There is still much to learn about the substances produced by mold, and even more about how to properly identify and remove them from indoor environments. Growing awareness around indoor air quality has brought significant attention in recent years to the emerging problem of mycotoxins in our living environments. New evidence is showing these poisonous compounds are present at alarmingly high levels in a substantial number of U.S. homes—they are undetected by conventional mold testing—and can persist even after visible mold has been removed. Addressing a sick home requires a solution that not only eliminates pathogens and microbes but more importantly denatures and destroys the molecular structure of a mycotoxin.

The Client's Mycotoxin Challenge

The client's home was a 70-year-old property in a high-end neighborhood—clean, well-kept, and maintained. Despite the home's good appearance, the couple's daughter experienced chronic health issues they suspected were linked to the building. The homeowners had already carried out their own DIY remediation work, and through their efforts, they believed they had successfully removed the visible mold. However, their daughter's symptoms persisted. This realization led them to search for a specialized solution—and ultimately brought them to SuperStratum Labs.

Testing the Client's Home

The Mold and Mycotoxin Detection Kit is designed to be a simple, affordable way for homeowners to determine whether mold and harmful mycotoxins are present in their environment. The kit can be used in two ways:

  1. Direct Source Testing – Apply the mold tape directly to visible mold growth and use the mycotoxin swab on the same sample.

  2. Environmental Dust Testing – Collect samples from dusty surfaces such as door frames, bookshelves, or other areas where dust settles.

The Procedure

To begin our job, the Superstratum team wanted to determine whether there were signs of mold in the home and whether mycotoxins were present. This distinction is critical, as mycotoxins can persist in the environment long after the mold that produced them is gone.

Mold Spore Findings

If these results were judged on mold presence alone, many homeowners might not consider them alarming. The mycotoxin findings paint a very different picture.

Ascospores — Spores from a large group of fungi. Some species are harmless, while others can be allergenic.

Aspergillus/Penicillium — Common indoor mold that thrives on damp building materials. Some species can produce harmful mycotoxins.

Myxomycetes — Also known as slime molds; generally non-toxic.

Mycotoxin Findings

The mycotoxin results confirmed the homeowner's suspicion: even without alarming spore counts, dangerous mycotoxins were present at levels capable of causing adverse health effects.

Potential Health Risks for the Family

Sterigmatocystin (STC) — Produced by certain species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Associated with liver and kidney damage, immunosuppression, and increased cancer risk.

Stachybotrylactam — Produced by Stachybotrys chartarum ("black mold"). Linked to respiratory inflammation, immune dysfunction, and neurological effects.

Inhalation Pathway of Mycotoxins to the Bloodstream and Brain

Mycotoxins and ultrafine particles can bypass the blood–brain barrier altogether by traveling directly from the nasal cavity into the brain through the olfactory and trigeminal nerves.

Hayes Microbial Consulting x Superstratum Labs — A Partnership to Keep Families Safe

At SuperStratum Labs, we partnered with Hayes Microbial Consulting to develop the SuperStratum Mold & Mycotoxin Detection Kit giving homeowners direct access to clear, actionable results through LC-MS testing.

Where do you begin when a home is sick?

Step 1 — Address the Moisture The homeowner corrected the exterior drainage, stopping the ongoing moisture source.

Step 2 — Address the Mold The homeowner performed a DIY mold treatment, removing visible contamination.

Step 3 — Address the Air The family hired an HVAC company to thoroughly clean the ductwork.

Step 4 — Detox the Home We implemented the Superstratum Whole Home Detox to neutralize and physically remove mycotoxins.

Plan of Attack: The Whole-Home Detox

Phase I – Cleaning: Fogging the Home

We began by fogging SuperStratum Building Cleaner into the environment.

The Small Particle Clean

Every surface in the home was wiped by hand using SuperStratum Building Cleaner and disposable wipes.

Phase II – Gas Phase

We deployed Superstratum Deodor Bombs in every room releasing chlorine dioxide gas.

Why We Don't Use or Recommend Ozone

The U.S. EPA advises against the use of ozone generators for indoor air cleaning.

Phase III – Coating: A 10-Year Mold-Resistant Coating

SuperStratum Endurance Coating was applied to high-moisture-risk surfaces.

Every Job is Different

No two homes are alike. We addressed challenges with airflow, humidity control, and mold-resistant coating.

Post-Results

Follow-up LC-MS testing showed all previously detected mycotoxins were below detectable limits.

Conclusion

By combining sensitive LC-MS testing, HE-HOCl and CLO2 chemistry, mechanical small particle cleaning, and long-term mold-resistance, we transformed this home from a hidden health hazard into a safe, healthy environment.

References

[1] Springer. Toxicology of Inhaled Substances. [2] MedicalXpress. Inhaled toxic particles cross the lung's air–blood barrier. [3] IARC. Monographs on Carcinogenic Risks. Group 2B: Sterigmatocystin. [4-14] Various sources on mycotoxin health effects and ozone safety.