RE: fluorescence of mycotoxins

[Guest guest]

Many mycotoxins, including all the aflatoxins, contain aromatic rings

which absorb ultraviolet light. Any absorbance of ultraviolet light is

likely to result in at least a little fluorescence. However, fluorescence

alone is not sufficient evidence to prove or identify mycotoxins. There can

be other reasons for fluorescence. The most common are optical brighteners

used in detergents and paints, giving the " whiter than white " appearance,

and better appearance of several other colors. These factors may be far

stronger than the weak fluorescence of the trace levels of mycotoxins

present.

The ultraviolet light you mention is a fairly broad spectrum light, and

not of tremendous intensity, since high intensity UV is hazardous to the

eyes. Laboratories however can use this principal to identify at least some

mycotoxins, using high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to a

fluorescence detector. The chromatography unit separates components, giving

a time for the component to elute, which can be compared elution times of

reference samples. To specify the sample even more, the exact wavelengths at

which the separated sample components fluoresce and the irradiation

frequencies leading to that fluorescence are determined.

I'm glad your doctors gave you the advice they did. American Academy of

Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states very clearly on their web site: the

best treatment of any allergy is allergen avoidance. Continued exposure

simply increases sensitivity. Most of us on this board wish we had realized

that fact much earlier. You may want to look at www.niosh.gov for the book

in pdf format titled " Indoor Air Quality: a Guide for Building Owners and

Facility Managers " . Also look at www.epa.gov for other government references

on the hazards of mold in the workplace. Although many on this board think

government agencies are not going far enough to emphasize the hazards of

mold, at least they are doing something. And what better reference can you

use for a government employer than another government agency. Many state

departments of health also have web sites on this topic if your employer is

more local than federal.

Gil

Date: Mon, 13 Feb 2006 04:30:57 -0000

From: " toxsickniagara " <toxsickniagara@...>

Subject: questions regarding mold

Sharon N. Kramer has referred me to your group to ask some questions

that I have about mold. I am an asthmatic who has been sickened by

Aspergillus and Stachybotrys at work. If you know the answers to

these questions, please email them to me:

1. Will aflatoxins from Aspergillus fluoresce with an ultraviolet

light which is manufactured for detection of pet urine stains?

2. Is this a conclusive method to speciate the mold?

3. Do mycotoxins from Stachybotrys fluoresce? If so, what color?

4. Can mold spores be transmitted from your workplace to your home

on your shoes or clothing?

5. Can sewer flies transmit mold spores?

6. What type of doctor should I go to for treatment? My primary

physician, ENT, and allergist do not know much about mold. They all

just advise me to get out of the basement office that I work in.

That's not that simple.

If you do not know the answers, could you possibly direct me to

someone who would?

I work in a local government building which has had visible

Stachybotrys and Aspergillus mold growth since July 2004.

Unfortunately we did not ask the union to have it tested until June

of 2005, almost a full year later, so it is spreading. The union

does not want to spend the additional approximate $8,000 to have it

speciated. The Public Works Department has ranged from at first

saying it was not mold, to then saying it was not " bad mold " , to

admitting it is Stachybotrys and Aspergillus but that it's not too

much mold,and to them it is not a health hazard........

I'm sure you've heard these frustrating stories before, but I'm

fighting for my health and that of my coworkers.

Thank you for any information you can share with me.