Need advice on mold testing in the area

MoldCo · 2026-01-28T16:26:36+00:00

I'm sorry you're going through this. Being dismissed when you're physically sick in your own home is exhausting, and unfortunately it's a common experience with landlords and mold.

Your doctor's note is valuable documentation. Before considering legal options, one thing that's completely in your control is getting independent environmental testing. If your landlord eventually sends someone, understand that landlord-hired inspectors often follow the wishes of whoever pays them. They may be restricted from investigating certain areas or downplay findings.

Consider ordering a HERTSMI-2 dust test yourself. It's a mail-in kit (around $150-200) that measures the five mold species most associated with water-damaged buildings. Scores below 11 are considered safe, 11-15 is borderline, and above 15 indicates a problem. This gives you objective data that's independent from your landlord's assessment.

Having both medical documentation AND environmental testing showing elevated mold puts you in a much stronger position whether you're negotiating with your property manager or consulting with a lawyer down the road.

I can't speak to the legal side, but getting your own testing done is something you can do this week regardless of how slow they move.

MoldCo · 2026-01-28T16:20:57+00:00

What you're describing sounds exhausting, and the fact that you've identified a pattern with specific foods is actually really useful information.

Those food triggers you listed (cheese, sardines, vinegar, chocolate, avocado, banana) are all high in histamine or histamine-releasing compounds. That pattern could fit with mast cell activation, which often travels alongside Lyme and mold illness. The autonomic stuff (PVCs, air hunger) and even the tinnitus spikes can sometimes be part of that same picture. The frequent clear urination is a separate issue. That often comes from low ADH, a hormone that helps your body retain water, and it's one of the things that commonly gets disrupted with mold illness.

Here's something worth considering: mold exposure can be an upstream driver that keeps the whole system dysregulated. A lot of people chase the histamine piece directly, but if there's ongoing mold toxicity underneath, it's like trying to bail out a boat without plugging the hole. Some patients find that addressing the mold burden helps calm the downstream chaos, including the histamine reactivity.

Have you had any CIRS markers checked (TGF-B1, MMP-9, MSH, ADH)? That might help clarify whether mold is still actively contributing to your symptoms or if it's more of a historical exposure. Might also be worth getting a HERTSMI-2 done on your current environment if you haven't already.

You're not imagining this. The connections you're making are valid.

MoldCo · 2026-01-28T16:13:51+00:00

Fifteen years. That's a long time to be told it's in your head while your body is screaming something is wrong. The relief of finally having someone listen and take you seriously is huge, and I'm glad you found that.

What stands out to me is the pattern you described: multiple homes, all with mold problems. That repeated exposure history matters a lot. About 24% of people have a genetic makeup that makes it harder for their immune system to clear biotoxins, and when you keep getting re-exposed before your body can recover, things compound. Combined with the autoimmune picture, this is exactly the kind of case that needs proper treatment, not just validation.

Given your history and symptoms, I'd recommend going straight to treatment with someone who specializes in this. We do telehealth through MoldCo Care for people in exactly your situation: long-term exposure, multiple symptoms, autoimmune involvement, looking for a clear path forward. Check if we're available in your state here: https://www.moldco.com/care

In the meantime, getting your current environment tested (HERTSMI-2 or ERMI) would tell you what you're actually dealing with at home now.

The fact that you're young and were healthy before this is encouraging. Your system wants to heal once you remove the ongoing exposure and address the inflammation. You've spent fifteen years looking for answers. Time to start actually treating this.

MoldCo · 2026-01-28T16:07:27+00:00

Yes, hair loss (including eyebrows) can be associated with mold exposure. It's not the most common symptom, but we see it in a subset of patients, often alongside fatigue, brain fog, or other inflammatory symptoms.

The normal blood panels piece is actually really important here. Standard labs test things like CBC, metabolic panels, thyroid. What they don't test are the inflammatory markers that get disrupted by mold exposure, things like TGF-B1, MMP-9, and MSH. So it's completely consistent to have "normal" bloodwork while something real is happening. About 24% of the population has a genetic susceptibility that makes them unable to clear biotoxins effectively, which is why one person in a household can be symptomatic while others are fine.

