What Exactly is Brain Fog?

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Mold Patients and Doctors Use This Term with Limited Understanding of Specifics

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses

By Cesar Collado

“Brain Fog” remains a commonly used term by patients and doctors.  To find an official definition for the term, I searched through countless medical dictionaries and publications. I was searching for a consensus and understanding but found little success and more questions than answers. Today, I am going try to help readers understand what “Brain Fog” actually means by using with patient-reported specifics and examples of their experiences.

In my search, I did find one vague definition for “brain fog” in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary describing it as “a usually temporary state of mental capacity marked by inability to concentrate or to think or reason clearly.”It was funny to find the only marked definition there as many medical dictionaries provided no answers, nor did they provide clear descriptions of the condition. In addition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) used by psychiatrists does not have “Brain Fog” listed as a recognized medical condition. As it turns out, Wikipedia (albeit not a standard source for official definitions or facts) provided the clearest explanation I could find that sounded anything like the “brain fog” that mold patients describe experiencing the condition and the doctors that treat them are referring to: “A condition that affects all ages and which is characterized by confusion, decreased clarity of thought, and forgetfulness.  It is not regarded as a real condition.”

Symptoms and Fear

Physicians who treat environmental illness and mold patients that have experienced “Brain Fog” describe their symptoms as feelings of confusion, forgetfulness, the inability to focus and comprehend, and lack of mental clarity. These seemingly small disruptions in thinking can divert any action or conversation significantly, especially when in a professional capacity.

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses

It is important to note that neurological and cognitive symptoms suffered by mold patients are often reported as the “scariest,” regardless of the magnitude of the impact of their daily function. The fear is rooted in “genuine concern that the symptoms are those of onset of dementia, or neurodegenerative disease.”  In older patients above 50, the beginnings of Dementia or Alzheimer’s is a significant fear.

Here are some patient-reported descriptions of “brain fog”:

  • “Foggy,” describing feeling unfocused,” I just can’t think!” or inability to function normally. One patient who home schooled her children described her inability to teach her kids and the guilt of falling behind in their curriculums.
  • “Momentarily forgetting basic facts about myself, my life, or the world around me.” This includes forgetting names, favorite memories (movies, actors names, etc.) that you normally would never forget.
  • “Forgetting what you’re doing while you are doing it.” Here a patient described driving somewhere they normally go and not remembering how to get back.
  • “Placing items in different places than normal and not being able to find them.’’
  • “Forgetting how to operate an appliance you use every day.”
  • “Forgetting easy words.” A physician described to me that he forgot the word shoe when talking to a patient while suffering from brain fog.
  • “Using words in the wrong order.”
  • “Forgetting how to spell familiar words to the degree that I have to look them up and still cannot spell them.”

Brain fog can also be accompanied by the following physical symptoms:

  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Headaches/Migraines
  • Low motivation
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Difficulty exercising, dancing, or playing

Medical Causes

While I have previously described the unexplained mold illness symptoms of neurological or cognitive disfunction in my recent article: “What Happens When Toxins Get To Your Brain?, brain fog also is described in a variety of chronic medical conditions, some are well defined and others are not. Well understood causes include chemotherapy-induced (Chemo Brain), Brain injuries, Heavy Metal Toxicity, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurodegenerative Disorders, side effects from medications, and others.  There are also recognized disease diagnoses that have limited or unknown causes such as Fibromyalgia, Silent Celiac Disease, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses

Yet another symptom of mold illness, Chronic Fungal Sinusitis in and of itself, can cause brain fog in a variety of ways. Some examples are:

  • When the nose is congested, breathing through the mouth results in a lower oxygen intake, and can result in fuzzy thinking.
  • Medications used to treat Sinusitis often make patients groggy and thinking disjointed.
  • Poor sleep or insomnia leads to the inability to concentrate or to learn and make simple cognitive connections.
  • Inflammation creates irritability, low concentration and an inflamed brain.

Further, it turns out the inflammation (caused by the inflammatory response to mold) often causes brain fog as a symptom.  There are numerous diagnosable inflammatory diseases (Rheumatiod Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, MS, etc.) where brain fog is listed as a symptom. For mold sufferers, what is most relevant is that a variety of inflammatory, toxic, and allergic responses to the mold create imbalances with hormones, neurotransmitters, and nutrition.

Environmental Causes

Paying attention to environmental factors that we may have some control of throughout our day can help us be more proactive about modifying our lifestyles and behaviors to improve our wellness and eliminate brain fog.

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses

 What can be done?

Brain Fog is a symptom taken seriously by patients because it can mimic symptoms of dementia or neurological diseases.  Unfortunately, seeing a neurologist first may take a patient down the road of expensive imaging diagnostics and a variety of medications focused on the symptoms.

A less-travelled path that may be highly productive is to see a physician, integrative or functional medicine, or Naturopathic Doctor that treats environmental illness.  These healthcare professionals take more time with patients (often 45 min-1 hour) to listen closely to their symptoms and ask questions about their medical history and environment that can lead to finding the cause of the brain fog and mitigating factors that cause it, without medication that can mask some symptoms or create new symptoms to deal with.  Avoiding the debilitating path of seeing a series of doctors and taking a long list of ineffective medications until the cause is addressed can prevent years of needless suffering.

In addition, if your environment is the cause, medication will unlikely be totally effective, because you are returning to the cause or behavior that is causing the symptoms in the first place.

 

Tips for alleviating “brain fog” for Mold and Chronic Sinusitis Sufferers:

  • Agrumax Dietary Supplement added to daily nasal washes and/or ingested by mixing into in a glass of water can provide the body relief from the continuous inhalation of fungi and can address candida or fungal growth in the gut.
  • Practicing good mold hygiene in your home by using the Haven Mister or cleaning with Citrisafe Remedy Mold Solution Concentrate can bring your fungal air counts down dramatically allowing you to rest and sleep in an environment without continuous inhalation of mold.
  • Washing clothes and especially linens with Remedy Laundry Liquid will remove mold on the things that touch your body and your face and can help reduce mold tracked into your home. This will make your environment and especially your bed less inflammatory, so you can sleep better and longer.
  • The addition of a HEPA Air Purifier or Remedy Air Maintenance Candles. The less mold you are bringing into your body, the less toxins your body collects and the less it has to fight the invader (mold) to be and stay well.

