Mold Toxins Making You Fatigued & Sick?

Sick Buildings

Keith Berndtson explains the origins of sick building syndrome, a condition once dismissed but now recognized as a significant health risk. He highlights how inadequate ventilation and moisture in buildings create ideal conditions for mold growth, leading to a mix of toxins and inflammagens that can make occupants ill. Berndtson notes that about one in four people carry HLA genes, making them particularly susceptible to mold toxicity 1.

In heavily water-damaged buildings, it's not just mold toxins. There are other inflammagens, microbial, volatile organic compounds, manmade volatile organic compounds, they all enter the mix.

--- Keith Berndtson

These conditions can lead to severe health issues, especially for those genetically predisposed to poor toxin clearance 2.

   

Mold Conditions

Mold thrives in environments with moisture and cellulose, often found in tightly sealed buildings designed for energy efficiency. Keith Berndtson describes how these conditions, exacerbated by water intrusion events, can lead to significant mold growth and toxin production. He emphasizes the importance of quick remediation to prevent mold from becoming a health hazard 3.

What predicts who can get better and who can't in a given space is the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index developed by the EPA.

--- Keith Berndtson

Berndtson also discusses the social and personal consequences of mold illness, urging physicians to consider environmental factors when treating patients with unexplained symptoms 4.