Those who have experienced ill health due to toxic mold exposure often feel isolated, and even crazy. This article is meant to assure you that you are not alone, that many are struggling.

The late Dr. Jack Thrasher, the leading toxicologist in the field of toxic mold for many years, often said that he would like to retire, but there were too many people suffering. (Dr. Thrasher shares this perspective in this interview with momsAWARE's Andrea Fabry, recorded eight months before his death.)

Since the founding of momsAWARE in 2009, emails have poured in by the hundreds. All share the same themes:

• isolation
• desperation
• panic
• devastation

The following are excerpts of emails received in a three-week period in 2018. Hopefully these will validate your own experience and lessen your feelings of isolation.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Jack Thrasher on January 27, 2017. Dr. Thrasher will be remembered for his willingness to share his knowledge and wisdom readily with those who were suffering from illness due to toxic mold, chemicals, and other environmental issues. His personal motto as stated on his website was:

A clean environment and good health
are the most precious resources to leave our children.

You'll hear Dr. Thrasher's expertise and care in this interview with momsAWARE's Andrea Fabry at The Connecting Place.

Mold growth occurs when conditions are favorable. These conditions include:

• Moisture

  This can come in the form of humid air, dripping pipes, or water intrusion due to flooding. Mold will grow when the relative humidity is roughly 50 percent or higher.

• Food

  Mold will feed on wood, paper, cotton, and leather. Drywall with its paper coating offers ideal food for mold spores. Mold can grow in dirt or dust if the conditions are right.

In the video presentation linked below, Dr. Lisa Nagy discusses her personal experience with adverse health effects due to toxic mold and offers a powerful explanation of the health hazards associated with water-damaged buildings. The full lecture is one hour in length.

Environmental Medicine Video Presentation by Dr. Lisa Nagy

In the following video, Dr. Andrew Campbell provides a thorough explanation of the ways toxicogenic molds do harm to the human body. The full lecture is an hour and a half in length. Below is a summary of Dr. Campbell's main points and their respective locations in the video.