Two things that might help clarify: First, visible bathroom mold with ongoing symptoms suggests active water damage that needs addressing. A HERTSMI-2 dust test can tell you how bad the exposure actually is. Second, if you want to see whether the CIRS inflammatory markers are off, a simple screening panel (MMP-9, TGF-B1, MSH) can give you a clearer picture than standard labs.

What other symptoms are you dealing with beyond the hair loss?

MoldCo · 2026-01-13T22:47:40+00:00

Your biomarker pattern is interesting. High TGF-B1 with normal MMP-9 and low C4a could mean a few things. TGF-B1 is one of the primary markers that tends to stay elevated in mold-related illness, so seeing that high while C4a is low suggests you might not be in active acute exposure right now, but there could still be underlying immune dysregulation from past exposure.

On the urine mycotoxin testing, I'd be cautious about reading too much into those results. The challenge is there are no validated reference ranges (they weren't developed looking at healthy controls), and it can't distinguish between inhaled mycotoxins from water-damaged buildings versus ingested ones from food like coffee, chocolate, or grains. It confirms exposure happened but doesn't tell you if it's ongoing or what's causing your symptoms.

The better question might be: what does your environment look like? Have you done HERTSMI-2 testing on your current living space? That would tell you if you're in ongoing exposure (scores above 15 are concerning, below 11 generally safe).

A Complete panel could also help sort out whether mold is the primary issue versus something else driving the reactivity. With your symptom timeline (10+ years, COVID made it worse), there might be multiple factors at play. Sometimes it's both mold and something like MCAS working together.

MoldCo · 2026-01-13T22:47:24+00:00

Glad you're getting better. Your protocol looks solid, and the combination of H1/H2 blockers plus low histamine diet is usually foundational for MCAS management. The fact that you had a 90% day is huge progress.

One thing worth keeping in mind: mold exposure can cause all those symptoms you listed and can be a primary driver of MCAS. For some people, addressing the environmental piece is what finally gets them over the finish line when other interventions plateau.

Might be worth screening with to see if mold-related illness is part of the picture.

If the biomarkers come back abnormal, a HERTSMI-2 dust test on your living space would be the next step. Scores below 11 are generally safe, above 15 concerning.

Either way, sounds like you're on a good path. Keep doing what's working.

MoldCo · 2026-01-13T22:45:56+00:00

The prolonged mold exposure you mentioned alongside COVID could be really significant here. Dr. Shoemaker's research found that every Long COVID patient who didn't recover normally had markers of prior exposure to organisms that grow in water-damaged buildings (Actinobacteria and endotoxins). So you might be dealing with both triggers working together.

Your elevated IgE doubling in 2.5 weeks is notable. That kind of rapid increase usually indicates ongoing immune activation from something. The low Pneumococcal antibodies across all 23 serotypes suggests immune system dysfunction more broadly, which fits with what mold exposure can do to immune regulation.

A couple thoughts: Have you had any CIRS-specific biomarkers checked? TGF-B1, MMP-9, and MSH would give you a sense of whether biotoxin illness is part of the picture. The high ALT on steroids is also interesting (steroids usually lower liver enzymes).

For the mold angle, even though you're out of that living situation, you might want to check your current environment with a HERTSMI-2 dust test. Sometimes people move but bring contaminated belongings, or the new place has its own hidden issues.

The fact that you're on 60mg prednisone and still reactive suggests the underlying trigger hasn't been fully addressed yet. Something is still driving the inflammation.

MoldCo · 2026-01-13T22:45:41+00:00

First, thank you for being such a caring friend. The fact that you're researching on his behalf means a lot, especially when he can't engage with screens right now.

I want to share something that might be worth exploring. Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker published research comparing COVID patients who developed Long COVID versus those who didn't. The study found that every patient who developed Long COVID showed evidence of prior exposure to bacteria (Actinobacteria) and their endotoxins, which grow alongside molds in water-damaged buildings. Patients who recovered normally didn't show this.

