8 min read

A strange fact to start with: scientists have detected aflatoxin in mummies. That means a toxin made by mold can persist for centuries, long after the organism is gone. If that feels unsettling, it should. Mycotoxins are built to last, and that is exactly why they can keep people sick even when the mold is removed.

If you are trying to make sense of mold illness, this is the missing piece. Mold spores can be annoying and inflammatory, but mycotoxins are the chemical weapons. They move through air and dust, stick to surfaces, and can lodge in your body. Understanding what they are and how they act helps you see why symptoms can be stubborn and why cleanup alone sometimes is not enough.

## What Are Mycotoxins, Really?

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds. They are not needed for mold to grow. They are secondary metabolites, used to compete with other organisms and defend territory. When humans enter that territory, we become collateral damage.

Many indoor molds can produce mycotoxins, but not every mold produces them and not every strain does so at the same level. That is why two homes with “the same mold” can feel very different. The species, the strain, the moisture conditions, and the age of the growth all change the toxin profile.

Here are some of the most common mycotoxin types you will see in indoor environments and testing panels.

That list is not exhaustive, but it gives you a practical snapshot. If you have mycotoxin testing results, these are the names that often appear.

## Why Mycotoxins Hit the Body Harder Than Spores

Spores are the reproductive units of mold. They are physical particles that can irritate airways, trigger allergies, and inflame tissue. Mycotoxins are chemical poisons that can do all of that plus deeper cellular harm.

Here is a clear side by side comparison.

This is why people can feel worse from a small but toxic bloom than from a larger mold area with low toxin production. It also explains why some of your symptoms feel systemic rather than just respiratory.

## What the Science Says About Health Effects

If you feel like you are guessing, you are not. There is a real body of research on mycotoxins and health. It is not always based on indoor exposure alone, but the biological mechanisms are clear. Below are a few key toxins with studies worth knowing.

### Aflatoxin B1 and DNA Damage

Aflatoxin B1 is one of the most studied mycotoxins because of its link to liver cancer. It forms DNA adducts, which are pieces of toxin that bind to DNA and create mutations. That is why aflatoxin B1 is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

– Review on aflatoxin B1 toxicity and carcinogenicity: [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28669836/)
– Mechanism of DNA adduct formation: [doi:10.1038/25645](https://doi.org/10.1038/25645)

Even if you are not eating contaminated food, this matters because it shows the potency of these compounds and why they are taken so seriously in toxicology.

### Trichothecenes and Immune Suppression

Trichothecenes are a family that includes satratoxins from Stachybotrys and deoxynivalenol from Fusarium. They inhibit protein synthesis, which is a basic cellular function. That can lead to mucosal irritation, immune dysfunction, and delayed recovery from infections.

– Trichothecene impact on immune function: [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25172014/)
– Satratoxin mechanisms and toxicity: [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18614957/)

In plain language, these toxins can make your immune system less capable of handling normal exposures. That is why some people develop unusual infections or feel like they never fully rebound.

### Ochratoxin A and Kidney Stress

Ochratoxin A is known for nephrotoxicity, meaning kidney damage. Kidneys are a primary route of toxin clearance, so they take a hit when exposures are chronic.

– Overview of ochratoxin A toxicity: [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19756115/)

This is one reason clinicians often monitor urinary markers or kidney function in complex mold cases.

### Gliotoxin and Immune Cell Function

Gliotoxin is produced by Aspergillus fumigatus and has immunosuppressive activity. It can interfere with macrophages and neutrophils, which are frontline immune cells.

– Gliotoxin and immune modulation: [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19321741/)

If you have a history of repeated sinus infections or slow wound healing in a moldy environment, this mechanism helps explain why.

## How Mycotoxins Move Through a Home

Mycotoxins are sticky and light. They attach to dust, fabric fibers, and tiny particles that settle everywhere. That means they can travel far from the original growth site. A leak behind a wall can end up affecting your couch, your clothing, or the filter in your HVAC system.

Common reservoirs include:

– HVAC systems and ductwork
– Upholstered furniture and mattresses
– Carpets and area rugs
– Books, papers, and porous decor
– Clothes, shoes, and luggage

If remediation only focuses on visible mold, you can end up with a clean wall and a toxic house. This is where environmental testing becomes useful, especially when symptoms persist.

If you want a deep dive on testing methods, see [ERMI testing explained](/vault/ermi-testing-explained). It will help you understand when ERMI or HERTSMI scores can guide decisions.

