Researched and written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, Retired Pharmacist, and Founder of Prevail Over Cancer.
Mold and fungus are more than just household nuisances — they may pose serious health risks, including contributing to cancer development. While not all mold exposure leads to disease, particular species produce mycotoxins, toxic compounds that have been linked to liver, kidney, and esophageal cancers. This Prevail Over Cancer blog post examines the science behind mold-related health risks, provides guidance on testing your environment and body, and offers actionable strategies to minimize exposure.
⚠️ Health Concerns Linked to Mold and Mycotoxins
Mold exposure can trigger:
🧫 What Are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by molds, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Stachybotrys. These compounds can contaminate indoor environments and food supplies, and they’re known to be carcinogenic, immunosuppressive, and neurotoxic.
🌍 How Common Is Mold Exposure?
Mold is ubiquitous. According to the CDC, mold spores are present in most indoor and outdoor environments. However, chronic exposure in water-damaged buildings or contaminated food can lead to toxic buildup.
🏠 Sources of Mold and Fungus
Mold thrives in damp, poorly ventilated spaces. Common sources include:
🧪 How to Test Your Home or Workplace
Petri Dish (Settling Plate) Test
This DIY method captures airborne mold spores:
For detailed instructions, see PRO-LAB’s Mold Test Kit Guide.
HVAC Sampling
Tape the petri dish to an air vent and run the system for 10 minutes. This method detects mold circulating through your ventilation system.
Professional Testing
Professional mold testing is a crucial step in identifying hidden mold growth and evaluating indoor air quality, particularly in homes or workplaces with water damage, musty odors, or unexplained health issues. Certified inspectors use a combination of air sampling, surface swabs, moisture detection, and infrared imaging to pinpoint mold hotspots and determine the type and concentration of spores present. Samples are sent to independent laboratories for analysis, ensuring accurate and unbiased results. Companies offer comprehensive services, including visual inspections, lab reports, and remediation protocols tailored to your environment. This level of testing is especially valuable for individuals with respiratory conditions, compromised immunity, or concerns about mold-related cancer risks.
How to Test Your Body for Mold and Mycotoxins
Urine Mycotoxin Testing
This is the gold standard for detecting mold toxicity in the body:
Recommended Laboratory:
To enhance accuracy, take liposomal glutathione for 5–7 days before testing to stimulate detoxification.
🧹 How to Remediate Mold in Your Environment
Effective mold remediation involves:
For a step-by-step guide, watch SBP’s Mold Remediation Tutorial.
🧘 How to Reduce Mold and Mycotoxins in Your Body
Detox Strategies
🧬 Final Thoughts
Mold and mycotoxins are silent disruptors of health. Testing your home and body, remediating exposure, and supporting detox pathways can dramatically improve outcomes, especially in cancer prevention and integrative care.
Reference Sources
[i] https://monographs.iarc.who.int/list-of-classifications
[ii] Huybrechts I, Jacobs I, Biessy C, et al. Associations between dietary mycotoxins exposures and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a European cohort. PLoS One. 2024;19(12):e0315561. Published 2024 Dec 16. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0315561 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11649147/