A remarkable discovery about mold and CIRS that still is reaching most homeowners, mold is not a simple pest. For some, mold is an invasive intruder to their health (Surviving Mold), and the responsibility falls on our genes or the lack of specific genes. About 25% of the population has the specific HLA-DR/DQ genetic makeup that makes them more susceptible to CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome).
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“Key is to be empathetic, take health seriously, and listen scientifically considering environmental concerns such as water damage and mold exposure. If someone is having symptoms, consider it early detection and value the health benefits of taking rapid action and working to do small particle cleaning to remove these toxic pathogens for your whole family.” -Key take-a-ways about Mold and CIRS
After all, our homes are basically a giant air filter for 40%-70% of the air most will breathe in their daily lives. Also, business environments have the same potential for causing health impacts. Some types of businesses may even be more often neglected environments where many employees and the public may be exposed to indoor air contaminates. Imagine if your business was leading to mold and CIRS patients or others with mold sensitives being triggered by the mycotoxins in the air of where your patrons do business with you.
The Science Behind Mold Sensitivity
HLA-DR and HLA-DQ are specific genes within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, which helps regulate your immune response. These genes play a role in identifying harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
- Some variations (aka alleles) of these genes are associated with an increased risk of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS).
- If you have these specific genetic variations, your body might struggle to properly recognize and eliminate biotoxins (like mold toxins, Lyme disease-related toxins, or certain algae toxins).
- This can lead to an ongoing, chronic inflammatory response, which can cause a range of symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, body aches, and respiratory issues.
How HLA Genes Affect Mold Sensitivity in the Immune System
The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex is a set of genes responsible for helping the immune system distinguish between harmful invaders and the body’s own cells. These genes produce proteins that act like security scanners, identifying threats such as mold spores, mycotoxins, and other environmental toxins.
What Is CIRS and Why Does Mold Trigger It?
For most people, the immune system recognizes and eliminates these toxins effectively. However, certain HLA gene variations (like HLA-DR and HLA-DQ) can impair this process, making it difficult to clear mold toxins from the body. Instead of being removed, these toxins can linger, triggering chronic inflammation and increasing the risk of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
This genetic susceptibility explains why some people in a moldy environment get sick while others remain unaffected. Approximately 25% of the population carries these HLA gene variants, making them more vulnerable to prolonged mold-related health issues.
Should You DIY Mold Cleanup?
To most, health is a priority. While the odds of mold hurting us are still low, continued long term exposure combined with an abrupt storm caused by disrupting mold spores could be harmful.
We suggest that for any mold contamination foreign to normal homeownership maintenance should be investigated by professionals and allow for indoor air quality testing.
These safety precautions are not without careful consideration. If you have mold you do not recognize or if it is more than regular maintenance cleaning, it could be a threat to your health. Disrupting mold you are not experienced with handling is not a good idea.
“Why 25% Should NOT be on the Spring Cleaning team…” Think of your immune system like a garbage removal service for toxins. -Should I DIY Mold Cleanup?
Dumbed-Down Explanation:
- Most people have a garbage truck that picks up trash (toxins, mycotoxins, and mold spore particles) and hauls it away with less problem or symptoms.
- On the other hand, some people (with these HLA gene variations) have garbage trucks that don’t recognize certain types of trash. Instead of removing it, they just let the trash pile up, causing all sorts of problems. Imagine mold spores building up in your immune system, this doesn’t sound good, does it?
- When exposed to mold or other biotoxins, these people’s bodies don’t clean up properly, leading to chronic inflammation and health issues, this is CIRS.
“Imagine mold spores building up in your immune system, this doesn’t sound good, does it?” -Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
Adding Shoemaker Protocol to “Spring Cleaning” with Small Particle Cleaning
Spring cleaning can stir up mold spores and small particles, which can worsen CIRS symptoms for those with HLA-DR gene susceptibility. While we do not recommend all homes need small particle cleaning, we do understand that 25% of people should not be on the front line with the battle against mold.
We are the experts here to remove mold and CIRS support to help you properly achieve your healthy home.
Here’s how our Medically Sound Remediation services align with the Shoemaker Protocol:
- Step 1: Remove Exposure → Professional Small Particle Cleaning ensures mold and biotoxins are physically removed from indoor environments, reducing reactivity for sensitive individuals.
- We will also do third party lab testing with a Post Remediation Verification (PRV) testing.
- Step 5: Monitor Progress → Clients with CIRS should work with an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) to assess air quality post-remediation, ensuring their space is truly safe.
Key Takeaways about Mold and CIRS
Having these HLA-DR/DQ genes does not mean you will get CIRS, but it can make you more vulnerable if you’re exposed to mold or biotoxins.
Spring Cleaning is not for everyone, some of us need help with cleaning, it is ok! We do Small Particle Cleaning for those with medically compromised conditions.
If you don’t have the right immune “garbage truck,” detoxing from mold might be harder and require specialized treatments. This is when we can recommend looking into working with an IEP, consider the Shoemaker Protocol, look up Mold Illness Treatment, research CIRSx and ISEAI resources.
Be Empathetic to CIRS Patients
Spring Cleaning just is not work for everyone, especially when considering mold and CIRS. Those with genetic mold sensitivity and CIRS patients just lack a cleanup system inside their bodies for mold cleanup. This is why some people in the same house with mold exposure get very sick while others don’t.
The key is to be empathetic. Take health seriously, and listen scientifically considering all environmental concerns such as water damage and mold exposure. A healthy lifestyle is not always the same path for all of us, some have greater battles we will never know.
The CIRS Illness is Not Their Fault!
If someone is having symptoms, consider it early detection and value the health benefits of taking rapid action and working to do small particle cleaning to remove these toxic pathogens for your whole family.
