Tag Archives: Mycotoxins

Learn About Mold: What Are The Signs of a Mold Related Illness?

Learn About Mold: What Are The Signs of a Mold Related Illness?

Learn About Mold: What Are The Signs of a Mold Related Illness?

You’ve heard all the news stories and reports about the health risk of exposure to mold. What you might be unclear about is how to recognize the signs of a mold-related illness.

Have you or a family member been experiencing any of these symptoms with seemingly no cause? It might be time to seek professional NYC mold removal for your home or business.

Physical Ailments

• Microscopic mold spores are ingested with every breath you take, so they can trigger upper respiratory allergic reactions even in people who have no history of allergies. Symptoms range from sneezing and runny nose to coughing and wheezing.

• Mold can aggravate existing respiratory problems such as asthma, while people with immune system deficiencies can develop lung infections.

• Some varieties of mold contain mycotoxins that can irritate your digestive system, resulting in nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pains and loss of appetite.

• Unexpected weight gain is a surprising side effect of mold exposure. Mycotoxins can disrupt the balance of leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite.

• If you experience that familiar tingling of your extremities “falling asleep” without obvious cause, it could be mycotoxins affecting sensory nerves.

Mental Symptoms

• Prolonged mold exposure can lead to the disturbing problem known as “brain fog,” involving cognitive difficulties such as memory loss and inability to focus.

Depression can be caused directly by mold exposure or indirectly by perceived lack of control over your environment.

Contact Stern Mold for Professional NYC Mold Removal

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection by our helpful and experienced technicians.

Mold 101: What Is a Mycotoxin from Mold?

Close-up of Mold Mycellium

Close-up of Mold Mycellium

Much of the risk associated with indoor infestations of mold and fungus is due to substances called mycotoxins. You probably recognize that the root word “toxin” refers to poison, but what else do you need to know about these potentially harmful substances?

How Mycotoxins are Ingested

Mycotoxins are invisible to the naked eye. They can be as small as 0.1 microns, making them even more microscopic than mold spores, which range from one to 20 microns. Their minute size and airborne nature make it impossible to create an effective barrier.

Most mycotoxins enter through the respiratory system, where they can cause problems ranging from sneezing and coughing to asthma attacks. Others pass through skin or the membranes of the eyes, while toxic mold on crops can result in people or animals ingesting mycotoxins via food.

Treating Mycotoxins

You may hear talk about killing mycotoxins, but they are not living organisms, so the process really involves breaking down mycotoxins and neutralizing their toxicity.

• Bleach that includes five percent sodium hypochlorite kills some of the more common mycotoxins, including trichothecene and aflatoxin.

• The intense heat of fire can destroy mycotoxins. At 500°F, detoxification takes 30 minutes.

• Ozone is effective against most mycotoxins, but it requires a level that is unsafe for humans.

Mycotoxins will eventually break down on their own, but it can take several years for some varieties.

Traditional mold remediation can disperse spores and mycotoxins into the air, allowing them to settle and take hold in other areas. Our MoldExterm process removes mold and fungus quickly and efficiently while preventing future outbreaks. Contact Stern Mold today for a free mold inspection.