As a Certified Indoor Environmentalist with nearly a decade of experience in identifying and mitigating mold in indoor environments, I've encountered a wide array of mold-related health issues. However, a recent trend has caught my attention and warrants a deeper exploration. Over the past year, I've observed an uptick in cases of elevated Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) in individuals, a phenomenon that was virtually unheard of in my practice before this period. This observation has led me to consider the potential link between indoor mold exposure and elevated levels of MPA, particularly in environments with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring.
Mycophenolic Acid is commonly known for its use in anti-rejection medications, but its presence in individuals not exposed to such drugs raises questions about other possible sources of exposure. Based on my field observations, I've identified a recurring pattern in clients with elevated MPA levels: the presence of high concentrations of Penicillium mold that went undetected in standard air or surface tests. Intriguingly, this mold was consistently found beneath luxury vinyl plank flooring.
The hypothesis that emerges from these observations is that moisture trapped under LVP flooring creates a conducive environment for Penicillium mold to thrive. The tight seal of LVP flooring may prevent mold spores from becoming airborne, yet allows the toxins produced by Penicillium or biproducts of the flooring degradation to permeate the living space. This scenario could potentially explain the observed elevations in MPA levels in the absence of direct exposure to anti-rejection medications.
Further investigation into the conditions conducive to this phenomenon revealed very separate instances, varying factors, and totally different client profiles. Of the top three instances, the profiles were the following:
1. Client in her 60s with LVP over an unfinished crawlspace.
2. Client in her 40s with LVP over an unfinished, but conditioned basement.
3. Client in their teens with LVP directly on slab.
In my observations, the only common denominator seemed to be the LVP.
These findings underscore the complexity of diagnosing and addressing indoor environmental health issues. With vast amounts of information at our disposal, discerning the true causes and correlations can be challenging. Even the interpretation of 'normal' ranges in test results can be subject to debate, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach to environmental health assessments.
While the link between elevated MPA levels and indoor mold exposure remains anecdotal and requires further scientific validation, these observations shed light on a potentially overlooked aspect of indoor environmental health. For individuals experiencing unexplained health issues, particularly those living in environments with luxury vinyl plank flooring, it may be worthwhile to investigate the possibility of mold exposure as a contributing factor.
As we continue to gather data and refine our understanding of indoor environmental health risks, it is crucial to remain open to new indicators and sources of exposure. The case of elevated Mycophenolic Acid and its potential association with hidden mold exposure serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of our field and the importance of staying vigilant in our efforts to protect and improve indoor environmental quality.
This exploration into the relationship between Mycophenolic Acid levels and mold exposure is a step towards broadening our understanding of indoor environmental health. As research progresses, it will be essential to validate these observations with testing, controlled environments and other intentional scientific studies to better inform our practices and protect the clients and families we serve.
John is an ACAC Board Certified Indoor Environmentalist that has helped thousands of people dealing with mold and air quality issues in the Greater Pittsburgh & Tri-State area. At Alpha Air Quality, we ensure that families are receiving accurate information, factual testing & assessments, as well as proper mold removal and remediation. John is a top mold expert in the area and serves the community with excellence and experience!
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