Mycotoxins: Different Types and Where They Come From

According to the World Health Organization, mycotoxins come from fungi. They can grow on food for both human and animal consumption. They can also cause health problems for both human beings and animals. Taking care of them as soon as they’re discovered is crucial for your long-term health.

Types of Mycotoxins

Several hundred different species of mycotoxins are currently extant. However, these are the six most common that you will encounter in your home regardless of vector:

• Aflatoxin
• Ochratoxin A
• Patulin
• Fumonisin
• Zearalenone
• Nivalenol

Although these toxins are generally food-borne, they become dried out when the spores enter the air. And even though they dry out, they don’t lose their toxicity. This is why you need multiple filters in your home to remove them from the air you breathe. That means having filters on your HVAC system to remove the contaminated particulates from the air.

Health Effects of Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins can be hazardous to keep in your home. The dangers are more severe for those who are made more vulnerable due to age, allergies, asthma and breathing conditions, or are immunocompromised. The most severe mycotoxins can cause liver disease or gastrointestinal symptoms, such as aflatoxin and patulin. Some are considered genotoxic, which means that prolonged exposure could change your DNA for the worse and predispose you to cancer.

Here are symptoms to look out for:

• Persistent fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Wheezing
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Cognitive impairment or confusion
• Watery or runny eyes

Mycotoxins cause a wide range of affects, both for both humans and animals. Even those that may not affect you can be harmful for your household pets.

How Mycotoxins Can Enter Your Home

Remember, these toxins can “hitch a ride” on particulates, such as dust or fibers. Sometimes, mycotoxins attach themselves to people’s skin, hair, or clothing and enter your home with the people. They can also appear on food and become airborne, which will circulate through your home vents or HVAC system unless properly filtered out.

Mycotoxins in HVAC Systems

Once these substances enter your home, they can propagate. Generally, this will be inside your HVAC system in places where standing water can collect. Using the right kind of filters will greatly reduce the number of toxic particles in the air, and these can be either part of your HVAC system itself or a separate system like an air purifier. Adding ultraviolet light to your various filters will kill the spores and prevent further propagation, while the filters will remove the offending particulates from the air.

Contact Us

With nearly seven decades in the HVAC business, we know a thing or two about indoor air quality and how particulates affect it. You can trust us to advise you on improved indoor air quality and suitable filter options to help you maintain healthy air quality. Contact us at Thornton Heating Service today to make an appointment.