Perhaps, these descriptions can help provide a clearer understanding of your symptoms and ways it can be addressed without hopelessness or panic.

 

 

 

© 2020, Cesar Collado, All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

” I Am Severely Ill!”

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Mold Illness, Debilitating Symptoms, and Explaining Why Doctors Aren’t Listening

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses

By Cesar Collado

I have spoke to, in the past, with two normally healthy individuals seeking guidance about where to get help for illness brought on by mold exposure. Both have seen multiple physicians, spent significant amounts of money, and are at their “wits’ end.”  Both have been trying to find solutions to their declining health for some time. Both are in their thirties and describe themselves as active and healthy prior to instances of mold exposure.

The first person was a former athlete in excellent physical shape who described his symptoms as “pulverizing”. He discussed multiple instances where he was exposed to moldy environments that instantly crippled him. Severe neurological and motor function symptoms were experienced; he felt like he had “dementia”. He currently lives separately from his wife and children. He has done extensive internet research on his symptoms and has read about several syndromes that may be the cause. He has not had luck with physicians. His core issue is finding a physician who will listen and explain his condition so that he can get the proper help with treatment. That led him to my newsletters and to reaching out to me. We discussed his situation at length. His objective is to feel healthy again and be able to return to living with his family.

The second person is an active professional who also exercises and eats healthy. She described a constant “brain fog” and the feeling of pain like “there are rubber bands around her sinuses” and headaches. She recalls that her sinus issues began when some water damage was repaired in her relatively new home.  She has seen an ENT and had a CT scan that showed that her sinuses were clear. The ENT’s conclusion was that her issues were not in her sinuses, and she was sent along. She has since seen a “functional medicine” doctor who took numerous diagnostics at a significant  expense.   She is very concerned with the potential financial stress and wants to know how to get well.

Since I am not a physician, I can only provide insight and explanations focused on helping them find a path to the right medical professionals who will listen to and treat them. Both people also need advice on exploring what they can do in their home environments to mitigate further mold exposure.

I try to not lead people toward a path of expensive speculative solutions, endless doctor visits, and other professional interventions. This usually overwhelms individuals and can leave them “turned off”. If I do so, they feel like my advice is more of the same and another dead end.

Bedside Manner Counts

There are several reasons why integrative approaches are more successful with mold patients. First and most obvious, these physicians spend significantly more time with the patients and ask about their environment. They look at the entire body with all of its systems as a whole. A detailed medical history, including the history of mold exposure and water-damaged buildings exposure is explored in detail. Valid diagnostics by certified labs exist to identify evidence of mold allergy, mycotoxin exposure, and other causes of illness, such as heavy metals.

The desire and ability to provide medical attention and listen to the patient is essential for forming a relationship of shared responsibility. When a doctor and patient work together, there is better adherence to a treatment plan, and patients are more likely to adopt the behavior changes required to get well. There must also be trust and guidance from the physician towards having a  patient’s home environment examined and made clean and safe; this is critical to getting better. Without a safe environment, the body will not heal with any medical interventions, because breathing in mold and toxins will perpetuate the inflammatory response.

Recent Recognition of Other Factors

While mold sickness has been around for ages, there are also other elements to healthy living that have changed over recent times. The impact of diet has immense importance. The introduction of processed foods as predominant components of the modern diet is finally becoming concerning, because obesity, metabolic diseases, and diabetes are skyrocketing. Read more about diet and gut health HERE.

In addition, the importance of indoor air quality for the masses is relatively recent. The continuous efforts to develop more energy-efficient and less costly homes have changed the building materials used for most homes. Homes have become tighter, but this has created moisture issues. In addition, standard drywall and particle boards used today absorb moisture, increase water damage, and contain organic matter that is conducive to mycotoxin-producing molds.

My Advice to the Readers Mentioned Above

I recognize that it is a ‘brain overload’ to learn about environmental illness. I do my best to inform people to take one step at a time. Acting on every possible solution without evidence can waste significant energy andfinancial resources. It is important to learn what they can about their illness prior to visiting professionals for treatment or service. These are the suggestions I made to these people. I try to focus my advice on inexpensive steps to provide direction to the patient initially.

Begin gathering information prior to visiting a physician.

  1. Get out of the home and find a safe place to stay for several days to see if they feel better, think better, or sleep better. This is a critical hypothesis to test and provides valuable information to both the patient and doctor.
  2. Do some research about mold illness and mycotoxins. I often refer to past articles I have written because the approach and audience targeted are normal people just like them. There are obviously numerous blogs, websites, and articles that offer significant expertise and experiences beyond my understanding. However, I am sensitive to their condition and try to keep it short and simple.
  3. Test their homes with mold test plates. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to perform and will help to determine if the home tests positive or negative for mold.
  4. Document every exposure to mold, water-damaged buildings, and symptoms you have experienced that you believe are due to mold exposure. Be prepared to share this with your physician as they may be accustomed to asking very few questions and spending little time with patients, especially in regards to their history or environment.

Do some research to find physicians who treat mold and mycotoxin illness.

