Who should be tested for mold illness or mycotoxins?

Mold is everywhere outdoors—and sometimes indoors. While our bodies are designed to detoxify mold mycotoxins, some people have genetics that make this process less efficient. I call them “mold canaries”—people who are especially sensitive to mold. Officially, they’re diagnosed with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). This explains why two people in the same moldy environment can have very different health responses.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Brain fog, memory issues, anxiety, mood swings

• Fatigue, weight gain, loss of appetite

• Numbness, tingling, tinnitus, other neurological issues

• Rashes, mast cell activation, autoimmune flare-ups

If you've had water damage—from leaks, floods, or high humidity—it’s important to consider testing. Mold can grow in hidden places like walls, under flooring, in cars, or in HVAC systems. Areas with over 50% humidity, especially basements, are prime spots for mold growth.

Signs of water damage include:

• Bubbling or peeling paint

• Warped baseboards or materials

• Cracked grout

• Musty odors

• Discoloration or staining

Tests I recommend:

• Urine mycotoxin test: Detects mold toxins your body may not be eliminating.

• VCS (Visual Contrast Sensitivity) test: A non-invasive test to assess neurological impact from toxins.

• TGF beta 1 test: Measures inflammation markers often elevated in mold illness.

• ERMI test: A DIY dust test to check for mold in specific areas of concern.

These tests help detect hidden mold exposure and identify people suffering from mold-related illness. If you have any of these symptoms and have had water damage in your home, office, or car, testing can guide you toward effective treatment. It’s essential to work with a functional medicine clinician certified in mold illness to get the best care.