Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), is a condition caused by excessive exposure to biotoxins. These can include environmental contaminants, like chemicals, metals, and even toxins formed by living organisms, such as molds, bacteria, and algae. It is estimated that one out of four individuals are predisposed to developing the syndrome if they come across a biotoxin and have a prior sensitizing event, like an acute respiratory infection or Lyme’s disease.
Recognition of Mold Illness Symptoms
The risk of CIRS is quite high, with 43% of buildings facing current water damage and 85% showing earlier water damage. Common indications of mold illness entail fatigue, brain fog, headaches, dizziness, sore muscles, and extra sensitivity to light. Additionally, persistent gastrointestinal issues and extreme post-exertion malaise are also symptomatic of CIRS. Diagnosis can be hard due to overlapping, non-disease-specific symptoms.
Implementing an Effective Treatment for CIRS
Fortunately, CIRS is a treatable condition, reflecting appropriate strategies to remove the affected individual from the source of biotoxins, reinforce the immune system, and address the underlying causes. For successful treatment, it is essential to seek a healthcare professional familiar with CIRS. Prevention of CIRS includes ensuring the indoor humidity remains between 30-50%, and the ERMI dust test done in the house should be done in case of the potential presence of molds in the environment. ERMI test shows the historical presence of mold spores or fragments in the house, but it does not specify the source of mold. Unfortunately, ERMI is not perfect and has to be interpreted properly to avoid false negative results. Finding hidden sources of mold in the house is definitely an art, not just a skill. Most mold inspectors miss the sources of hidden mold, which is hiding behind the walls and under our appliances (such as leaking dishwashers and washing machines).
Mold illness is an unmerciful disorder with a far-reaching impact on the physical and emotional well-being of a person. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of the hazards of biotoxins and take preventive as well as therapeutic approaches in case of suspected CIRS.
Understanding Mold Illness & Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
Elevated levels of indoor humidity and water-damaged buildings can cause mold growth in as little as 24- 48 hours, giving rise to a variety of illnesses termed collectively as Mold or Biotoxin Illness. Commonly known as chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), this multi-system, multi-symptom condition involves a wide array of biotoxins being produced from the growth of fungi, actinomycetes, molds, bacteria, and other microorganisms. It is an exposure to a toxic soup that makes people sick. But NOT everyone gets the overt symptoms: some people have none to very mild symptoms, while others suffer a significant impairment and deterioration of their quality of life. It is especially hard when only 1-2 members of the family get sick, while others do not notice any symptoms. People who do not notice symptoms may not experience the symptoms as they are better genetically at detoxification of the mycotoxins or any other toxins. While exposure to airborne biotoxins from mold is probably the most common cause of mold illness, other lipid-containing surface components derived from bacteria, inflammations,beta-glucan and hemolysin exotoxins, as well as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that happen due to the deterioration/rotting of the drywall may also trigger its development in susceptible individuals.
Whatโs So Alarming About CIRS?
Recent studies by Dr. Shoemaker suggest that up to 25 percent of individuals may be genetically prone to develop CIRS when exposed to biotoxins and have suffered a priming event such as an upper respiratory infection or a tick-borne disease. However, 2 percent of the population may have a higher risk profile and develop this debilitating condition after repeated exposure to biotoxins. But why is CIRS so commonly experienced despite water-damaged buildings being only 43% of the constructions surveyed by the Federal Facilities Council?
Indoor Humidity & Biotoxin Formation
While water damage is a major risk factor for mold illness, indoor humidity levels above 50-60% may also cause mold growth and biotoxin formation in areas not affected by moisture damage. Fungal growth leads to the formation of perylene acid and mycotoxins, bio-toxins from actinomycetes, bacterial endotoxins, micro-VOCs, and irritants. All these biotoxins can combine to cause CIRS and lead to inflammation, edema, and various multi-systemic symptoms.
Preventive Measures To Avoid CIRS
Given such a high prevalence of CIRS due to mold exposure, certain preventive measures can go a long way in reducing the incidence of this debilitating condition in susceptible individuals. It is recommended to ensure proper air ventilation in buildings to maintain indoor humidity levels below 50-60 % and address moisture damage or water-logged areas as soon as it is noted. Discouraging the growth of mold through regular inspections and raising awareness about the health risks associated with mold can also help in preventing CIRS and the associated reactive mold illnesses.