  1. There are several online databases that will direct patients to physicians who treat mold illness in their area. You can get a list from Jennifer Nitrio at MoldHelpForYou.com
  2. Call the doctors’ offices and explain your symptoms to see if the physicians you are selecting specifically treat your illness. Do this prior to spending time and money on an office visit. In the event the visual mold test plates reveal potential problems, consider additional lab testing or hiring an accredited environmental inspector or Bau Biologist (HERE is my article on Bau Biology—I thought that might be a good place for an additional link) to validate your results.
  3. You can purchase a Mold Diagnostic Test Kit. The mold plates will be directly sent to you by Immunolytics with directions and materials to send the plates back to the lab. Access to the lab results is included and will be emailed to you with valuable supporting information in approximately 7-10 days.
  4. A more conclusive environmental test for mold and mycotoxins called the EMMA Test can be done through Real time Labs. There are some medical diagnostics that can be done at the doctor or on your own by ordering the tests on the internet. I caution this approach only because reading the diagnostic results can be confusing and overwhelming.

Going through a doctor or a lab who can help you go over your results in detail is always the best approach.

  1. An IgG test for mold antigens will determine if your body has antibodies for specific molds. This can indicate an allergy to mold.
  2. A Mycotoxin urine test is done by Real Time Labs or Great Plains Laboratory. While not foolproof or definitive, if you are actively secreting mycotoxins in your urine, it is a good indication of current or past mold exposure.

The Most Significant Challenge We All Face: Getting the Right Doctor to Treat for Mold

Proximity of Sinus Mucosa to the Brain

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick HousesSince the majority of mold is inhaled, the largest concentration of mycotoxins exists in the sinus mucosal tissue. Currently, there are no diagnostics to test for mycotoxins in the sinuses. Because the sinuses reside adjacent to the cerebral spinal fluid around the brain, direct exposure to the brain can cause significant neurological symptoms without being detected in a urine test for mycotoxins. I know of few cases where ENTs have removed damaged tissue from the sinuses during surgery and have tested that tissue for mycotoxins after the procedure (similar to a cancer biopsy). This is NOT the norm for most ENTs I have encountered, though. In fact, I only know of one who has embraced this practice. Most ENTs refer patients with neurological symptoms to a neurologist.

 

Fungal Ball removed from Sinuses

 

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick HousesIt is a significant challenge to even find ENTs who treat fungal sinusitis other than surgical removal of “fungal balls.” I receive numerous accounts of patients seeing ENTs for mold without success or frustrated with the outcome. It is also rare for an ENT or any specific specialist to treat the body in an integrative manner. This is no fault of theirs as the specialty that they are licensed to practice is very focused. The burden to find such doctors falls on the patients.

I would be grateful to anyone who would share their experience of being treated for mold by their ENT. I know there are ENTs out there that treat sinuses for mold and mycotoxins. I would love to be able to direct suffering patients to see them. It is frustrating to attempt to find a local ENT that treats both fungal infections and mycotoxins in the sinuses. Knowledge of these ENTs successfully treating sinuses for mold and mycotoxins could be life-changing for people to know of their existence. Please feel free to comment on your experiences.

© 2020 Cesar Collado All Rights Reserved

 

 

About the Author: Cesar Collado

Cesar Collado is a former pharmaceutical R&D executive, venture capitalist, and seasoned strategy consultant in biotechnology and technology industries in general. He currently works as an advisor to multiple technology start-ups and advises several companies that provide healthcare and other services for environmental illness.

The Body’s Toxic Load

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Understanding the “Body Burden” is Important When Choosing a Home

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses

 

By Cesar Collado

The Toxic Load (sometimes called the “Body Burden”) is the accumulated amount of toxins affecting your bodily systems at any given time. Toxins are significant stressors to all bodily systems, the immune system, and even your mental state.  Every day we are bombarded with thousands of toxins.  We inhale them, eat them, and can absorb them through the skin.  

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses

Toxins come from many sources in our industrialized world.  There are 80,000 chemicals known to the EPA and just a fraction of them have been studied to know their toxic effects.  Regardless, known or unknown toxins are utilized in the production processes for building materials, paints and finishes, flame retardants, household cleaners, personal products, air fresheners, candles, air pollutants, and even medicines and food products. Pesticides, preservatives and pollutants can contaminate the foods we eat and the water we drink, cook and bathe with. But, our bodies are equipped to metabolize only a fixed amount of toxins in our lives.  Then, when a person is overexposed to mold, their body can reach its toxic tipping point, and an immediate, catastrophic health reaction occurs. What happens then?  

Our Bodies and Toxins

Our body has natural abilities to metabolize and excrete toxins.  Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick HousesWhen exposed to toxins, our livers and kidneys are somewhat effective in metabolizing them and removing them via the digestive and perspiration systems. However, if the amount of toxins exceeds the body’s ability to rid itself from them, they can be stored in fat and tissues. This is particularly important for those of us that carry little or significant excess fat.  When we lose weight, these toxins are released into our bodies where they will continue to be circulated, absorbed, metabolized and excreted. In the event toxins reach organs or even the brain by penetrating the blood brain barrier, devastating disorders, including neurological and cognitive problems can result.

The “Body Burden”

Consider a bucket being filled with water.  Once it is full, water spills over the side and can go anywhere.  The body’s ability to metabolize toxins operates in a similar fashion. When a person is exposed to toxins from a variety of sources over time, their bucket fills until it cannot remove additional toxins.  Whatever is in your “bucket” is your Body Burden or Toxic Load. Since our bodies can only metabolize a fixed amount of toxins over our lifetimes, our toxic load can be reached slowly over time or rapidly and all at once by a significant exposure to any toxin. Depending on a person’s life choices, circumstances, medical and family history, and body composition, it is possible for a person to reach their lifetime limit in just an instant.

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses

Not everyone is exposed to hazardous toxins in their lives.  Those who are exposed at work are trained to take necessary safety precautions, and workplace environments are regulated to manage the risk.  On rare occasions, when a worker may be exposed to a specific hazard, medical treatment and protocols are followed. 

However, many of the environments we live in contain toxic chemicals and pollutants that we will likely absorb in some manner over time.   The air we breathe outdoors can be polluted.  Chlorine and fluoride are present in our drinking waters. Some heavy metals are essential nutrients (typically iron, cobalt, and zinc).  Others, such as cadmium, mercury, and lead, are highly poisonous.

