Outdoor Toxins
What is Mystery Toxin?
By: Daniel Cagua-Koo, PMA, MD, MPH, 12/11/2020
Disclaimer:
Article does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Article is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a
substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
Lisa Petrison and Erik Johnson wrote an excellent article describing outdoor toxins including Mystery Toxins (MT).
https://paradigmchange.me/wp/outdoor-toxins/
Mystery Toxins are the hardest outdoor toxin to identify for Mold Avoiders. Unlike other toxins, MT exposure does not result in the easy to identify "fight or flight" sympathetic response, or other wise noted as the acute CDR (Cell Danger Response). In my experience and opinion, Mystery Toxins are so toxic to the body that MT exposure often results in the Dauer response(1). Instead of elevated cortisol/fight or flight, Mystery Toxins cause the cells to freeze, hibernate, and decrease metabolism. The body is protectively limiting the transport of the inhaled biolgoical toxin, which include Mystery Toxins and Water Damaged Building toxins(WDB), to vital organs by shutting down energy production, oxygen utilization, and detoxification. In contrast, most other toxins trigger an immediate fight or flight sympathetic response. The body does not need to shut down for the majority of the "other toxins" that cause symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity. But exposure to Mystery Toxins and toxins from a Water Damaged buildings are different. The body protectively hibernates in a hypometabolic state, leading to decreased bodily functioning. Unlike the acute Cell Danger Response, Mystery Toxin symptoms are NOT immediate but delayed over hours to days, which makes Mystery Toxins hard to identify.
The improper response of the Autonomic Nervous System to MT and WDB toxins often leads to blocked regulaton and neurogenic switching, when neurological reaction to the toxin results in dysfunction, often opposite reactions. Penitrem A seems to accumulate in the Governing Meridian or the Sympathetic arm of the Autonomic Nervous System resulting in faulty autonomic nervous system response. Blocked regulation and neurogenic switching is one of the reasons why folks living in areas with high Mystery Toxins or in Water Damaged Buildings often cannot do accurate self-muscle testing or pendulum testing. In my experience, spectral analysis of the HRV will also show an abnormal Very Low Frequency reading and decreased coupling of the HF and LF readings with exposure to MT.
What is Mystery Toxin(MT)?
Molds are not our enemy. Molds are essential for healthy environmental microbiomes. Biological mold toxins like Mystery Toxins, are only created when industrial toxins (fire retardants, pesticides, sewage, etc.) are combined with molds. Lisa Petrison has proposed the possibility that the substance in question is Penitrem A, a particularly damaging mycotoxin(1,2,3) that is produced by Penicillium Crustosum and certain other molds(Streptomycetes) and that has been studied extensively by researchers in Norway (a country that is thought to have a high prevalence rate of severe ME/CFS). My own clinical experience and ART testing confirms that Penitrem A in combination with Aluminum is what makes up Mystery Toxins(MT). Penicillium Crustosom and Streptomycetes have been used in laboratory settings to create nanoparticles. Nanoparticle producing capacity likely is the reason why plumes of Penitrem A and Aluminum can impact whole regions/towns as reported by experienced Mold Avoiders. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the impact and prevalence of Penitrem A and its impact on the chronically ill. The experience of Mold Avoiders has helped define locations with Mystery Toxins. I am hoping more scientific studies will follow. But until that time, Mold Avoiders are using their body's response and lessons learned from Mold Avoidance and unmasking to avoid locations with Mystery Toxins. Why? Healing is so much easier in locations where both indoors and outdoors are healthy. I am hoping the community of Mold Toxicity aware providers will soon start to recognize the significance of evaluating outdoor exposures to Mystery Toxins,. Also I am hoping that both Real Times Laboratory and Great Plains Laboratory will add Penitrem A to their mycotoxin panel.
Finding a Location Free of Mystery Toxin
Based on my personal experience and the experience of many seasoned Mold Avoiders, many areas with higher population density are contaminated with Mystery Toxin which fluctuates with changes in climate. Extreme Mold Avoidance means finding the 20% of the locations in our region that does not have Mystery Toxin or lower amounts, and then, finding a good indoor environment/home in the MT free location. The process of unmasking and gaining the skills to find locations without Mystery Toxin takes time, energy, and support. Healthy microbiomes that do not have Mystery Toxins are typically areas that have less people, less industrial contaminants, natural air filtration like forests and oceans, and elevated locations on hills above the MT plumes.
