US Army

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I'm confused,

The " USAMRIID's MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL CASUALTIES HANDBOOK

Fifth Edition published in August 2004 by the

U.S. ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH

INSTITUTE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

FORT DETRICK FREDERICK, MARYLAND

has this to say about heat disinfection of trichothecene mycotoxins,

such as those in stachybotrys chartarum or " household mold " as Mr

Havics puts it, reminiscent of " household pets " or the like..

" TOXIN CHARACTERISTICS

The trichothecene mycotoxins are low-molecular-mass (250-500 daltons)

nonvolatile compounds produced by filamentous fungi (molds) of the

genera Fusarium, Myrotecium, Trichoderma, Stachybotrys and others. The

structures of approximately 150 trichothecene derivatives have been

described in the literature. These substances are relatively insoluble

in water but are highly soluble in ethanol, methanol and propylene

glycol. The trichothecenes are extremely stable to heat

97

and ultraviolet light inactivation. They retain their bioactivity even

when autoclaved; heating to 1500o F for 30 minutes is required for

inactivation. Hypochlorite solution alone does not effectively

inactivate the toxins. Rather, adding 0.1M NAOH to a 1% hypochlorite

solution, with 1 hour contact time is required. Soap and water

effectively remove this oily toxin from exposed skin or other

surfaces.

MECHANISM OF TOXICITY

The mycotoxins appear to have multiple mechanisms of action, many of

which are poorly understood. Their most notable effect stems from

their ability to rapidly inhibit protein and nucleic acid synthesis.

Thus, they are markedly cytotoxic to rapidly dividing cells such as in

the bone marrow, GI tract (mucosal epithelium), skin, and germ cells.

Because this cytotoxic effect imitates the hematopoietic and lymphoid

effects of radiation sickness, the mycotoxins are referred to as

" radiomimetic agents. " The mycotoxins also alter cell membrane

structure and function, inhibit mitochondrial respiration, and

inactivate certain enzymes. "

.....

There you have it..

Anyway, the point I guess that I am trying to make is that they are

extremely durable substances according to the Army, who should know,

and their dangers should NOT be trivialized. Lots of people are sick

and the fact that other people who should know better are ignoring

that and them and then trying to confuse the situation is really evil.