Mycotoxins are substances produced by mold associated with a variety of potential health complications. Exposure to mycotoxins occurs through food supply due to mold contamination as well as through environmental exposure in buildings with mold, often related to water damage. Urinary mycotoxins reflect excretion of these substances and help indicate the body’s recent exposure to mold.

Common complaints related to mold exposure include respiratory and sinus concerns, cognitive dysfunction, neurological issues, fatigue, changes in mood and more.

Mold is a key element of indoor air contamination that few people understand; yet, is a widespread issue that affects quality-of-life for many. What many people also don't realize is that mold can make you extremely sick. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all molds have the potential to cause ill health.¹

Our food supply is another primary source of mycotoxin exposure. Even when eating a healthy diet, mycotoxin exposure can occur:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

“[Mold] growth can occur either before harvest or after harvest, during storage, on/in the food itself often under warm, damp and humid conditions. Most mycotoxins are chemically stable and survive food processing.”²

“Exposure to mycotoxins needs to be kept as low as possible to protect the people. Mycotoxins not only pose a risk to both human and animal health, but also impact food security and nutrition by reducing people’s access to healthy food.”²

“The effects of some food-borne mycotoxins are acute with symptoms of severe illness appearing quickly after consumption of food products contaminated with mycotoxins. Other mycotoxins occurring in food have been linked to long-term effects on health, including the induction of cancers and immune deficiency.”²

The Mold Exposure Mycotoxin Panel detects 16 urinary mycotoxins, including those associated with “black mold” (Stachybotrys), categorized in the following 5 groups:

Ochratoxin A

Ochratoxin reflects exposure to certain species of aspergillus and penicillium. With prolonged exposure, Ochratoxin A is associated with kidney and cancer concerns. Ochratoxin A has a longer elimination time than other mycotoxins and may reflect exposure over the past several weeks.

Aflatoxins

Aflatoxins are produced by various Aspergillus species. Humans are usually exposed to aflatoxins from contaminated food and other environmental sources. Chronic exposure may be associated with liver and kidney damage, as well as DNA damage and cancer risk.

Macrocyclic Trichothecenes (Black Mold group of toxins)

Macrocyclic Trichothecenes are produced by a variety of fungal species. Humans are commonly exposed to this group of mycotoxins from water-damaged building materials and ventilation/HVAC systems. Exposure to macrocyclic trichothecenes is associated with a wide variety of health concerns including, but not limited to: skin and GI concerns, blood pressure and cardiovascular abnormalities, inflammation and changes to immune response, as well as toxicity to the nervous system, liver, and DNA.

Gliotoxin-Derivatives

Gliotoxin is produced by several mold species and is usually encountered from contaminated food and other environmental sources. Exposure to gliotoxin may be associated with suppression of the immune system, DNA toxicity and increased severity of fungal infections.

Zearalenone

Zearalenone is produced by Fusarium species and commonly encountered as a food contaminant, especially in warmer climates. This mycotoxin acts as an endocrine disruptor, by mimicking estrogen, leading to reproductive and hormonal abnormalities in both men and women. Zearalenone may also be associated with cancer, immune, and blood abnormalities.

Notes:

Processing Laboratory: US BioTek

Testing methodology: ELISA

Turnaround Time: 10 business days from when sample is received. The results for this test can only be received via mail, e-mail, or fax.

Restrictions: This test is not available in PA, AK, or HI.

Additional Mold Testing Options:

Worried about mold or mycotoxins in your home or office? A convenient home-test for mold, the EMMA (Environmental Mold & Mycotoxin Analysis), is available here:

EMMA (Environmental Mold & Mycotoxin Analysis)

Want to get the complete picture and test both the body’s mycotoxin exposure as well as the mold and mycotoxins in your home? The EMMA is also available in combination with the Mold Exposure Mycotoxin panel at an additional discount here:

Body and Home Mold & Mycotoxin Combo Test

Testing both is considered the best approach as it allows comparison of the suspected environment to the level of mycotoxins being excreted in the urine. This combination provides the best information for greater clarity of the environmental contribution to excreted mycotoxin levels.

To check for genetic predisposition to mold sensitivity, the HLA Mold Genetic susceptibility test is suggested: HLA DR Mold Genetic Test

References:

1. http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html (Accessed February 2024)
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins (Accessed February 2024)