Mold allergy vs toxic effects

[Guest guest]

I would like to clarify what has been said on this post more than once.

I think we have to be careful when we say to people that mold is not the problem and the problem is the mycotoxins from mold.

Depending on the individual, their immune system and genetics, either allergy to mold, mycotoxins or both could theoretically be a problem.

For example, some people may be allergic to stachybotrys, penicillium, aspergillus, etc. and as well may be suffering from the toxic effects of the mycotoxins they release. others may not have an allergic response to these molds but have the toxic effects from the mycotoxins. Others may only be suffering from the allergic effects of these molds. regardless of what is happening, there is no doubt that either type of reaction has a negative effect on the immune system and subsequently you can get similar types of symptoms.

Until the science is there to accurately detect whether some one has an allergic vs. toxic effect or both, from stachy and other mold species, we may not know how these molds are affecting us.

I don't think we should be telling people that they are not allergic to mold or that it is only the toxin that is making them sick. We really do not have the complete picture at this point in time. We do not have all the answers or tests yet to help us determine this mystery and neither do the so called experts. Some allergy tests for common molds will detect an allergic reaction (we do not have allergy testing available for all mold species). Allergic reactions to mold or any substance for that matter, can make you very ill if you are continuously exposed to that substance or are exposed to it for such a long time that it causes your immune system to break down or causes organ damage. Latex allergy is a good example of this and I know several people who have the same debilitating symptoms as toxic mold victims from latex.

I hope this clarifies things for people who are confused about how this mold is making them sick. I for one do not even know for myself by which mechanism mold has affected me, despite my medical background and extensive research. There is still a lot to learn about the mechanism by which mold affects us. I do strongly believe that mold sensitizes us not only to other molds, but also to food and other environmental substances. Once you develop this sensitivity to so many things, this in turn makes us chronically ill. I classify a "sensitivity" as being different than a "true allergy" although both affect the immune system.

Teri