1) A study found that the air quality in homes affected by flooding from Hurricane Harvey was as polluted as some of the world's most polluted cities due to the presence of mold and mildew. 2) Mycotoxins produced by molds can contaminate food and disrupt the normal structure of intestinal cells, causing increased permeability known as a "leaky gut". 3) To reduce exposure to mycotoxins, experts recommend avoiding grains and processed foods most exposed to mycotoxins, checking for mold in the home, and removing mold growth which commonly occurs due to high humidity or water leaks.

1. Mycotoxins from Molds:
Its Adverse Effects on
Stomach Health
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2. One year after Hurricane Harvey devastated the United States Gulf Coast, researchers have
found health risks to people living in their waterlogged homes.
A Harvard School of Public Health study used environmental sensors to monitor 30 homes
that were flooded and 30 homes that weren’t. Preliminary results revealed that the air
quality in homes affected by the flood was equal to the outdoor pollution of some of the
world’s most polluted cities like Beijing and Mumbai. According to the researchers,
pollutants such as mildew and mold are to blame for the toxic environment.
Mycotoxins and the Intestine
The presence of molds inside houses causes many respiratory problems, including sinus
infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Mold exposure may also cause rashes, runny nose,
and watery eyes. But, these are only the typical allergic reactions.
Recent research from Universiti Putra Malaysia studied mycotoxins’ impact on gut health.
Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by mold. The researchers found that mycotoxins
cause mycotoxicosis, a disease that targets the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Mycotoxins contaminate at least 25 percent of the world’s food crops, according to United
Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization. When a person ingests food contaminated with
mycotoxins, it first interacts with the gastrointestinal tract. Mycotoxins then disturb the
normal morphology or structure of the intestine’s epithelial cells. It induces a leaky gut, a
digestive condition that increases intestinal permeability, allowing bacteria and toxins to
“leak” through the intestinal wall.
Mold Formation and Exposure
To decrease exposure to mold, experts suggest avoiding a diet high in grains, processed
food, and conventionally raised meat and dairy as these are the food groups most exposed
to mycotoxins. It is also vital to check for mold formation at home. Molds grow due to high
humidity and water leaks. Leaking pipes inside the walls are the most common cause of
mold formation.
These studies show that mold isn’t just bothersome filth at home. It also poses a significant
health risk and is something that households should work to remove, especially after
statewide or regional calamities like a hurricane.

4. Sources:
https://www.anchorrestoration.com
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5834427/pdf/fcimb-08-00060.pdf
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-harvey-houston-toxic-homes-the-invisible-
health-threat/
http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2100t/x2100t08.htm
http://www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins/special_issues/mycotoxins_intestine