E. C. Anyanwu. The validity of the environmental neurotoxic effects of toxigenic molds and mycotoxins . The Internet Journal of Toxicology. 2008 Volume 5 Number 2
Abstract
Abstract
The problems and controversies about the validity of environmental neurotoxic health effects of toxigenic mold and mycotoxin exposures have taken a center stage in scientific, legal, social, and political discourse to which important basic scientific truth has been misrepresented by subjective "double talk" in recent years. Fortunately, the scientific truth is characterized by objectivity and systematic organization based on compelling pieces of evidence. This paper reviews the relevant, most recent peer reviewed literatures that support the validity of the environmental risks and adverse neurotoxic health effects of chronic exposures to toxigenic molds and mycotoxins. The structures of typical mycotoxins are cited to show the relevance of functional groups, and how their biochemical activities may contribute to adverse health effects in relation to signs, symptoms, and mechanisms. The proven interactions between the biological system and the molecular functional groups of mycotoxins are evaluated to explain how they may lead to neurotoxic health effects in terms of carcinogenic, biochemical, immunological, neurophysiological and behavioral properties. Based on all the relevant affect factors, there are huge compelling pieces of evidence derived by exposure conditions, clinical presentations, scientific laboratory investigations, and the development of science of nanotoxicology, that support the validity of adverse environmental neurotoxic health effects of toxigenic mold and mycotoxins.
