Health Impacts

1.  CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), also known as Mould Biotoxin Illness or Toxic Mould Illness.

DNA sampling has been a game-changer in understanding why some people suffer severe health effects in water-damaged buildings (WDB) while others barely notice. Nearly a quarter of the population is genetically predisposed to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), also known as “Toxic Mould Illness,” when exposed to WDB toxins. This condition, originally dubbed “Sick Building Syndrome” in the 1970s, involves biotoxins triggering chronic immune system activation. For those with certain genotypes, these biotoxins aren’t filtered out, leading to prolonged immune responses and a host of symptoms like depression, anxiety, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, weight changes, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal issues, and chemical sensitivities. If you experience symptoms from eight or more of the 13 symptom clusters in the table below (6 for children), it’s time to get tested for CIRS. Experiencing 6 clusters of symptoms with known mould exposure is considered “suspicious” and may warrant further investigation.

2.  Allergic Effects

Mould’s most well-known health effect is causing allergies. When susceptible individuals inhale airborne spores, it can trigger allergic reactions. Around 6-10% of the general population and 15-50% of those genetically susceptible (atopic) are sensitive to mould allergens. These reactions can be immediate or delayed, leading to watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. They can also include skin rashes like eczema, asthma, coughing, wheezing, and even low blood pressure. Mould allergies can further lead to chronic conditions like rhinosinusitis, allergic fungal sinusitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It’s important to note that this is a separate condition from Toxic Mould Illness/CIRS, and in fact, most people with CIRS are not allergic to mould.

3.  Respiratory and Irritant Effects

In 2009, the World Health Organization delved deep into the impact of mould—and the results were staggering. They found that building dampness and mould were linked to a significant 30 to 50 percent increase in various respiratory and asthma-related health issues. Mould’s irritant effects can trigger upper respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, hay fever, headaches, and heightened sensitivity to inhaled allergens, affecting both allergic and non-allergic individuals alike. Moreover, these irritants can worsen existing asthma conditions and even lead to the development of asthma in those previously unaffected.

4.  Recurrent Infections

Spending considerable time in damp buildings significantly increases your susceptibility to infections. Mould exposure is a major contributor, associated with a range of respiratory issues such as recurrent pneumonia, bronchitis, common colds, as well as throat conditions like pharyngitis and tonsillitis, and sinusitis. Kids, especially, can feel the brunt of these bugs. Moreover, damp environments can foster fungal growth internally, leading to infections like candida albicans in the gut and aspergillosis in the lungs. Even if you’re in good health, mould can provoke skin problems like yeast infections, ringworm, jock itch (tinea cruris), and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). Occupations that involve frequent exposure to fungal particles, such as farming, cave exploring, or gardening, can also elevate the risk of fungal infection.

5.  Mycotoxins

Some moulds produce chemicals called mycotoxins during their growth cycle as a defence mechanism against other moulds and bacteria. Mycotoxins are toxic substances comparable to arsenic, lead, mercury, asbestos, pesticides, herbicides, formaldehyde, and dioxins. Some have even been used in biological warfare. These microscopic toxins, about 0.1 microns in size (compared to a human hair at about 70 microns), can enter the bloodstream through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, circulating throughout the body. Once inside, they infiltrate cells and spread systemically, accumulating in various tissues. Mycotoxins induce oxidative stress, inhibit protein synthesis, and potentially lead to severe neurological damage, disrupt the endocrine system, and cause cardiovascular and gastrointestinal distress, as well as liver and kidney damage, and even cancer. They also compromise the immune system, heightening susceptibility to infections, which poses greater risks for immunocompromised individuals such as those with autoimmune conditions or undergoing cancer treatment.

6.  mVOC’s

Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs) are gaseous waste by-products emitted into the air by moulds, often responsible for the distinctive “musty” odours associated with mould growth. These compounds are produced as part of moulds’ metabolic processes and encompass a wide array of chemicals including alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, carboxylic acids, lactones, terpenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, sulphur, and nitrogen compounds. When released, mVOCs can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, triggering immediate symptoms like eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Prolonged exposure can exacerbate these symptoms and lead to more serious health issues such as congestion and asthma-like symptoms. Studies indicate that mVOCs have neurological effects, potentially causing difficulties with concentration, memory, and mood. Additionally, these compounds can disrupt the endocrine system, resulting in hormonal imbalances that impact various bodily functions.

Not everyone exhibits symptoms from airborne mould, yet it can quietly impact your health. For those affected, partnering with a mould testing technician and an functional medicine practitioner can help you fully reclaim your health.