously influence biochemical processes in a number of harmful ways. Their ability to disperse in the body disrupts multiple bodily systems, most notably the immune system and endocrine system (hormones).
Unfortunately 22% of the population are genetically susceptible to not making the right antibodies and clearing the toxins as they should. This leads to a prolonged pro-inflammatory response and very chronic, debilitating symptoms. For further information about this process, please check out our webpage about Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
There is evidence that mold can “colonize” within the body, such as in the nasal or sinus cavities, gastrointestinal tract, or other tissues. By colonize, we mean that mold can take hold, reproduce, and release mycotoxins internally.
Whether colonization has occurred is determined by your doctor, which is why our physicians often prescribe antifungal treatments (oral and/or nasal) when appropriate.
First you need to make sure you are not currently being exposed to mold whether in your home, work, gym, car, etc. For home inspection and remediation, we’ve had good success with The Mold Pros. Once any water leaks and mold growth has been properly remediated from your home, you need to determine if any of your possessions are now contaminated with mold mycotoxins. Some of your furniture may need to be thrown out while others can be cleaned. Here is a home remediation guide you can use.
As for removing and treating mold mycotoxins in your body, the treatment must be individualized for each patient to their degree of sensitivity and other health conditions present. Sometimes treatment is also individualized to match which mold mycotoxins were identified in testing.
A mold toxicity treatment plan frequently includes:
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- Detoxification supports – glutathione, NAC, etc.
- Mold mycotoxin binders – activated charcoal, bentonite clay, etc.
- Anti-fungal medications or botanical medicines
- Anti-inflammatories and immune system modulators
- Biotherapeutic drainage remedies
- Infrared sauna therapy
- IV ozone therapy
- Lymphatic supports
- Sinus treatment for mold/fungal growth in the sinus/nasal cavity
- Dietary and lifestyle changes
We work with several trusted companies to help patients evaluate their homes for mold and other environmental toxins:
- Aircheck Environmental
- Dan Johnson is one of our preferred specialists for home mold and toxin testing. He is thorough, knowledgeable, and reliable. While his company is based in Phoenix, he can travel to Northern Arizona for a small fee.
- Mold Inspection Sciences
- The Mold Pros
An N95 mask is better than nothing; however, it does not protect against gases or very fine particles, so it offers limited effectiveness against mycotoxins and mVOCs if those are specific concerns.
Among disposable options, a P100 respirator with an exhaust valve is preferred. 3M makes one that’s available on Amazon and at most hardware stores. These are disposable, though more expensive than N95s.
Ultimately, it’s up to the individual (and their physician) to determine whether they can comfortably and safely wear a mask of that type throughout the day. Whenever possible, avoiding environments with potential mold exposure remains the best strategy. Wearing a mask may be difficult—or inadvisable—for those with COPD or similar medical conditions; that determination should be left to the treating clinician.