Can Mold Cause Cancer?

If you have been following our blog, you already know that mold can cause:

• Allergy and Asthma Attacks
• Meningitis
• Sick Building Syndrome

But can mold actually cause cancer?

A theory propounded by Italian oncologist Dr. T Simoncini claims that it may indeed.

Dr. Simoncini’s hypothesis is explained at length in his book “Cancer is a Fungus,” in which he states:

“A fungus infection always forms the basis of every abnormal growth of tissue, i.e. tumor, and this formation tries to spread within the whole organism, unimpeded. The growth of fungus colonies, together with the reaction of the tissue that tries to defend itself against the invasion, causes the tumor…Therefore, there must be only one cause of cancer: fungal infection…”

There is an established connection between the mycotoxins produced by aspergillus mold and the development of liver cancer. Aspergillus is found mostly on crops like grains, corn and peanuts but if we eat enough of it, it can contribute to not only cancer of the liver, but breast, testicular and lung cancers as well. A study in Sweden found that “toxic” or “black” mold, also known as stachybotrys, contributed to a 40% cancer incidence in the employees who had worked in a school there for 5 years or more. That is a high correlation, if not definite causality.

We cannot get away from mold entirely–it is everywhere–but we can take it seriously when we encounter more than a little mildew in the shower. Be sure to:

• Fix leaks promptly
• Dry or replace any wet or damaged material as quickly as possible
• Inspect your home twice yearly for mold outside and in
• Have mold problems dealt with by professionals before you get sick

Everyone gets a little mold in the bathroom every once in a while, but any mold you see is accompanied by a lot more you can’t, under flooring, inside drywall, in eaves or gutters. After a leak or a flood, be sure to be vigilant about removing moisture and replacing anything that was damaged. All it takes for mold to grow is a little damp. Don’t let that little damp cause big problems! Contact Alliance Environmental Group for Mold Removal services anywhere in California!