Chronic mycotoxin exposure from indoor mold growth may trigger or accelerate the onset of autoimmune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, according to a review of 22 peer-reviewed studies published in the journal Toxicology Letters in January 2026.
The review synthesizes evidence that mycotoxins — particularly ochratoxin A, aflatoxin B1, and trichothecenes — can disrupt immune regulation through multiple mechanisms, including suppression of regulatory T-cells, activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine cascades, and molecular mimicry that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue.
While the review stops short of establishing direct causation, the authors note that the epidemiological overlap between regions with high water damage rates and elevated autoimmune disease prevalence is consistent with the proposed mechanism.
Dr. Patricia Wade, who reviewed the paper, said the findings underscore the urgency of treating water damage as a medical issue, not merely a property issue. 'When a home floods and mold grows, the clock is ticking not just on the building but on the health of the people inside it,' she said.
The review recommends that rheumatologists and neurologists incorporate environmental exposure history into their diagnostic workups, particularly for patients with atypical presentations or treatment-resistant autoimmune conditions.
