Suspect you’ve been exposed to mold, but not sure from where? Is your home, school or office a source of possible mold exposure? Don’t guess; test for mold & mycotoxins with this convenient at-home environmental swab kit. Simply swab dust from an area you suspect presence of mold and send out the sample for analysis.

While mold growth may be visible in warm, damp areas, in many cases mold grows behind walls around small water leaks where it becomes an invisible threat to good health. Mold spores and mycotoxins can then circulate through home ventilation systems and end up contaminating areas throughout your home.

The EMMA test measures 15 of the most toxigenic molds and 16 of the most poisonous mycotoxins:

Aspergillus (A. fumigatus, A. ochraceus, A. flavus, A. terreus, A. niger, A. versicolor, A. penicillioides)

These aspergillus fungal species are frequently found in homes and water-damaged buildings and associated with a range of health concerns including infections, respiratory concerns and cancers.

Penicillium (P. brevicompactum, P. chrysogenum)

These penicillium species are known to produce harmful Ochratoxin A and associated with sinus concerns when breathed in high concentrations. Fungal particle abundance depends on high humidity.

Candida auris

This species of candida can be found in healthcare facilities and may cause fungal infections in wounds, blood stream, ears and more.

Chaetomium globosum

C. globosum is a common indoor fungal contaminant of water damaged homes or buildings. Like Stachybotrys, C. globosum spores are not as easily airborne as those from some other molds but their mycotoxins can spread easily througout a building

Fusarium solani

Fusarium is associated with infections of skin and nails and other infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Stachybotrys chartarum

S . chartarum, commonly known as black mold, is highly toxic to humans. Symptoms of black mold exposure are extensive, ranging from nausea/vomiting and diarrhea to hypotension, hair loss and confusion. Their large heavy spores are not as easily airborne as those from some other molds, but their mycotoxins can spread easily throughout a building

Wallemia sebi

Spores from Wallemia are significant allergens. Inhalation exposure of spores can lead to conditions such as asthma hypersensitivities, or pulmonary fibrosis.

Alernaria alternata

Spores can be found in damp, poorly ventilated homes, contributing to sick building syndrome.

Presence of 16 toxic mycotoxins are also measured, 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 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

Turnaround time: 10 business days from date received by the lab. 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.

A chain of custody form must be completed before sending your EMMA sample to the lab. If this form is not completed, your sample will be rejected and will not be processed. Please pay careful attention to the instructions and completely fill out the paperwork.

Additional Mold Testing Options:

Worried about your body’s exposure to mycotoxins? A convenient at-home urine test for urinary mycotoxin excretion is available here:

Mold Exposure Mycotoxin Urine Test

Want to get the complete picture and test both the body’s mycotoxin exposure as well as the mold and mycotoxins in your home? 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.

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

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

HLA DR Mold Genetic Test