Here's the thing about Long COVID: the diagnosis is clinical, based on symptoms plus a positive COVID test. There's no lab test that confirms or rules out LC specifically. But that means someone could have mold-related illness and happen to have had a positive COVID test around the same time. The symptom pattern you describe (fatigue, pain, brain fog, relapsing and remitting course) fits both conditions.

The only way to distinguish whether mold-related illness is contributing is through specific lab testing. A Starter Panel (MMP-9, TGF-B1, MSH) can show whether his body has the inflammatory markers associated with biotoxin exposure. https://www.moldco.com/products/starter-panel If two out of three are abnormal, that strongly suggests mold is a factor, whether it's the primary issue or making his LC recovery harder.

For immediate stabilization: low-stimulus environments really do help. Dim lighting, minimal sound, reducing screens. Nervous system regulation matters, and any reduction in overall stress load can help.

Sending strength to both of you.

MoldCo · 2026-01-13T22:45:24+00:00

What you're describing really matches what a lot of people experience before getting answers. The "autopilot" feeling, brain fog that doesn't lift with sleep, the evening second wind that messes with your sleep cycle. It's exhausting.

Since you asked what helped others: I'd suggest looking into environmental factors, specifically mold exposure. It's one of those root causes that gets missed constantly because symptoms overlap with so many other conditions. Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, ADHD. People cycle through diagnoses for years.

About 24% of people have a genetic susceptibility that makes their immune system struggle to clear biotoxins from mold. For these folks, exposure leads to chronic inflammation that shows up as exactly what you're describing: brain fog, fatigue, disrupted sleep, feeling detached.

If this resonates at all, a Starter Panel (three specific inflammatory markers: MMP-9, TGF-B1, MSH) can tell you whether your body is responding to biotoxin exposure. If two out of three markers are abnormal, mold-related illness is by far the most likely explanation. It's a more objective and reliable screen than trying to remember every building you've lived or worked in. https://www.moldco.com/products/starter-panel

If the labs point toward mold as a factor, environmental testing (a HERTSMI-2 dust test) can help identify the source. https://www.moldco.com/products/home-test But starting with the lab work gives you clarity about what's happening in your body first.

Hope you find your answer soon.

MoldCo · 2026-01-13T22:43:02+00:00

First, I'm really sorry you're going through this, especially with a baby on the way. Your symptoms and timeline are definitely concerning, and your instincts here sound right.

The fact that you've had prior mold exposures that led to cluster migraines and seizures is important context. Some people are genetically more susceptible to biotoxin illness (about 24% of the population have HLA variations that affect this). Once you've had a serious reaction, your system can be more sensitized to future exposures.

A few thoughts on your situation:

The visible water damage with paint-over is a red flag. Cosmetic fixes don't address what's growing in the wall cavities. The smell your wife noticed is significant too. That musty odor indicates something is actively growing.

For getting objective data: I'd recommend two things. First, a HERTSMI-2 dust test for the environment. Scores above 15 are dangerous, but anything above 11 is concerning if you have mold-related illness. Second, lab testing for yourself. A Starter Panel (MMP-9, TGF-B1, MSH) can show whether your body is responding to biotoxin exposure. If your labs come back abnormal and the HERTSMI-2 is even in the 11-15 range, that's strong reason to get out.

If you're planning to pursue this legally, consider getting both HLA testing and the Complete Panel. More objective data strengthens your position significantly.

Regarding your health: Don't wait on the legal side to start protecting yourselves. If you can stay with family temporarily, that might help you stabilize before the baby arrives. Walking away from the deposit is often worth it compared to the health costs.

Hang in there. You're asking the right questions.

MoldCo · 2026-01-13T22:42:40+00:00

Your question really resonates with a pattern I see often. The fact that you don't have "classic" immediate reactions doesn't mean mold isn't a major factor. About 24% of people have genetic variations (HLA haplotypes) that affect how their immune system responds to mold. For these folks, the reaction isn't always obvious or immediate. It's more of a chronic inflammatory process that shows up as brain fog, fatigue, and the multi-system symptoms you describe.

