Mycotoxin

What it means

A mycotoxin is a chemical made by certain molds. Whether a mold actually produces mycotoxins depends on its genetics and its environment. The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) stresses that finding mold in a building does not mean mycotoxins are present. Florida’s mold licensing law includes mycotoxins in its legal definition of mold (§468.8411).

ACMT says diet is the most important source of human exposure. Known examples include aflatoxins in corn and nuts and ochratoxins in coffee and dried fruit.

Why it matters to your health and your bill

Mycotoxins are often used to sell tests and treatments. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology says direct-to-consumer urine mycotoxin tests are not FDA-approved, lack standardization, can give false results, and have no established thresholds for harm. ACMT says it is inappropriate to attribute mycotoxins in urine to a building, and calls “detox” tests and treatments medically inappropriate and costly. If a remediation company or clinic points to mycotoxins to justify a large bill, ask for the evidence in writing. Our page on mycotoxin testing explains what these position statements say.