Pesticides are used in landscaping and farming. New construction is built with materials that are treated with flame retardants, adhesives, and other processes that involve toxic chemicals. Paints can have Volatile Organic Compounds (“VOCs”). Home furnishings, paints, and carpets often off-gas chemicals for a period of time.

The critical message here is that once you reach your toxic burden, your body becomes ultra-sensitive to many environmental elements.  Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (“MCS”) can make almost any environment toxic to someone who has reached their Body Burden or Toxic Load.  After your bucket is full, regular household and personal products become extremely toxic, even in miniscule amounts.

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses

Why is Mold Exposure Critical to the “Toxic Load Discussion”?

Mold, albeit an antigen or pathogen, also triggers an immune response which is different than the histamine response produced by most allergens.  In an allergic response, antihistamines and steroids may be prescribed and effective.  The mold inflammatory response exacerbates debilitating conditions. To make matters worse, many common species of mold release potent mycotoxins (poisonous chemicals) that can impact the body slowly over time or severely, if they reach the many organs in the body, including the brain. 

Mold and their mycotoxins make up a very small portion of the possible toxic elements to our bodies.  However, when humidity or moisture, due to a common roof or plumbing leak, humid weather, or poor water management meet any organic material (including dust, fabric, wallpaper, wood, and carpet), mold can begin to grow.  Mold reproduces at alarming rates and can proliferate throughout our homes to reach dangerous levels very quickly.  Any disruption of the mold can release billions of microscopic mold spores into the air we breathe.  (Mold most often is inhaled and then can reproduce rapidly in our bodies.)  Mold mycotoxins can be inhaled into our sinuses where they are microns away from our brains. Therefore, mold is likely the greatest threat to any normal person in a normal environment to push them to reach their toxic load immediately. The fallout is a debilitating ultra-sensitivity that can handicap their ability to enjoy life.

Exposure Possibilities

Any mold infestation where you can see it or smell it is likely a very dangerous situation for even healthy inhabitants.  If it is a minor infestation, any DIY person can take safety precautions like a N95 face mask and gloves and follow clear directions to remediate it themselves.  Larger infestations that penetrate walls or severely water damaged homes are health hazards. These should be remediated by a professional.  Also, musty, damp basements or crawlspaces can have an overwhelming amount of mold.  Without professional containment, and removal you risk disrupting the mold and releasing spores and toxins into the air. If this occurs, the mold can then be distributed throughout the home through the HVAC system.  Simply living in such environments can lead someone to reach their toxic load immediately, and have to deal with a lifetime of debilitating sensitivities when exposed to minimal amounts of mold or chemicals thereafter.  

When you are living in a home with mold, regardless of whether it is during a repair or while you have little control of the situation, there are things you can do to limit the toxic burden on your body:

  • Treat the how’s with Haven Fog, a denser. smoke like fog, that rises and filled the entire space volume of HVAC to to flood the  ductwork and hair handler.  Read more about hot fogging HERE.
  • Cold fogging with the Haven Mister and Haven Mold  Solution will easily keep the mold counts down while you await repairs or find another mold-safe home. You can also use Remedy Mold Solution Concentrate to do the job.
  • Using Haven Spray on virtually any surface will also keep mold levels down. It is less efficient and time consuming than cold fogging; however, it works.
  • Burning Remedy Air Purification Candles will quickly impact  your immediate environment will significantly reduce mold and mycotoxin counts from the air in the areas you relax or work in.

Other Factors to Consider

Modern Medicine Limitations

When we go to the physician when we are sick, we are diagnosed based on our symptoms and treated with medicines.  The medicines themselves could also be toxic.  Where we are particularly vulnerable is that many symptoms of toxic burden are similar to those of many chronic illnesses. These symptoms can steer us to many medical specialists who will have us cycling through many medicines. Most general practice physicians and practitioners see numerous patients each hour; and there is little time to investigate every patient’s individual exposure to toxins in their environments.  Unfortunately, most of the burden to recognize toxins in our environments and food falls on us, the patients.  The only way to address this is to educate ourselves and seek physicians or other health care professionals that diagnose and treat environmental illness.

The Modern Diet

Over the past several decades, the industrialization of the food industry has introduced toxins in exceedingly high amounts to our diets. You can read more about gut health in an earlier published article HERE. 

Ways to Ease Your Toxic Burden

  • Eat Organic.  Non-organic foods expose you to pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers, antibiotics, hormones, artificial flavors and sweeteners.
  • Avoid consuming fish that are high in mercury.
  • Decrease your intake of sugars and other carbohydrates. These foods feed fungus and lead to fungal overgrowth in the body.
  • Switch to green or all-natural cleaning products.  Avoid bleach and ammonia.
  • Hydrate well with filtered water. Water helps to dilute and flush out toxins.
  • Improve the quality of your air by cleaning for mold regularly and investing in an air purifier.
  • Try to use glass instead of plastic containers with BPA.
  • Choose natural, organic personal products.
  • Use natural fibers, like wool or cotton when decorating your home. Also, limit use of carpet in favor or natural fiber rugs, hardwood floors or ceramic tiles.
  • Service your HVAC regularly replacing HEPA filters every few months.
  • Consider seeing a physician that treats environmental illness when suffering from a mysterious illness your general practitioner has trouble diagnosing.
© 2020, Cesar Collado, All Rights Reserved

Chemicals and Headaches

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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity 

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

By Cesar Collado

Many people experience debilitating headaches when exposed to everyday chemicals in their environments.

A common question asked to me regards Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.  In fact, I received the following  request from an individual who read one of my articles:

“Thank you, Cesar, for being our advocate. Your article is once again, incredibly timely as my in-laws just told me three days ago that everything my husband and I are going through (pertaining to my mold-related illness) is MY FAULT. They proceeded to tell me that my husband needs a ‘normal wife’ and a ‘normal life’  It was incredibly painful to hear. Reading your article was validating for me and much appreciated. I noticed however, that you didn’tt write anything about chemical sensitivity and how/why  it is associated with mold.”