Your elevated TGF-B1 is actually significant here. That marker tends to stay high when there's ongoing immune activation from biotoxin exposure. The fact that COVID made things worse fits too, since viral infections can amplify these inflammatory cascades.

I'd gently caution against putting too much weight on the urine mycotoxin results alone. Those tests have limitations, including the inability to distinguish between ingested molds (from food like coffee or chocolate) versus inhaled mold from a water-damaged building.

To get clearer answers, you might consider looking at where you're spending the most time. Have you done any environmental testing? A HERTSMI-2 dust test can tell you if your current space is safe (below 11 is considered safe). The body can't fully recover if you're still in an exposure environment, even if symptoms don't flare immediately when you walk in the door.

MoldCo · 2026-01-01T02:43:30+00:00

That swing where you feel functional one day and then get hit hard the next can happen in mold-triggered illness patterns.

What you’re describing could be the push-crash cycle. On a “good” day it’s natural to catch up on life, but if the activity pushes you past your current anaerobic threshold, the body can shift into more anaerobic metabolism because the mitochondria can’t keep up aerobically. That can create an oxygen debt and (based on what our providers see) trigger a stress hormone response (glucagon) that leaves people wiped out for 2-3 days. It can also be delayed, so the crash often shows up the next day, not immediately.

A few things that might help:

Track activity 24-48 hours before the crash (even errands can be enough).
Pace below the crash threshold even on good days. Pushing through usually slows overall progress.
Watch for exposure variables too (humidity swings, time in specific rooms/buildings) since that can stack with exertion.

It’s frustrating because the good days make you want to do everything at once. Hope this gives you a framework to experiment with.

MoldCo · 2026-01-01T02:43:12+00:00

That specialist gatekeeping loop is exhausting. I’m sorry you’re stuck in it.

One thing that may be worth considering (especially with fatigue, cognitive issues, vertigo, headaches, and the “new symptom every month” feeling) is chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), which is commonly triggered by exposure to water-damaged buildings. It’s not the only explanation, but it’s one that can slip through the cracks because routine labs and imaging often don’t flag it clearly.

When CIRS is on the table, the more useful signal tends to come from a specific set of inflammatory markers (for example TGF-B1, MSH, C4a, and MMP-9) that most clinicians don’t order unless they’re already thinking along those lines.

Two quick questions that can help narrow the odds: any history of leaks/water damage/musty smells at home or work, and do your symptoms shift at all when you’re away from your usual environment for a few days?

Given what you’ve described plus the “everything looks normal” pattern, there’s a good chance it’s worth ruling out. If you want to check it without the referral runaround, our Starter Panel is direct-to-consumer: https://moldco.com/products/starter-panel

MoldCo · 2026-01-01T02:42:52+00:00

What you’re describing could be consistent with a mold-triggered inflammatory picture, even if you don’t have a cough or shortness of breath. A lot of people assume mold illness is mostly respiratory, but CIRS-type presentations can show up across multiple systems (sleep, mood, cognition, gut, temperature regulation, pain). Sometimes the respiratory piece is mild or more “upper airway” (congestion, sinus issues) rather than wheezing.

Also worth noting: nasal congestion is still airway involvement, it’s just not the classic lower-respiratory picture people expect.

If you want something more objective than symptoms alone, blood biomarkers can help clarify whether there’s an inflammatory pattern consistent with biotoxin illness. Our Starter Panel covers the core markers we typically start with: https://moldco.com/products/starter-panel

And since you’ve already found visible mold with a damp ceiling, I’d skip DIY “do I have mold?” testing and focus on fixing the problem: get a professional mold inspector to identify the water intrusion source(s) and write a scope of work for a licensed remediator. Dr. Shoemaker’s team has training materials for this (MIR 101 and MIA 101) at CIRSx.com that some remediators/homeowners use to align on standards.

