Common Molds Produce Significant Amounts Of Mycotoxins On Wallpaper

It is estimated that 20 to 40% of the homes, schools, and workplace buildings in Europe and North America experience significant water damage and or visible mold growth. Many studies have reported that such indoor mold and moisture damage is associated with many adverse health conditions including asthma 1 , sinus problems 2, and neurological problems such as poor concentration and memory 3.

Indoor molds can also produce significant quantities of mycotoxins on many wet or damp surfaces such as wallpaper, drywall, and carpeting. A French study examined growth of three common indoor molds: Penicillium brevicompactum, Aspergillus versicolor, and Stachybotrys chartarum and mycotoxin production on wet wallpaper 4 .

{module FL-VOL1}

These three molds produced respectively 1.8 milligrams of mycophenolic acid per square meter, 112.1 milligrams of sterigmatocystin per square meter, and 27.8 milligrams of cyclic trichothecenes per square meter. (Note quantities are listed in milligrams per square meter. 1 milligram= 10-3 gram. Mycotoxins are often measured in nanograms =10 -9 gm or micrograms = 10-6 gram). Many of these mycotoxins were easily aerosolized in the air. Testing the wallpaper with typical indoor wind speeds aerolized 15% of the mycophenolic acid, 0.2% of the sterigmatocystin, and 4.5% of the macrocylic trichothecenes. Many of these mycotoxins were present on particles smaller than 1.0 µm and thus could be easily inhaled deep into the lungs.

References / Sources

1. Quansah R JM, Huggt, et al. Residential dampness and molds and the risk of developing asthma: A systematic reveiew an meta-analysis. PLOS ONE. 2012;7(E47526).

2. Jaakkola MS, Quansah R, Hugg TT, Heikkinen SA, Jaakkola JJ. Association of indoor dampness and molds with rhinitis risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;132(5):1099-1110 e1018.

3. Kilburn KH. Neurobehavioral and pulmonary impairment in 105 adults with indoor exposure to molds compared to 100 exposed to chemicals. Toxicol Ind Health. 2009;25(9-10):681-692.

4. Aleksic B, Draghi M, Ritoux S, et al. Aerosolization of mycotoxins after growth of toxinogenic fungi on wallpaper. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2017.

{flike}

Related Articles and videos
{module Related Articles}

{fcomments}

Recent Articles

What Really Causes Dementia?

R.I.P FDA approved Alzheimer’s drug

The Minerals: Manganese

Featured Sponsor

Doug's Books

Doug Kaufmann has written many books that cover a full range or health issues. Find out which of his books best suits you by clicking the button below.

The Kaufmann Diet

Doug Kaufmann developed his diet after years studying the clinical effects of pathogenic fungi on the body. Fungi and yeasts can become parasitic organisms on and inside our body, causing health problems that can be difficult to diagnose. Learn more about the Kaufmann Diet, change your life and know the cause.

The Science of Fungus

We encourage all visitors to this site to take some time and study these technical articles prior to initiating lifestyle changes, including dietary changes and to do so with their physician’s awareness and approval. The articles posted in this link are scientific and with few exceptions are taken from medical journals familiar to healthcare workers.

Our Healthy Recipes

Looking for help assembling antifungal Kaufmann Diet approved recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner? We have several videos, books and recipe write ups here on Know the Cause that will help your health journey. The recipes in this section are so good, you’ll feel like you’re indulging. No sacrifice needed! Enjoy.