EPA Mold Toxins (Mycotoxins)

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Mold Toxins (Mycotoxins)

Last updated on Monday, April 23rd, 2007

http://www.epa.gov/mold/append_b.html#Mold%20Toxins%20(Mycotoxins)

Molds can produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. Some

mycotoxins cling to the surface of mold spores; others may be found

within spores. More than 200 mycotoxins have been identified from

common molds, and many more remain to be identified. Some of the

molds that are known to produce mycotoxins are commonly found in

moisture-damaged buildings. Exposure pathways for mycotoxins can

include inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Although some

mycotoxins are well known to affect humans and have been shown to be

responsible for human health effects, for many mycotoxins, little

information is available.

Aflatoxin B1 is perhaps the most well known and studied mycotoxin.

It can be produced by the molds Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus

parasiticus and is one of the most potent carcinogens known.

Ingestion of aflatoxin B1 can cause liver cancer. There is also some

evidence that inhalation of aflatoxin B1 can cause lung cancer.

Aflatoxin B1 has been found on contaminated grains, peanuts, and

other human and animal foodstuffs. However, Aspergillus flavus and

Aspergillus parasiticus are not commonly found on building materials

or in indoor environments.

Much of the information on the human health effects of inhalation

exposure to mycotoxins comes from studies done in the workplace and

some case studies or case reports.

* Many symptoms and human health effects attributed to inhalation of

mycotoxins have been reported including: mucous membrane irritation,

skin rash, nausea, immune system suppression, acute or chronic liver

damage, acute or chronic central nervous system damage, endocrine

effects, and cancer. More studies are needed to get a clear picture

of the health effects related to most mycotoxins. However, it is

clearly prudent to avoid exposure to molds and mycotoxins.

Some molds can produce several toxins, and some molds produce

mycotoxins only under certain environmental conditions. The presence

of mold in a building does not necessarily mean that mycotoxins are

present or that they are present in large quantities.

Note: Information on ingestion exposure, for both humans and

animals, is more abundant -- wide range of health effects has been

reported following ingestion of moldy foods including liver damage,

nervous system damage, and immunological effects.