To find a location without MT:
1. Elevation (on top of a hill). Away from mold plumes that settle in valleys.
2. Predominant wind direction has natural filtration like the ocean or forests/trees.
3. Away from water where toxins accumulate (lakes, rivers, beaches, swamps, etc).
4. Windward side of the coast on top of hills, elevated away from the toxic microbiome of the beaches (too much sewage and pesticide runoff into lakes, rivers, beaches).
Also, I use Autonomic Response Testing to evaluate locations for MT to assist individuals who are still at the beginning of their journeys, unable to identify MT. For those who do use ART, you can identify locations with Mystery Toxin by testing for resonance with vial that has the energetic imprint of Penitrem A and Aluminum. You can request an imprinted vial of Penitrem A from Allergies Lifestyle and Health.
https://www.alhvials.com/
Locations matter a lot. It makes detoxification and healing much easier. The stress of finding pristine location is rewarded by the superior therapeutic impact of the pristine locations.
Decontamination of MT*:
Mystery toxins (Penitrem A and Aluminum) does not cross contaminate as much as much as the other contaminates of concern in the Mold community. Even in locations with high amounts of Mystery Toxins (Penitrem A) outdoors, the indoors generally does not get cross contaminated in my clinical experience. However, once a Mold Avoider moves to a pristine outdoor location away from Mystery Toxin, severe self-contamination often occurs with Penitrem A, requiring discernment and proper detox and decontamination strategies.
*Only Mold Avoiders who have unmasked are able to identify successful responses to decontamination. If you are still MASKED, you will not have the skills or sensitivity to evaluate successful decontamination.
Decontamination requires two steps.
1. Dr. Dan's augmented enzyme spray. You can use the augmented enzyme spray to fog or spray locations with self contamination of Penitrem A.
2 liter of warm filtered water
Add the following digestive enzymes and mix in a blender for 30 seconds:
Mary Ruth Lipase and Protease (6 Capsules)
Klair Labs Digestive Enzymes (25 Capsules)
Serrepeptase (5 capsules)
Enterosgel 2 teaspoons
Thiosulfate 1 teaspoon
Frankincense Essential Oil 35 drops
1/4 teaspoon of Bonner's unscented liquid soap
Fog or Spray the mixture in the contaminated location, room, or vehicle.
In my experience and testing, only Mary Ruth Lipase and Protease will breakdown Penitrem A (I've tried 7 other enzyme products that did not break down Penitrem A).
2. Second, decontaminate the aluminum by fogging or wiping with Bar Keepers Friend (cheapest and easiest to find anywhere) OR Zeobind (Biopure $50s) and Grapefruit Pectin (Source Naturals $35s). ½ teaspoon per 2 liters of warm water.
3. QUATS: Steramine
Penitrem A can be decontaminated with QUATS. However, QUATS are toxic substances to the microbiome, so I try to minimize utilization of QUATS in the environment, unless you can fully fog and remove the QUATS.
4. Trisodium Phosphate(TSP)
TSP is a degreaser that can effectively removes Penitrem A(PAH) from surfaces and clothing when washing and wiping contaminated items. TSP DOES NOT bind Penitrem A. So if you use Trisodium Phosphate, Penitrem A is now transferred to the water or to the wash cloth/paper towel that should be carefully removed and thrown away.
Laundry Protocol:
With Self Contamination with Penitrem A, use the following to wash out the Penitrem A and Metals in your bedding.
Add the following to the washer.
Trisodium Phosphate 4 Cup
Bar Keepers Friends 1 Table Spoon
Home Made Hydroxyl Machine
Other type of filtration devices do not seem to work for MT in my clinical experience, including HEPA, Carbon Filters, PCO devices including Molekule, Air Oasis, Vornado, etc. However, home made affordable hydroxyl machines has been a productive tool for small portion of my clients who are stuck in MT locations for a season. However, hydroxyl machines are still only a tool and have some negative aspects. The nanoparticles of titanium used in Hydroxyl machine filters, in my personal experience, will end up in the environment. In my testing, titanium seems to neutralizes the toxicity of the aluminum. However, neutralizing one toxic metal with another metal is not a good strategy. Also, the Hydroxyls are theoretically breaking down the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (Penitrem A). I only recommend the hydroxyl machine as a temporary band aid for those who can tolerate the extra oxidative load of thydroxyls. Using a hydroxyl machine helps but results in slower healing and incomplete healing compared to MT free locations. I ALWAYS recommend the option of living in a location where the environment is healthy and balanced, free of Mystery Toxin.
Supplements to add when Detoxing Penitrem A in a Pristine Location
In a pristine location, anticipate Penitrem A self contamination as well as Penitrem A dumping into your intestines. Use the following supplements to help support the detox of Penitrem A from your system.
