18 Nov What Are Mycotoxins And How Can They Impact Your Health?

What Are Some Examples of Mycotoxins?

Some of the most well-known mycotoxins include aflatoxins, which are most commonly found in foods like peanuts and corn, and ochratoxins, which are often present in coffee, dried fruits, and wine.

In home environments, molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium species can produce mycotoxins under certain conditions. These molds can grow on materials like wallpaper, carpet, wood, and insulation, especially in areas that are particularly damp or humid, or are poorly ventilated.

Since you cannot see mycotoxins with the naked eye, it can be difficult to know when they are present, whether they are in your food or around your home. However, knowing the types of conditions that allow mycotoxins to form can help you take the proper preventive measures to protect yourself and your family.

What Do Mycotoxins Do to Your Body?

The effects of mycotoxins on your body depend on the type of mycotoxin, the level of exposure, and your individual health. Consuming mycotoxins in food can lead to different health issues over time, especially with repeated exposure. For example, aflatoxins are known to affect the liver, potentially increasing the risk of liver diseases and cancers, while ochratoxins are associated with kidney health. These toxins can also weaken your immune system, which can make it difficult for your body to defend itself against other health issues.

In indoor environments, inhaling or touching mycotoxins can also have an effect on your health, especially if you are sensitive to mold.

Common symptoms of mycotoxin exposure at home may include:

Prolonged exposure to high levels of mycotoxins in homes may have a cumulative effect, meaning your symptoms can get worse over time, so maintaining dry and well-ventilated living spaces is crucial in order to reduce your risks.

What Foods Are High in Mycotoxins?

Foods that are susceptible to mycotoxins include grains like corn, wheat, and barley; nuts such as peanuts, pistachios, and almonds; and dried fruits like raisins, figs, and dates. Coffee beans and some spices, such as black pepper and paprika, can also be at risk. In certain cases, mycotoxins can even make their way into animal products, like milk and cheese, when livestock consume feed that has been contaminated with these mycotoxins.

To help you rescue your risk of these toxins, food safety regulations enforce limits on mycotoxin levels in food, which is why you can generally feel confident the food you are purchasing is safe. However, storing foods properly when you get them home can further help to minimize any potential exposure. Foods that are stored in warm, humid environments can develop mold a lot more easily, so keeping them in cool, dry places is the best bet to maintain a safe home.

How Do Mycotoxins Grow in Homes?

While we often think of mycotoxins as a food issue, they can also severely impact the air quality of indoor spaces. When molds grow in your home, especially species that produce mycotoxins, you may be exposed to these toxins through the air or by touching surfaces that are moldy. Mold tends to thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and around leaky windows or pipes. If these spaces are not kept dry, they can create a perfect environment for mold to produce mycotoxins, which can then circulate through the air that you breathe.

Reducing the risk of mycotoxins in your home often comes down to moisture control. Using a dehumidifier, addressing leaks immediately, and ensuring proper airflow in high-humidity areas can all help. Regularly checking for signs of mold, such as dark patches on walls or a musty odor, is also helpful. When cleaning up mold, wearing protective gloves and a mask is recommended in order to avoid inhaling or coming into direct contact with mycotoxins.

If the mold growth in your home is severe, it is best to call in the experts. These companies are trained in proper mold removal and cleaning to ensure that the entire problem is resolved and there is no mold remaining.

What Kills Mycotoxins?

Reducing or eliminating mycotoxins in food and in the home requires a different approach for each situation. Mycotoxins in food are heat-resistant, so cooking will not typically destroy them. However, food processing methods like roasting, fermenting, and drying can help reduce any levels that may be present. Proper storage of food in cool, dry places is one of the most effective ways to prevent mold growth and to limit any potential mycotoxin exposure.

In your home, controlling humidity is one of the best ways to keep mold and mycotoxins at bay. For example, using exhaust fans in bathrooms, wiping down damp surfaces, and keeping windows open to allow air circulation can all help. If mold does appear, using a solution of water and vinegar or a commercial mold cleaner can help clean it, though it is very important to use proper protection to limit your exposure, and thoroughly dry the area afterward to prevent regrowth.

Last Words

Although mycotoxins are a natural part of the environment, you can take some practical steps to limit your exposure both in your diet and at home. Choosing fresh, high-quality foods, storing them properly, and inspecting them for signs of mold can help reduce the mycotoxins that you consume through your diet. Likewise, keeping your home well-ventilated and moisture-free can limit mold growth and your potential mycotoxin exposure indoors.

Mycotoxins are carefully regulated, and levels in food are generally low. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure a healthy living environment and a healthy diet while reducing the potential health risks that are associated with mycotoxins.