Thanks,   D.  🙂

What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (“MCS”)

Our bodies are designed to process moderate amounts of foreign antigens and toxins from our environment. Normally, chemical toxin exposure occurs slowly with low levels over  a long period of time. Chemicals can reach the blood system via inhalation, ingestion, or through the skin. Most encounters are subtle or quick like entering a freshly painted room and exiting or eating an unwashed fruit or vegetable.  Our metabolism can address these levels.  However, when exposure is long or extreme, we cannot metabolize the chemicals fast enough and they are stored in fat and tissues in a queue to be metabolized.

More often, we hear about chemical exposure when we read about pesticides, plastics, pollution, gases, or some type of “spill” resulting in an environmental concern.  Symptoms from chemical exposure can be severe or mild.

These include:

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

Toxic Load

Direct exposure to toxic chemicals can result in any combination of these symptoms as well. When serious exposure occurs, a person can reach their toxic load. It is when this occurs that the person becomes ultrasensitive to chemical exposure. However, when chemical exposure occurs slowly over time, the same result occurs. The body reaches its toxic load and they too can become ultra-sensitive to chemicals in the environment.

Mold Exposure and Toxic Load

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

While molds itself is not a chemical, they actually produces secondary metabolites that are chemicals. Many of these “chemicals” can accumulate in various tissues in the body, including sinus tissues. Some mold species produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) that are potent mycotoxins that can cause severe illness and acute toxicity. When a person receives an extreme exposure to mold, they can reach their toxic load immediately. As a result, mold sufferers can experience the symptoms of MCS from then on. The impact of even the smallest of exposures can be dramatic. People can get headaches, feel sick, or have a sense of panic. I don’t think I am capable of describing the discomfort and misery described to me by mold patients with chemical sensitivity. Because chemicals are everywhere, there is a feeling of hopelessness in addition to panic and misery.

Sensitivity can diminish when the person properly detoxes under a physician’s supervision with nutrition, diet, and treatment. However, sensitivity can remain throughout their lives. In addition, many common indoor molds produce mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can be chemicals substances or gases. They can become airborne or become cast aways by attaching dust that often becomes airborne. Ironically, when home contents are very dusty, dusting can the cause for the dust particles becoming airborne, making the probability of exposure much more likely. Regular dusting is important to maintaining a mold freeenvironment. Wear a mask while dusting if significant dust accumulates. Using duster that attracts dust or a HEPA vacuum in these instances.

Mold and mycotoxins do not die and simply go away when not cleaned or removed. Mold can become dormant and mycotoxins can dry over time and break. These fragments of the toxins can be just as harmful as the entire molecule. Mycotoxin poisoning is much more severe than simple mold exposure. A common misbelief is that mold sufferers might not be exposed to mycotoxins. However, this is unlikely because common indoor molds include mycotoxin producing molds such as aspergillus, penicillium, and stachybotrys. These molds seem to flourish in water damaged homes, because the gypsum/paper drywall that is used absorbs water and mycotoxins are consistently found in these situations when tested.

Chemicals Everywhere!

There are over 80,000 chemicals that are cataloged as known by the EPA. 

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

Hundred are considered dangerous.. We are exposed to any number chemicals in our indoor environments every day. The EPA reviews only a small fraction of the compounds currently used in production. It would take centuries for the EPA to review all chemicals at the current rate of 20 per year.1. To date, the EPA has been successful in banning only 5  substances, and only with specific applications.

The 5 Banned Chemicals are:

Asbestos, Chlorofluorocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”), dioxin, and hexavent chromium.  

In the US EPA, Chemicals are “innocent until proven guilty.” Under the law, the EPA cannot request testing of chemicals without having evidence a risk is likely.

 However, any household furnishings are treated with flame retardants. This includes curtains, rugs, furniture, ect. They off gas these chemicals over time. Building materials made of manufactured wood are made using formaldehyde, a cancer-causing agent. Personal care products can contain chemicals. For example, there are over 1,000 chemicals banned in Europe that are used in cosmetics in the US. Pesticides are used in agricultural products we eat. Household cleaning agents contain harmful chemicals. Fragrances in air fresheners, fabric softeners, and household cleaners contain chemicals. These are just a few examples.

Industrial chemicals and solvents are used in many manufacturing processes of many goods and services we use. It is important to note that the industries that use and sell products that use chemicals that may not be safe have extensive lobbying efforts and promote the safety of these chemicals.

 

For example, The AmericanChemical Society  FAQ section of their formaldehyde fact sheet states: “People actually produce and exhale formaldehyde themselves. If a person is exposed to external sources of formaldehyde, the body breaks it down rapidly. Formaldehyde is one of the most-well studied substances and we know a lot about how to use it safely. The general effects of formaldehyde on the human body are well-known. According to the large body of research available, the levels of formaldehyde to which the public is exposed are not high enough to cause adverse health effects.”  

 

Here is an absurd promotional piece from chemical companies lobbying efforts.

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity with Traditional Medicine

MCS, also referred to as idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI),is a valid diagnosis. Its classification as a standalone disease makes the diagnosis elusive. Its validity has been met with some controversy. It is referred to as more of a “syndrome” because the symptoms are chronic and vague with no known cause. There is little literature that addresses possible causes. However, the Gulf War, 9-11, and the BP Oil Spill provided huge amounts of data from victims collocated in areas providing evidence that a toxic exposure to chemicals can result in MCS.

When there is a water damaged home, mycotoxins from aspergillus and Penicillium are commonly present in the home. These secondary metabolites are chemical toxins that can have severe impact on several of the body’s organ systems and the brain. “What Happens When Toxins Get to Your Brain” provides detailed information on the topic.