1. Cholestyramine and Welchol are bind Penitrem A well, however, because Penitrem A creates Porphyrins, Cleavers must be used to drain Penitrem A from the body. Two natural binders work really well for Penitrem A as well. Triphala binds Penitrem A as well as various other toxins, while it heals the intestins. So its one of my favorites. Also, PC Ecklonia from Biopure binds penitrem A well also. These other natural binders DO NOT bind penitrem A : chitosan, Ultrabinder, zeobind, enterosgel, apple pectin, grapefruit pectin, modified citrus pectin, humic/fulvic, microsilica, quality activated charcoals, etc).
2. Mary Ruth Lipase and Protease 30 minutes before meals, three times daily.
3. Triphala 4 servings with 2 servings of Cleavers is one of the most cost effective way of detoxing Penitrem A. Do this three times a day with meals.
3. Aluminum cellular detox and dumping happens later in the healing journey. Penitrem A typically needs to be detoxed from the body prior to cellular dumping of metals including aluminum. (Biosil and Enterosgel are my favorites)
Take Home Point:
Exposure to outdoor Mystery Toxin results in the SHUT DOWN of the bodies healing and detox mechanism similar to exposure to water damaged buildings.
Mystery Toxin plumes contain two components: Penitrem A and Aluminum.
People who are sicker tend to have exposure to BOTH outdoor mystery toxin as well as indoor water damaged buildings.
Those unable to heal despite excellent therapies and good indoor remediation should evaluate exposure to Mystery Toxins.
Cholestyramine and Welchol are the only binder that sufficiently binds Penitrem A.
Pristine locations are the most powerful healing intervention/treatment.
References
Addendum:
Penitrem A | P-650 | Alomone Labs
Research Setting how Penitrem A is used:
Penitrem A is widely used to probe KCa1.1 channels in smooth muscle preparations, where it induces prolongation of the depolarization plateau potential.1 Penitrem A is a selective blocker of KCa1.1 (high-conductance Ca2+-activated K+, BK) channels. It belongs to a set of tremorgenic indole alkaloids which are lipid soluble and also include Verruculogen (#V-500) and Paxilline (#P-450).2 Penitrem A (400 mg mycelium/kg) increased the spontaneous release of endogenous glutamate, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), and aspartate by 213%, 455%, and 277%, respectively, from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes.3
References
By: Daniel Cagua-Koo, PMA, MD, MPH, 12/11/2020
Disclaimer:
Article does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Article is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a
substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
Lisa Petrison and Erik Johnson wrote an excellent article describing outdoor toxins including Mystery Toxins (MT).
https://paradigmchange.me/wp/outdoor-toxins/
Mystery Toxins are the hardest outdoor toxin to identify for Mold Avoiders. Unlike other toxins, MT exposure does not result in the easy to identify "fight or flight" sympathetic response, or other wise noted as the acute CDR (Cell Danger Response). In my experience and opinion, Mystery Toxins are so toxic to the body that MT exposure often results in the Dauer response(1). Instead of elevated cortisol/fight or flight, Mystery Toxins cause the cells to freeze, hibernate, and decrease metabolism. The body is protectively limiting the transport of the inhaled biolgoical toxin, which include Mystery Toxins and Water Damaged Building toxins(WDB), to vital organs by shutting down energy production, oxygen utilization, and detoxification. In contrast, most other toxins trigger an immediate fight or flight sympathetic response. The body does not need to shut down for the majority of the "other toxins" that cause symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity. But exposure to Mystery Toxins and toxins from a Water Damaged buildings are different. The body protectively hibernates in a hypometabolic state, leading to decreased bodily functioning. Unlike the acute Cell Danger Response, Mystery Toxin symptoms are NOT immediate but delayed over hours to days, which makes Mystery Toxins hard to identify.
The improper response of the Autonomic Nervous System to MT and WDB toxins often leads to blocked regulaton and neurogenic switching, when neurological reaction to the toxin results in dysfunction, often opposite reactions. Penitrem A seems to accumulate in the Governing Meridian or the Sympathetic arm of the Autonomic Nervous System resulting in faulty autonomic nervous system response. Blocked regulation and neurogenic switching is one of the reasons why folks living in areas with high Mystery Toxins or in Water Damaged Buildings often cannot do accurate self-muscle testing or pendulum testing. In my experience, spectral analysis of the HRV will also show an abnormal Very Low Frequency reading and decreased coupling of the HF and LF readings with exposure to MT.