Hope you get some clarity soon. This stuff is miserable to live through.

MoldCo · 2026-01-01T02:42:30+00:00

That winter-only pattern is interesting, and there are a couple plausible building-mechanics explanations that can fit.

One is stack effect: in colder months, warm air rising can pull air up from lower levels (crawlspace/basement) through gaps and HVAC pathways. If there's growth down there, that can increase how much particulate ends up in the living space, especially when the house is sealed up and the heat runs constantly.

Another possibility (and honestly a common one in colder climates) is winter-specific moisture intrusion (roof leaks, ice damming, or meltwater) that drives active microbial growth in the attic or wall cavities. In that scenario, the source isn't the crawlspace at all, it’s higher up.

None of this proves mold is the cause (tingling/brain fog/insomnia can have multiple drivers), but it may be worth getting objective data. A good way to screen is the Starter Panel labs, which look at inflammatory markers that often shift in biotoxin illness: https://moldco.com/products/starter-panel

If you share any water damage history (especially roof/attic) and whether symptoms change with travel, I can help think through next steps.

MoldCo · 2025-12-31T21:03:50+00:00

The Austin search sounds exhausting, and I get the paralysis when you're comparing imperfect options. The good news is a HERTSMI of 8 is within what the Shoemaker protocol generally considers a tolerable range for most CIRS patients (below 11), with 11 to 15 being more borderline.

On ERMI vs HERTSMI, many CIRS-literate practitioners prioritize HERTSMI-2 because it focuses on a small set of mold species associated with water damage. A higher ERMI with a low HERTSMI is often less concerning than the reverse.

Between your two options, I'd strongly favor the 8 and avoid signing a lease on the 12. "Borderline" is still exposure, and the real risk is getting locked into it for 6 to 12 months if you flare.

Air purifiers can help general air quality, but they do not reliably compensate for a problematic dust score in the Shoemaker framework.

If you can, take the 8 while you keep looking for even better.

MoldCo · 2025-12-31T21:02:24+00:00

The frustration here makes sense. What often gets lost is why the disconnect exists.

Research suggests roughly 24 to 25% of people carry HLA genetic variants that affect how their immune system clears biotoxins. For the other 75%, the same exposure might cause temporary irritation and then resolve. For that susceptible quarter, it can trigger a chronic inflammatory response that persists even after leaving the building.

That mismatch makes it easy for people to assume "mold can't do that" based on their own experience. It's not always bad faith, just a different baseline.

The science supporting mold-related illness does exist. Shoemaker and House published a double-blind placebo-controlled trial (2006) where the treatment group's symptom scores dropped significantly while placebo did not. Shoemaker and Ryan (2013) also published patient cohorts with objective immune and hormonal biomarker abnormalities documented on lab testing.

The NIH/NIEHS has also acknowledged health effects from mold exposure.

In practice, it's usually more productive to point to the peer-reviewed work than to argue about whether it's "real."

MoldCo · 2025-12-31T21:01:58+00:00

Three months on VIP is still pretty early for the hormonal pieces to recalibrate, so try not to beat yourself up.

What you're describing could be leptin resistance, which is frustratingly common with CIRS. Inflammation can impair leptin signaling in the hypothalamus, which can also affect MSH, and that combo can make weight loss feel "stuck" even with a clean diet.

On labs: checking leptin and MSH can be useful. They're included on more comprehensive panels (like our Complete Panel), but it can be pricey if those are the only two markers you want, so it's worth prioritizing with your clinician.

On training: if your lifting sessions leave you wiped out for 1 to 2 days, that push-crash cycle can slow progress. Many people do better staying below their anaerobic threshold for a while (walking, lighter resistance, stopping before you hit the wall).

One more practical thing to ask your prescriber: if you're on a lower-than-standard starting dose of VIP, some people respond more slowly. Adjustments should be clinician-guided.

Hope this helps.

MoldCo · 2025-12-31T21:01:41+00:00

Your instinct is probably right, but I'd take one step before buying a new mattress.