Common practice for many medical physician specialties is to punt the issue to psychiatry. This is because of the symptoms  overlap with depression and anxiety disorders. When treated as the central diagnosis, it is often met with a multi-disciplinary approach involving multiple physician specialties to explore all of the potential causes. Because of the inability to conclusively diagnose the disease, it often leads to exploration of psychiatric illness or  psychosomatic symptoms..  Environmental physicians have theories that MCS is a result of abnormalities in the NMDA pathways. Nmethyl-D-aspartate-receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic glutamate receptors that function in synaptic transmission, plasticity andcognition. Malfunction of NMDARs has been implicated in a variety of nervous system disorders. Hypersensitive to monosodium glutamate and glutamate. This may explain why such a diverse number of chemicals can elicit the same biological responses. Because NMDA is important in synaptic plasticity (increases and decreases in activity) and memory. These theories sometimes lead to trying to use psychiatric or neurological pharmaceutical solutions.

Treatment for MCS should still center on reducing the toxic Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity burden on the body vs. symptomatic relief through a trial and error effort with antidepressants and anti-convulsive medicines. The body has to metabolize and excrete chemicals itself.  Because MCS is often triggered by the olfactory nerve, patients can suffer a form of PTSD.  A whiff of something can trigger a full involuntary physical response.  This is a complicated issue that is often treaded by addressing the limbic system of the brain can be successfully utilized to reduce symptoms. It has proven efficacious for many patients to rewire the way their  brains process the sensory information to alleviate the symptoms and physical reactions.  More research is definitely needed, but limbic system retraining is a promising treatment thus far.

Mold Sickness and MCS as a Symptom

 

Mold and mycotoxins can impact or even shut down detoxification pathways. As a result, mold sufferers can become chemically sensitive. Chemical Sensitivity is a very real symptom of mold sickness. I have heard from countless patients about the impact chemical exposure has on their wellbeing. Just a whiff of perfume, chemical fragrances, fresh paint, or new carpet off-gassing can debilitate a mold sufferer very quickly.  Leaving the area is usually the only solution. Chemical off-gassing does occur over time and the chemicals in the air diminish as ventilation will slowly remove air contaminants.

Other medical issues can make matters worse. Heavy Metal poisoning, Lyme disease, and other coinfections can be exacerbated by mold. MCS can become paralyzing with these patients.

What  Can You Do?

 

When a person in the household is suffering from mold exposure, there are certain steps that should be taken as a precaution for all symptoms, including MCS. First and foremost, address the mold issue ASAP. Mold reproduces quickly and aerosolized spores are very common air pollutants. Getting the person out of the moldy environment, even temporarily can provide significant relief.

Making every effort to make and keep your home safe from chemicals is essential. Many chemicals arestored and used in our homes. Eliminating the utilization of products containing chemical pollutants and monitoring the storage of essential items can make a large difference. It is also important to note that service provider’s products should be monitored to ensure your home is not saturated with chemicals.

Common Cleaning Products That Cause Problems for MCS Sufferers:

  • Many laundry detergents containing cationic, anionic, or non- ionic solutions;
  • Fabric softeners have chemical fragrances and cellulose that also serves as “mold food.”  Then, contaminated clothing stays with you throughout the day;  
  • Household cleaners containing ammonia, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), ethylene glycol, monobutyl acetate;
  • Toilet bowl cleaners containing sodium bisulfate, 5-dimethyldantoin, hydrochloric acid, & phenol;
  • Mold and mildew cleaners containing chlorine and alkyl ammonium chlorides;
  • Drain cleaners containing lye and sulfuric acid;
  • Dishwashing detergents containing cationic, anionic, or non- ionic solutions plus phosphates;
  • Antibacterial cleaners containing ammonia, bleach, cresol, phenol, lye, triclosan, and pine oil; Window and glass cleaners containing ammonia or isopropanol;

Specialty Cleaning Products:

  • Rug, carpet, and upholstery cleaners containing perchloroethylene, & naphthalene;
  • Furniture polish containing ammonia, naphtha, nitrobenzene, petroleum distillates, and phenol;
  • Oven cleaners containing Lye;
  • Car air fresheners and fragrances.
  • Air Fresheners and fragrances:
  • Air fresheners containing formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p-dichlorobenzene, aerosol propellants;
  • Freshener sprays that are used to mask bacterial or mold musty smells.
  • Chemicals Commonly Stored but that should be monitored for tight containment:
  • Paints and solvents;
  • Antifreeze;
  • Motor oil;
  • Batteries;
  • Windshield washer fluid;
  • Lubricants;
  • Glues/adhesives;
  • Pesticides (Chemical pesticides should never be used indoors);
  • Fertilizers.

Foods purchased:

  • Produce treated with Pesticides should be washed or organic should be consumed. Organic produce must also be washed and treated as well. They are often sources of contamination from bacteria like ecoli from the soil and natural fertilizers.
  • Personal hygiene products and cosmetics.  As the body detoxifies and the toxic burden is lowered, because the mold is no longer causing chronic inflammation and toxicity, tolerance of these chemicals can improve over time. The body’s metabolism will  begin to free up and expel the toxic build-up and will process minor exposures more efficiently. Avoiding direct exposure as many chemicals as possible will go a long way to avoiding unnecessary reactions or symptoms.

There are a variety of home cleaning solutions that can be readily made using natural products

  • https://hybridrastamama.com/recipes/?fwp_recipes=non-toxic-cleaning or
  • https://wellnessmama.com/6244/natural-cleaning/are good places to start.

Prevent Mold from Becoming a Problem in the First Place:

  • Keep humidity between 40-50% to avoid moisture levels conducive to mold growth;
  • Use a HEPA Air Purifier to maintain low levels of harmful pollutants in the air;
  • Regular fogging or spraying BioBalance Haven Mist will help keep the fungal count in the air lower;
  • Remedy Air Mainenance Candles can eliminate mold and mycotoxins in the immediate air where you spend your time. You can use Agrumax Dietary Supplement beyond nasal rinsing.
  • Maintain mold free bed linens, clothing, and towels with Remedy Laundry Liquid.
  • Clean Carpets or upholstery with Haven Clean.

