Trichothecenes

Trichothecene mycotoxins are a large family of potently-toxic compounds. Compared to other mycotoxins, trichothecenes are the most toxic, because they require far smaller parts per billion exposure than other mycotoxins to exert their biological effects on humans, pets (including birds), and plants.

Trichothecenes are efficiently absorbed, most notably through the respiratory tract through inhalation, as well as through the skin, eyes, and gastrointestinal system.

Unlike other mycotoxins, they don’t require metabolic activation, which means that they’re active on contact. They quickly enter systemic circulation, with peak detectable levels in blood and plasma in as little as 5 minutes after exposure.

Trichothecenes can easily move into cells and cause severe health effects, including gastroenteritis, dermal
irritation, corneal ulceration, neural toxicity, and blood cell suppression, with potential for systemic toxicity to
lead to weakness, shock, and even death in cases of significant exposure.

Within the trichothecene family, there is significant variation in toxicity. Macrocyclic trichothecenes, such as
roridins, verrucarins, and satratoxins, are generally considered to be among the most toxic trichothecenes.

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Signs & Symptoms

Skin irritation, tenderness, redness, itching, peeling (can be severe)
Weakness, muscle loss
Fatigue with lassitude
Cognitive impairment
Dizziness, loss of coordination
Blurred or changing vision
Nasal and throat irritation, pain, itching

Sneezing, runny nose, nosebleeds
Wheezing, cough (potentially bloody)
Difficulty breathing, chest pain
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting (potentially bloody)
Abdominal pain

Altered intestinal permeability
Diarrhea (potentially bloody)
Infertility
Anemia
Low blood pressure
Inability to mount a fever
Increased susceptibility to infections
Bleeding disorders

Toxicity

Trichothecenes are significantly more toxic than the well-known chemical agent, mustard gas.

It’s concerning that these same molecules exist in the breathable air of damp and water-damaged buildings, and that they are effeciently absorbed by inhaling them.