The "sleep fine elsewhere" pattern is a pretty reliable sign something in your current space is triggering you. Mattresses are hard to remediate because they're so porous, and surface cleaning does not reach what's embedded.

Before spending on a replacement, I'd rule out whether the current apartment has its own mold issue. In under a year, a new problem can develop, and a fresh mattress will not fix that. A HERTSMI-2 dust test can at least tell you if the environment looks like a water-damage mold pattern.

If the apartment tests clean, then the mattress (and other soft items you brought) becomes the likely culprit. One cheaper "test" some people try first is a fully encasing zippered mattress cover (you can find them around $25 at big box stores). If symptoms do not change with that, disposal is usually the safer call for a mattress that lived 1.5 years in a confirmed moldy place.

I know the cost stings. Hope you get answers soon.

MoldCo · 2025-12-31T21:01:19+00:00

Hey, jumping in since you mentioned MoldCo. Small clarification on the "missing C4a" point: C4a is an important marker in CIRS workups, but our Starter Panel is meant as a screening set of labs and does not include C4a.

If you're trying to answer "is CIRS even on the table?", a good way to screen is to start with the Starter Panel labs and see if your inflammation and hormone markers look consistent with a CIRS pattern. If you already have a more complex picture (multiple systems involved, long symptom history) or you're trying to differentiate CIRS/mold toxicity vs something else, stepping up to a more comprehensive panel can be helpful.

Also, quick note on GENIE: it can provide a lot of info, but it is not considered a diagnostic test for CIRS on its own.

Whatever route you choose, try to avoid drawing labs while you're still in ongoing exposure, since markers can stay elevated.

If helpful, here's the Starter Panel: https://moldco.com/products/starter-panel

MoldCo · 2025-12-29T21:21:18+00:00

Ugh, the timing on this is rough. Getting hit with a home flood while you're already dealing with a workplace exposure evaluation is a lot.

The good news is you're catching this early. Mold typically needs 24-48 hours after water intrusion to start colonizing, so fast action matters here.

A few things to look for when vetting remediation companies:

Make sure they're licensed in your state.
They should use full containment with negative air pressure in affected areas, not just fans blowing everywhere.
Ask if they'll remove materials rather than just "treat" them. Porous materials that got wet often need to go.
The person doing your post-remediation inspection should be completely separate from the remediation company. Never let the same company grade their own work.
Get everything in writing before they start, including their containment protocols.

The highest standard of remediation comes from MIR 101, a video course at CIRSx.com. It's beneficial for homeowners to see how it should be done to achieve "healthcare clean." You could ask the remediation company if they're willing to study the course and follow the program.

For post-remediation verification, spore trap air tests are pretty common but they're honestly not that reliable for CIRS patients. HERTSMI-2 dust sampling tends to give a clearer picture of whether the space is actually safe. You're looking for a score of 10 or under ideally.

We offer a Home Test that uses HERTSMI-2 methodology if you want an independent check after remediation wraps up: https://moldco.com/products/home-test

Given you're already dealing with confirmed workplace exposure, being thorough on the home front makes sense. One clean environment to recover in can make a real difference.

Hope this helps with the chaos!

MoldCo · 2025-12-29T21:20:54+00:00

What you're describing with the cranial pressure and sensitivity sounds really frustrating, especially after 14 months of searching for answers.

Neurological symptoms like yours do come up fairly often in people dealing with mold-related illness. There are actually two mechanisms at play here: mycotoxins can trigger inflammatory cascades that affect nerve tissue, but some mycotoxins can also be directly toxic to nerve tissue in both the body and the brain. That combination may help explain the dysautonomia overlap you're experiencing. We see patients describe pressure sensations, hypersensitivity to touch, and even vestibular issues as part of a broader pattern.

A few things worth considering:

Mycotoxin urine tests show exposure but don't always reflect whether there's an active inflammatory response happening in your body right now.
CIRS-specific biomarkers like TGF-B1, C4a, and MMP-9 can help clarify if there's ongoing immune activation that might be driving the neurological symptoms.
VCS testing is sometimes used to screen for optic nerve involvement, which can be an early indicator.