 

  1. Scialla , Mark. It could take centuries for EPA to test all the unregulated chemicals under a new landmark bill. PBS Newshour/Science. June 22, 2016

 

© 2020, Cesar Collado, All Rights Reserved

Weather and Climate Disasters

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With Natural Disasters in the Headlines Almost Every Day. The Link Between the Two is Undeniable

 

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

By Cesar Collado

While I am not going to discuss the pandemic the current pandemic (media over exposure), I am addressing the continuous growing role the climate and our environment is playing in our abilities to stay healthy and continue to earn a living.  Newly identified microbes such as candida aureus pose the potential for a life threatening “super bug” fungal threat. Recently, it was published that a toxin created by a rare algae is killing eagles. And we have the red tides in Florida contaminating waterways and beaches. 

Growing up in the 70s, I remember very few natural disasters. As a matter of fact, few natural disasters occurred during my first 3 decades of life. Movies like “Earthquake” (1974), “Avalanche” (1978), and“ When Time Ran Out” (1980 Volcano) provided my only frames of reference to the destruction and magnitude that such events could bring. These movies, of course, provided Hollywood’s version, with nature as the villain, and were closer to watching foreign matinee movies involving aliens or giant monsters than to the reality of actually living through such disasters.

The 1980s Mount St. Helens Volcano eruption was the first natural disaster I experienced through watching television footage of the action and fallout. Hurricane Andrew (1992) was the first Category 4-5 hurricane that could be viewed on television. Seeing the destruction as it played out allowed viewers to feel empathy for the victims. I also recall seeing California wild fires outside of the window of an airplane in 2003. Not to mention the fact that the US had not experienced war on US soil in the decades after Pearl Harbor. Not until the fateful events of September 11, 2001 was the first manmade catastrophe able to be witnessed by all.

During the past few years, the variety of catastrophic natural disasters have almost become regular “Modern Day Plagues” that have hit most of the US states and its territories. The environmental illness and health ramifications will be continuously felt for the foreseeable future.  When I bought my first home in 1997, I learned about the “100 Year Storm.” At the time, insurance statisticians predicted a major natural disaster at a 1% chance in any given year. In my opinion, though, Hurricane Katrina (2005) was the  beginning of what seems to be the “100 Year” disaster concept. Since Katrina, it seems like there have been an onslaught of disasters occurring yearly and causing massive destruction, economic fallout, and an epidemic of environmental illness not seen before this time period.

Worth mentioning is the fact that most physicians currently in practice had their training prior to this time of frequent natural disasters.  The following quote sums up the scarcity of trained medical professionals who even consider the events of nature as they relate to increased illness and disease in impacted areas: “The paucity of specialists trained in environmental medicine (i.e., occupational medicine and other

preventive medicine specialties and subspecialties), coupled with the lack of adequate general medical education on how to prevent, diagnose, refer, or treat patients exposed to hazardous substances in the environment, contributes to lost opportunities for primary prevention or early intervention to mitigate or minimize the environmentally-related disease burden.” 1.

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

As you can see in the image, the events of 2017 capture the catastrophic impact and costs associated with the strength of Mother Nature. These weather events caused great destruction in many ways to entire communities. In many cases, cities were leveled leaving inhabitants homeless in the midst of danger and financial uncertainty. Most homeowners did not have adequate insurance coverage, because the “100 Year Storm” was not likely to occur. Looking at differences in the rise of “disaster-based” coverage from just 2017 through 2021, I can speculate that that same reliance on the 1% probability is no longer the norm.

The Hazards Inherent to Hurricanes and Flooding Negatively Impact Human Health

The destruction caused by natural disasters can release many toxic microbes and chemical toxins into the air and water. There are a number of processes that act on debris from disasters. There is dispersion, dilution, pulverization, oxidation and reduction reactions, condensation, evaporation and volatilization, photolysis, microbial degradation and sediment sequestration. These are just some of the potential exposures that impact humans negatively. 2. Chemical hazards contaminate water and air and can harm habitants and rescuers.

Slow-dose exposure over the period of time during the fixing stage or a massive exposure can lead to individuals reaching their “toxic load” all at once. When this occurs, the body becomes hypersensitive to allergens, mold, and chemicals. This can be debilitating and lead to a lifetime of health problems. (You can read more about “Toxic Load” HERE.)

When hurricanes occur, the storm is just the beginning and habitants are faced with several waves of destruction. This includes reconstruction, financial, health, and emotional concerns that peak at various stages. You can read about the “The Five Stages of Destruction” HERE.

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

While the damage of hurricanes is well known, the fallout from flooding is a more common pain-point in communities. Sadly, though the discussion on short- and long-term health effects seems to be scarce.  Flooding occurs when prolonged rain fall exceeds the capacity of what the ground and drainage can handle.  It does not take much for a city to flood. One example that I experienced was the catastrophic flooding in Atlanta in 2009. During this event, approximately 20 inches of rainfall occurred in a 24-hour period. Over 3 days, flooding at its peak happened at the Sweetwater Creek near Austell, Georgia. The water levels were 20 feet above flood lines. The 3- day storm caused $500 M in damage3.

The environmental risk of this type of flooding is the same as a hurricane when it comes to microbial contamination. Contaminated water spreads bacteria. The combination of flood waters and organic and inorganic materials leads to mold overgrowth. Remediation in these events becomes critical; however, local help is limited, leaving homeowners in the unenviable, difficult position of deciding how to fix the situation. In many cases, proper remediation does not occur leaving mold health risks.  Water damage in homes is a singular problem that impacts all homes.  More specifically, all homes that use gypsum and paper drywall and particle boards.  These materials are conducive to specific fungi that create mycotoxins that threaten our health.  When this occurs, if it is not dried within  48 hours, it all must be replaced.  To be honest, I have no idea how people living in cities like New Orleans or Houston were able to return their lives back to normal.

