Molds, Mildew and Fungus

Dr. Campbell has published a number of studies in medical journals and textbooks about the effects of molds, fungus and indoor contaminants.

 

 

There are over 100,000 species of molds.

About three dozen cause health problems in humans.

We have known for a long time about the health effects of molds.

 

 

History of Molds

Molds are mentioned in Leviticus in the Bible (Chapter 14)

1930's: Stachybotrycosis:30% of horses in Russia from eating moldy hay

Molds were used by the Spartans in their war against Athens in 430 B.C

1944: Alimentary Toxic Aleukia epidemic in Russia from eating moldy bread; 10% of the population was affected and it was often fatal

There were 65 mold epidemics worldwide between 1591 and 1889

1952: Aflatoxicosis: killed poultry that ate moldy corn (Aspergillus)

1920's: Fatal kidney disease caused by mold in Denmark and the Balkans

    

 

 

Biological Warfare

Used in Southeast Asia from 1974-1981

Used by Sadam Hussein

National Guard Review

 

 

EPA, FEMA and CDC

All these government agencies agree that mold starts to grow and spread 24 to 48 hours after water damage.

 

 

Stachybotrys chartarum

First identified and described by a scientist from wallpaper collected in a home in Prague in 1837.

Toxic effects of Stachybotrys reported as early as the 1920s.

In 1986, the injurious effects of trichothecenes - a mycotoxin produced by Stachybotrys charta rum and a few other molds - were reported from a study of a family in Chicago. That report, by Dr. Croft, said that Stachybotrys could be commonly found in homes with water damage, could grow undetected behind walls and could grow profusely on sheetrock.

 

 

Floods Cause a Hazardous Potential for Toxic Mold

According to The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), mold growth in water-damaged homes is a potential hazard caused by flooding and can be a serious health risk. Molds are simple microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, such as plants, food, dry leaves, organic material, etc. Dampness in basements, walls, carpets, and wood caused by flooding provides an excellent environment for molds to flourish

 

 

Molds and Mycotoxins

Molds multiply very fast.

As they multiply, they release into the air mycotoxins.

These mycotoxins are what cause damage to humans.

 

 

Three Important Points

1. A mold that produces mycotoxins usually produces a series of toxins rather than just one toxin.

2. If a mold known to produce toxins is present in a home or building, then the toxins it produces are present as well.

3. A toxin can be stable for weeks. It takes heat over 500 degrees F to destroy it.

 

 

What are these mycotoxins called?

Trichothecenes

Beta Glucans

Nitric Oxides

Aflatoxins

 

Effects on Human Health

The immune system

Nervous system

Respiratory system

Gastrointestinal system

Skin

   

 

 

How Bad Are They?

Cancer of the kidneys

Cancer of the esophagus

Leukemia

Cancer of the liver - with a 10 year latency period

 

 

Symptoms

Fatigue

Mood Swings

Cough

Bleeding from Rectum

Short Term Memory Loss

Changes in Personality

Shortness of Breath

Hair Loss

Numbness and Tingling

Aches and Pains in Arms and Legs

Sore Throat

Tremors

Anxiety and Depression

Nosebleeds

Abdominal Pain

Children: behavior problems

Headaches

Skin Rashes

Fibromyalgia, hypoglycemia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

   

 

 

Pets can get sick too ....

Other Effects

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Can cause permanent lung damage

Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome: Can occur after a single exposure to dust contaminated with mold and causes a chronic flu-like syndrome.

 

 

Diagnosis of Mold Related Disease

Immune System Function

Antibodies to Molds by Blood Tests

Neurological Testing

 

 

Treatment

First, know what parts of the body have been damaged

Second, treat the damage done, not the symptoms