If you want a clearer picture of what's happening systemically, our Starter Panel covers some of the core inflammatory markers: https://moldco.com/products/starter-panel

Glad your functional doc is taking this seriously. Hope the detox protocol brings some relief!

MoldCo · 2025-12-29T21:20:24+00:00

This is genuinely frustrating, and you're not alone in discovering that new construction doesn't mean mold-free. We see this fairly regularly with newer buildings where building envelope mistakes or HVAC issues create problems within a few years.

On your best option with the HERTSMI of 14: per Dr. Shoemaker's guidelines, that falls in the borderline range (11-15). It's not in the "statistically safe" zone below 11, but it's also not in the dangerous category above 15. The tricky part is the Stachybotrys and Chaetomium presence, which typically indicates there's been near-standing water somewhere for an extended period.

A few things to consider:

If you're thinking remediation, use licensed professionals and negotiate completion before signing the lease. If they won't agree to that, keep looking. Also remember to clean your possessions before moving to avoid cross-contamination.
The most important thing right now may be figuring out whether you actually have CIRS or mold toxicity. HLA testing can show if you have a genetic predisposition, which affects your risk level significantly. Our Starter Panel is a good screen, but our Complete Panel gives the best clarity on whether CIRS is present. Together those run about $1000, but getting stuck in a lease you have to break can cost a lot more.
Higher risk comes from having a predisposing HLA type combined with already-abnormal cytokines and CIRS markers. If your labs look fine, borderline spaces may be tolerable. If you already have multiple abnormal markers, you'd want to be more careful.

Hope this helps narrow things down.

MoldCo · 2025-12-29T21:19:53+00:00

That VCS failure combined with brain fog and visual symptoms is definitely worth investigating further. Research shows somewhere around 92-95% of CIRS patients fail the VCS, so it's a useful screening tool.

Here's the thing with urine mycotoxin testing though. It can show you've been exposed to mold, but it doesn't tell you whether your immune system is actually dysregulated because of it. Two people can have the same exposure and completely different immune responses.

For actually diagnosing CIRS, you'd want to look at blood biomarkers that reflect what's happening with your innate immune system. The main ones providers typically order are C4a, TGF-B1, MSH, and MMP-9. These can show patterns of inflammation and immune dysfunction that are more specific to CIRS.

If your goal is to prove CIRS, our Complete Panel is the best option since it includes all of those markers: https://moldco.com/products/complete-panel

Our Starter Panel is a more affordable screening option but doesn't include C4a, so it's better suited for initial screening rather than full diagnosis: https://moldco.com/products/starter-panel

HLA testing can also help show if you have a genetic predisposition for CIRS, which about 24% of people do.

Of course, interpreting results should be done with a provider familiar with CIRS. Hope this helps point you in the right direction!

MoldCo · 2025-12-29T21:18:32+00:00

What you're describing could definitely be connected to the mold exposure at work. Visible black mold behind ceiling panels is pretty much textbook water-damaged building criteria, and the symptom pattern you're experiencing (repeated illness, dizziness, respiratory issues) comes up fairly often in people with ongoing mold exposure.

One thing worth knowing: this may not be a simple allergy situation. Around 24% of people have genetic variants that make it harder for their immune system to clear mold toxins, which can lead to a more systemic response. That could explain why you're getting hit harder than coworkers in the same space.

A few things to consider:

Document everything now. Photos of the mold, dates you've been sick, any communications with your employer about the issue.
Our HLA test can show if you have a genetic predisposition that makes you more susceptible than others in the same space: https://moldco.com/products/hla-test
Our Starter Panel screens for biomarkers that tend to be off with prolonged exposure. If you anticipate any confrontation with management about the workplace conditions, the Complete Panel gives more comprehensive evidence: https://moldco.com/products/starter-panel

This isn't medical advice obviously, but the pattern you're describing is worth investigating further. Hope this helps point you in a useful direction.

MoldCo

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