Forest Fires

Forest fires have been common for many years in the drier western United States. They seem to be ongoing challenges in states like California, where drought conditions have been common over the past 2 decades. Forest fire smoke and haze contains particulatematter. These particulates contain a mixture of microscopic solids and liquid droplets suspended in the air. Acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil and dust particles, and fragments of pollen or mold spores are all abundantly present. Because the particle size can be as small as 2.5 microns, they can penetrate deeply into sinus and lung tissues to cause illness, and, in the worst situations, may even get into the blood circulation.

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

Long-term exposure to pollutants increases the risk of chronic sinusitis, respiratory disease (asthma), and heart and lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also accelerate the process of the narrowing and hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis, the main cause of heart attacks and strokes.4. Finally, you cannot ignore mold illness due to water-damaged homes that are often soaked while being defended by firefighters Hazards of Volcanic Ash.  A multitude of dangerous particulates and gases, such as aerosols, are carried in volcanic ash. Some of these

Include Carbon dioxide, Sulfates (sulfur dioxide), Hydrochloric acid, and Hydrofluoric acid.  Volcanic ash contaminates the biosphere through inhalation by humans and animals, and can affect crops growing in an area with large amounts of ash. Volcanic ash can also contaminate the water supply.

2018: Hawaii Volcano Eruptions Releases Harmful Gases

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

When inhaled, ash is deposited in air passages and sinus and lung cells.  Respiratory disease and eye damage are common. Inhalation can also lead to Silicosis. Silicosis is a disease resulting in lung impairment and scarring from exposure to particles of free crystalline silica. Minerals that are associated with silicosis include quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite, all potentially present in volcanic ash. This year Hawaii was hit by both a Volcano eruption and a hurricane. Episodic sickness has recently been observed in residents and tourists in Hawaii who got too close to the volcanic activity during hikes or helicopter tours.5.

Blizzards and Other Cold Weather Storms

Blizzards aren’t just heavy snow storms. They are classified by large amounts of snow, winds (35 mph or higher) and visibility of less than 1/4 mile. These conditions must also be present for three hours or more, but they can go on for weeks. Blizzards don’t just pose a danger to the health of people, they also threaten the environment, including the health of local plants and animals.

Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, chemical sensitivity

Blizzard of January 2018

Blizzards have the potential to cause significant damage to entire forests, which then release carbon during decay. The excess carbon causes an imbalance in the local ecosystem, which impacts other plants and wildlife. When other plants and flora are killed during a blizzard, their lack of availability also impacts the food supply for local animals and wildlife. They also cause water damage due to freezing and breakage of water pipes. When pipes break, the same risks of flooding and mold and fungal damage are present. Because of the magnitude of snow, the weather cycle is disrupted, resulting in heavy accumulation of water vapor in the atmosphere. That can lead to greater rainfall throughout the rest of the year, including heavy storms. Those storms can then raise water levels and impact plant and animal populations.6.

Things to Consider:

All of these Natural Disasters have been experienced by readers or likely someone they know; Medical training for environmental illness is inadequate given that the majority of physicians in the US were trained prior to this overabundance of disasters across the US. The impact on an individual’s emotional state cannot be ignored, and diseases like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological ailments are very real.The rise in psychological trauma post-impact from disasters like Hurricane Katrina and others are now being researched. (You can read about “The Debilitating Path of Mold Illness” HERE). The burden of seeking physician help still  falls on the victims.  Proactively seeking physicians who treat environmental illness can be difficult.

What You Can Do to Be Prepared:

  • Safety gear like N95 Masks should be maintained along with other emergency requirements often suggested by local officials prior to these events. Stores often run out prior to predicted disasters. 
  • Masks and gloves for everyone in the household can be invaluable.
  • A HEPA Air Purifier or Air Scrubber can filter all the air in your home air quickly so it is safe to breathe. These tools can mitigate the risk of exacerbating chronic illnesses.
  • Maintaining your living space will mitigate the risk of breathing contaminated air in your home.
  • I have my favorite natural, non-toxic, botanical based products that can help you maintain your living space regarding mold and fungus. 
    • BioBalance fogging solutions provide a home scaled effort to reduce mold and other microbes. They produce a hot fog which can fill the home volume of air and penetrate cracks and crevices as well as flow through your HVAC system.  
    • Citrisafe Remedy line Mold Solution Spray and Concentrate, Remedy Laundry Liquid, Remedy Candles, and 
    • Agrumax Dietary Supplement to be used with a nasal rinse system can rince away mold spores and toxins during this process.   
    • Immunolytics  provides petri dish tests with lab results to confirm mold and fungi genus that are impacting the home.  This is the least complex means of laboratory testing that can easily utilized by consumers. 
Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, mold spray, mold solution
Environmental Hazards, Mold in Homes, Sick Houses, mold spray, mold solution
mold test kits, home inspection DIY, sick houses
 
About the Author:

Cesar Collado is a former pharmaceutical R&D executive, venture capitalist, and seasoned strategy consultant in biotechnology and technology industries in general. He currently works as an advisor to multiple technology start-ups in multiple industries and advises several companies that provide healthcare and other services for environmental illness. Read More…

 

1. Kimberly S. Gehle, MD, MPH et. al. “Integrating Environmental Health into Medical Education”, Am Journal of Preventive Med 2011;41(4S3): S296 –S301

2. Knap, Anthony, “Environmental exposures due to natural disasters”, Reviews on Environmental Health, 2016-03-16

3. Atlanta Floods 5th Anniversary, September 15-22, 2009, National Weather Service, September 2014

4. Raymond, Vanessa, “How Smoke from Forest Fires Affects Your Health”, July 31, 2018, Rightasrain.uwmedicine.org.

5. Williams, Gretchen, “Volcanic Ash: More Than Just A Science Project.” https://serc.carleton.edu

6. Magher, Maria, “Do Blizzards affect the environment?”, https://education.seattlepi.com/

© 2020, Cesar Collado, All Rights Reserved