Mycotoxin Directory

Group 1 – Trichothecenes (TC): A particular trichothecene-producing mold, Stachybotrys chartarum, grows on wet building materials such as sheetrock, ceiling tiles, and cardboard. This test screens for a number of Macrocyclic Trichothecenes (including Roridin A & E, Verrucarin A & J). They are arguably the most acutely toxic of all mycotoxins, causing a wide range of neurological, skin and respiratory irritation and other effects. Macrocyclic trichothecenes are produced by approximately 30 percent of the strains of this black mold.

Primary mold producer: Stachybotrys chartarum

Group 2 – Satratoxins (SAT): This test specifically detects Satratoxin G & H which are considered the most abundantly produced macrocyclic trichothecenes and are the most acutely toxic compounds produced by Stachybotrys. Satratoxin G is considered the most toxic of the macrocyclic family.1 One study demonstrates that Satratoxin can cross the blood brain barrier. Satratoxin H can cause neurological system cell damage from exposure levels that can be found in water-damaged buildings contaminated with fungal growth.2

Primary mold producer: Stachybotrys chartarum

Group 3 – Stachybotrylactam (SBL): This toxin is consistently and only produced by 100 percent of strains of a black mold called Stachybotrys. While there are several molds that are black in color, this one is particularly potent. This mold is often hidden in wall cavities where it grows in
a polysaccharide slime coat which keeps the relatively large spores from dispersing, unless it is aggressively disturbed by careless mold removal or winds over 13 mph (which does not happen in walls). On the other hand, the mycotoxin particles are extremely small and disperse readily, making the Level 1 test a powerful screening tool.

Primary mold producer: Stachybotrys chartarum

Group 4 – Chaetoglobosin (CHA): Chaetoglobosin is a potent mycotoxin most commonly produced by a black mold which requires significant dampness to grow. A 2007 study sampled houses in New Orleans affected by Hurricane Katrina and found the toxic mold Chaetomium in 50% of the homes.3 Chaetoglobosin has been shown to be acutely toxic in mammals.4

Primary mold producer: Chaetomium globosum

Group 5 – Sterigmatocystin (STG): This is the most common mycotoxin in water-damaged buildings. Sterigmatocystin is closely related a precursor to the mycotoxin aflatoxin and is classified as an IARC Group-2B carcinogen. It affects the liver, kidneys, and immune system. Sterigmatocystin causes respiratory inflammation at doses comparable to water-damaged building conditions.

Primary mold producers: Aspergillus (A.) versicolor, A. flavus, A. nidulans, A. parasiticus

Group 6 – Aflatoxins (AF): This test screens for Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 which can affect building occupants through inhalation or the skin.5 While uncommon indoors, it is important to rule out because Aflatoxin is the most potent natural carcinogen. Aflatoxin is known to target the liver, causing hepatotoxicity, and chronic exposure has been linked to liver cancer and immunosuppression which leads to increased risk of infections.6 From 1974 through the 1980s, Iraqi scientists produced Aflatoxins as a part of their bioweapons program.7

Primary mold producers: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus

Group 7 – Alternariol (ALT): Alternariol is a common mycotoxin found in houses and buildings with a history of water-damage. Alternaria exposure is a known cause of adult onset asthma.8 Alternaria also commonly grows on conifers (e.g. juniper, cedars, etc.) so it is very common in the outdoor air. However, our initial studies do not indicate that detectable alternariol levels come from outdoors even when Alternaria levels outdoors are high. In other words, Alternariol inside a house likely comes from indoor growth sites. Alternaria alternata mold often grows on water-damaged sheetrock and looks black in appearance, so it is often confused with Stachybotrys chartarum (the most notable “black mold”). In vitro studies have shown Alternariol to trigger DNA damage (genotoxicity) and causing reduced immunity.9 A 2001 study published in Toxicologic Pathology reported carcinogenic changes in mice exposed to Alternaria mycotoxins, suggesting possible progression to esophageal cancer with chronic exposure.10

Primary mold producer: Alternaria alternata

Group 8 – Citrinin (CI): Research has shown that the kidney is the main target organ of Citrinin. Citrinin is a mycotoxin produced by Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Monascus fungi. It is predominantly a contaminant of stored grains but has also been found on building materials with moisture problems.11 Citrinin, isolated from Penicillium citrinum, was the causal agent of “Yellow rice syndrome” seen in Japan after World War II.12 Citrinin is well known as a powerful nephrotoxin, producing damage in the proximal tubule of the kidney. Dietary exposure to citrinin and aristolochic acid has been associated with “Balkan Endemic Nephropathy”, a progressive kidney disease.13 Citrinin is also embryocidal and fetotoxic,14 so it should be avoided during pregnancy.

Primary mold producers: Penicillium citrinin, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus parasiticus

Group 9 – Mycophenolic Acid (MPA):

Mycophenolic Acid is commonly found in houses with moisture issues.15 While Mycophenolic Acid one of the least toxic mycotoxins we detect, it is a well-known immunosuppressant which inhibits the proliferation of B and T lymphocytes. Exposure can increase the risk of opportunistic infection.16 Mycophenolic Acid is associated with miscarriages and birth defects when the woman is exposed during pregnancy.17 Due to its immunosuppressive properties, mycophenolic acid has been widely commercialized and sold under that trade name “Myfortic” to prevent organ rejection after transplant and for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Primary mold producers: Penicillium brevicompactum, Penicillin viridicatum

Group 10 – Ochratoxin A (OTA): Exposure to this mycotoxin is usually through contaminated foods or through residential inhalation exposure from water damaged buildings.18, 19 A 1994 case report documented a farming couple experienced severe symptoms after working in a granary for merely 8 hours with wheat contaminated with Aspergillus ochraceus. Inhalation of Ochratoxin A produced by Aspergillus ochraceus resulted in respiratory distress and development of acute renal failure (biopsied as tubonecrosis).20 More recent studies have confirmed the nephrotoxicity of Ochratoxin (Hope & Hope, 2012).21 Further studies have hypothesized that Ochratoxin A may be associated with development of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.22 Studies have also shown that Ochratoxin A increases the susceptibility to develop rheumatoid arthritis.23

Primary mold producers: Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus carbonarius, Penicillium verrucosum

Group 11 – Zearalenone (ZEA): This mycotoxin is common in agricultural crops such as corn and animal feeds. It has also been detected in indoor air.24 The estrogenic activity (ability to bind to estrogen receptors) of zearalenone leads to malfunction of the ovary and lack of ovulation. In vitro studies showed zearalenone to stimulate the growth of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer cells.25 Zearalenone is also immunotoxic, impairing macrophage activity of the immune system in fighting infection.26 Zearalenone caused infertility, spontaneous abortions, birth defects, and malignant growths in swine populations.27

Primary mold producers: Fusarium (F.) graminearum, F. culmorum, F. cerealis, F. equiseti, F. crookwellense, F. semitectum, F. verticillioides, F. sporotrichioides, F. oxysporum, and F. acuminatum