## Why Symptoms Can Be So Varied

Mycotoxins affect multiple systems at once. Two people can live in the same space and feel different because genetics, detox capacity, and prior health all shape the response. Here are common symptom clusters people report:

– Brain fog, poor memory, and difficulty focusing
– Persistent sinus issues or chronic cough
– Headaches, dizziness, or light sensitivity
– Unusual fatigue that does not improve with rest
– Digestive issues, food sensitivities, and nausea
– Skin rashes, itching, or flushing
– Anxiety, irritability, or sleep disruption

That list is not diagnostic, but it can help you feel less alone if your symptoms are weird and wide ranging.

Symptoms flare in certain buildings and improve away from them.

You feel worse after cleaning dust or disturbing old items.

Brain fog and fatigue persist even when labs look “normal.”

Sinus issues or sore throat never fully resolve.

New sensitivities to foods, smells, or chemicals appear.

Symptoms return after moving belongings from a moldy space.

If you checked several of these, it does not prove exposure, but it is a reasonable clue to investigate further.

## Testing, With Clear Expectations

There are two main categories of testing. One looks at your environment, the other looks at your body. Neither is perfect, but both can be useful when interpreted carefully.

### Environmental Testing

– ERMI or HERTSMI dust testing for mold species and water damage markers
– Air sampling when a building is actively under investigation
– Surface sampling for targeted areas

These can tell you whether the environment is likely to be a source. They can also show whether remediation lowered the mold burden.

### Body Burden Testing

– Urine mycotoxin panels through specialized labs
– Blood markers for inflammation or immune stress

Urine testing can be helpful, especially if symptoms line up. However, a low result does not always mean no exposure, and a high result does not automatically mean the home is the source. Hydration status, timing, and individual detox differences all matter.

If you want a broader overview of how mold illness is understood clinically, see [what is mold illness](/vault/what-is-mold-illness).

Tip: If you plan to test your body, avoid making major changes for a week or two beforehand. That makes results more representative of your baseline exposure.

## Detoxification, But Keep It Grounded

Detox is a loaded word. You do not need extreme protocols. The goal is to reduce exposure and support your body’s ability to clear toxins.

The most common strategies include:

– Binding agents like cholestyramine, activated charcoal, bentonite, or prescription binders
– Supporting glutathione production through nutrition or supplements
– Sweating through sauna, movement, and gentle exercise if tolerated
– Hydration, electrolytes, and regular bowel movements

If you want a practical breakdown of binders and how people use them, read [detox binders explained](/vault/detox-binders-explained).

Important: Some binders can cause constipation, which can slow clearance and worsen symptoms. Start low, go slow, and prioritize elimination.

## A Simple Way to Think About Recovery

Recovery often follows a sequence:

1. Remove or avoid the source of exposure
2. Reduce toxin reservoirs in the environment
3. Support the body while it clears stored toxins
4. Rebuild resilience, sleep, and immune balance

You do not need to do everything at once. People who do best usually take a paced, methodical approach. If you feel overwhelmed, pick the next step that you can actually control today.

Mycotoxins are not just “mold.” They are persistent chemical toxins that can outlast the mold itself. Understanding them helps you make sense of stubborn symptoms and plan smarter next steps.

## Quick FAQs People Ask

### Are mycotoxins only in moldy homes?
No. Food contamination is a common source worldwide, especially with grains and nuts. Indoor exposure matters when there is chronic water damage or poor ventilation. Both can be relevant depending on your situation.

### If I remediate, will symptoms go away immediately?
Sometimes yes, often no. If you have been exposed for a long time, your body may need time to clear stored toxins. That does not mean remediation failed, it just means recovery has a second phase.

### Why do some family members feel fine?
Genetics and detox capacity vary widely. It is common for one person to be very symptomatic while another has mild or no symptoms in the same space.

### Are mycotoxins always measurable?
Not always. Some people have symptoms with low test results, and some have high results with minimal symptoms. Testing is a tool, not the final word.

## Final Thoughts

If you are navigating a mold illness journey, please know that mycotoxins are real, and your experience is not “in your head.” They are invisible, persistent, and biologically active, which explains why recovery can feel confusing. With good information and a step by step plan, most people can make meaningful progress.

If you want to go deeper, start with [ERMI testing explained](/vault/ermi-testing-explained), then explore [detox binders explained](/vault/detox-binders-explained), and finally read [what is mold illness](/vault/what-is-mold-illness) for the full context.