Mold is a common allergen, but is present year round, everywhere we go. Under the right conditions, Mold reproduces large numbers of spores (microscopic seeds) that are adapted for air dispersal and can remain airborne for long periods of time, outside and inside. Mold spores circulate throughout the home through ventilation systems and can cling to many surfaces and materials. Mold colonies can produce in any location where there is a moisture source, humidity, and nutrients. Nutrients include cellulose based materials such as plywood, drywall, carpet, carpet padding, and paper products, such as cardboard. Organic matter such as soap, fabrics, dander, and dust containing skin cells also provide nutrients. Mold growth causes biodegradation in these materials. Only colonies are visible with the human eye. These materials must be removed from homes safely as mold can become dormant until moisture conditions return.

High levels of mold or prolonged exposure trigger the body’s immune system causing debilitating side effects. Many molds produce secondary metabolites that are poisonous called mycotoxins. The severity of mycotoxin poisoning often depends on many factors including health, genetics, medications (Immunosuppressive drugs) and immune system status. Mycotoxicosis can also heighten vulnerability to other microbial infections. Mycotoxin illness presents itself in many different forms from cold/flu like symptoms, pain, neurological disorders, and death. Prolonged environmental illness takes a toll on human mental health with frustration, anger, hopelessness, and depression. The sinus cavities, in particular, are places where mold can colonize. The sinuses are moist and dark. The mucous created by the inflammation serves as nutrients.

Mold is indiscriminant in where it thrives. Whether your home is old or new, or has or has not suffered a major water event. Plumbing leaks throughout the home, inside walls, under cabinets, basements, can sufficiently provide moisture. Leaky roofs, improperly vented bathrooms and laundry rooms provide moisture and food for mold growth. Improperly sized HVAC systems or ductwork will not ventilate the home properly leading to condensation throughout a home. HVAC systems can also grow mold inside the system and circulate mold evenly throughout a home. . Water seepage into basements and crawlspaces that are not temperature regulated can cause high humidity that can source mold in large quantities. Cement can absorb and distribute moisture as well.

MCS is an unusually severe sensitivity to many different kinds of pollution, chemical, allergen, or electromagnetic fields. The underlying mechanism is not known to traditional clinical physicians like allergies and other illnesses, so it very difficult to diagnose. It is further complicated by the fact that different patients respond differently to different pollutants. Because of the idiopathic origin is not understood, many physicians do not consider MCS as an alternative in diagnosing; and, patients are often referred to psychiatrists However, the physical symptoms are real.

There is no pharmaceutical cure or medical treatment for MCS. Since the toxins are stored in fat and other tissues, allowing the body to completely dispose of the toxins takes time. Removal of chemical, allergen, biological, and electromagnetic triggers and toxins from the living environment is critical. Nutrients, supplements, and sauna therapy may also be prescribed by a physician who treats MCS.

More than 80,000 Chemicals are used in manufacturing and consumer products. The overwhelming majority have not been tested for safety.

The Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976 (“TSCA”) puts the burden on the government. Over 60,000 chemicals were grandfathered into the TSCA. Chemical use is deemed safe until proven otherwise. The burden of proving toxicity is on the government. The EPA has 90 days to block the chemical or suspend review until safety data submitted. Otherwise it is given a green light.

The EPA reviews only a small fraction of the compounds currently used in production. To date, the EPA has been successful in banning only five substances, and only with specific applications: Asbestos, Chlorofluorocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, hexavent chromium. Under the law, the EPA cannot request testing without having evidence a risk is likely.

It often takes a crisis to draw attention by the EPA. Four recent catastrophic events have drawn attention to toxic chemicals and their effects due to irrefutable evidence and statistical numbers. , The Gulf War, 9/11/2001, Hurricane Katrina, and the BP Oil Spill exposed large populations to toxic chemicals. They have also required significant amounts of chemicals used in the aftermath, causing alarming numbers of cases of chemical toxicity. This has recently impacted the perception of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in patients.

Legislation and action can take decades and is met with fierce opposition of the chemical industry. For example, formaldehyde, used in most building materials, has been a known toxic compound for decades. The TSCA, only until it became a proven carcinogen, that the TCSA was modified in 2016. The TSCA has given restrictions for newer building materials, but does not address the materials most people live in. It took decades for the EPA to take action to protect citizens on asbestos, second hand tobacco smoke, heavy metals, ect.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) exist in our building materials, carpets, furniture (as flame retardants), household cleaning products, fragrances, air fresheners, personal sundries, and pesticides.

These items are usually safe when used and stored as directed. However, they can be very dangerous to chemically sensitive or vulnerable patients and should be avoided or closely monitored if used.

EHS is a controversial diagnosis where the body is sensitive to non-ionized radiation generated by electromagnetic fields from power lines, cell towers and other electronic devices including household electric appliances and WiFi.

EHS are often self diagnosed and often meets pushback by the Medical community as it is not a recognized diagnosis by the medical establishment; however, several countries recognize the diagnosis and categorize EHS as a disability. Physicians in general believe the symptoms are real; but, often refer to a psychiatrist.

Symptoms include:

• General: fatigue, headache, sleep disturbance, flu-like symptoms
• Heart and Circulation: chest pain, shortness of breath, blood pressure changes, arrhythmias, nosebleeds, cold extremities
• Brain: dizziness, confusion, lack of concentration, memory impairment, dyslexia, difficulty learning, mood swings
• Ears: earache, tinnitus, imbalance
• Eyes: dry and gritty, eyelid tics, irritation, pressure behind the eyes
• Skin: rash, crawling sensations, dry skin, irritation, lumps, itchy brown ‘sun spots’
• Muscles: numbness, weakness, restless legs, spasms/tremors, pain in jaw and teeth
• Sensitivities: chemical, light, noise, and smell

It is believed that patients with EHS are also have MCS and mold sensitivities.

The field of Bau-Biology has historically recognized EHS and can conduct testing of homes to provide helpful suggestions to avoid dangerous electromagnetic fields.