What is Mystery Toxin(MT)?
Molds are not our enemy. Molds are essential for healthy environmental microbiomes. Biological mold toxins like Mystery Toxins, are only created when industrial toxins (fire retardants, pesticides, sewage, etc.) are combined with molds. Lisa Petrison has proposed the possibility that the substance in question is Penitrem A, a particularly damaging mycotoxin(1,2,3) that is produced by Penicillium Crustosum and certain other molds(Streptomycetes) and that has been studied extensively by researchers in Norway (a country that is thought to have a high prevalence rate of severe ME/CFS). My own clinical experience and ART testing confirms that Penitrem A in combination with Aluminum is what makes up Mystery Toxins(MT). Penicillium Crustosom and Streptomycetes have been used in laboratory settings to create nanoparticles. Nanoparticle producing capacity likely is the reason why plumes of Penitrem A and Aluminum can impact whole regions/towns as reported by experienced Mold Avoiders. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the impact and prevalence of Penitrem A and its impact on the chronically ill. The experience of Mold Avoiders has helped define locations with Mystery Toxins. I am hoping more scientific studies will follow. But until that time, Mold Avoiders are using their body's response and lessons learned from Mold Avoidance and unmasking to avoid locations with Mystery Toxins. Why? Healing is so much easier in locations where both indoors and outdoors are healthy. I am hoping the community of Mold Toxicity aware providers will soon start to recognize the significance of evaluating outdoor exposures to Mystery Toxins,. Also I am hoping that both Real Times Laboratory and Great Plains Laboratory will add Penitrem A to their mycotoxin panel.
Finding a Location Free of Mystery Toxin
Based on my personal experience and the experience of many seasoned Mold Avoiders, many areas with higher population density are contaminated with Mystery Toxin which fluctuates with changes in climate. Extreme Mold Avoidance means finding the 20% of the locations in our region that does not have Mystery Toxin or lower amounts, and then, finding a good indoor environment/home in the MT free location. The process of unmasking and gaining the skills to find locations without Mystery Toxin takes time, energy, and support. Healthy microbiomes that do not have Mystery Toxins are typically areas that have less people, less industrial contaminants, natural air filtration like forests and oceans, and elevated locations on hills above the MT plumes.
To find a location without MT:
1. Elevation (on top of a hill). Away from mold plumes that settle in valleys.
2. Predominant wind direction has natural filtration like the ocean or forests/trees.
3. Away from water where toxins accumulate (lakes, rivers, beaches, swamps, etc).
4. Windward side of the coast on top of hills, elevated away from the toxic microbiome of the beaches (too much sewage and pesticide runoff into lakes, rivers, beaches).
Also, I use Autonomic Response Testing to evaluate locations for MT to assist individuals who are still at the beginning of their journeys, unable to identify MT. For those who do use ART, you can identify locations with Mystery Toxin by testing for resonance with vial that has the energetic imprint of Penitrem A and Aluminum. You can request an imprinted vial of Penitrem A from Allergies Lifestyle and Health.
https://www.alhvials.com/
Locations matter a lot. It makes detoxification and healing much easier. The stress of finding pristine location is rewarded by the superior therapeutic impact of the pristine locations.
Decontamination of MT*:
Mystery toxins (Penitrem A and Aluminum) does not cross contaminate as much as much as the other contaminates of concern in the Mold community. Even in locations with high amounts of Mystery Toxins (Penitrem A) outdoors, the indoors generally does not get cross contaminated in my clinical experience. However, once a Mold Avoider moves to a pristine outdoor location away from Mystery Toxin, severe self-contamination often occurs with Penitrem A, requiring discernment and proper detox and decontamination strategies.
*Only Mold Avoiders who have unmasked are able to identify successful responses to decontamination. If you are still MASKED, you will not have the skills or sensitivity to evaluate successful decontamination.
Decontamination requires two steps.
1. Dr. Dan's augmented enzyme spray. You can use the augmented enzyme spray to fog or spray locations with self contamination of Penitrem A.
2 liter of warm filtered water
Add the following digestive enzymes and mix in a blender for 30 seconds:
Mary Ruth Lipase and Protease (6 Capsules)
Klair Labs Digestive Enzymes (25 Capsules)
Serrepeptase (5 capsules)
Enterosgel 2 teaspoons
Thiosulfate 1 teaspoon
Frankincense Essential Oil 35 drops
1/4 teaspoon of Bonner's unscented liquid soap
Fog or Spray the mixture in the contaminated location, room, or vehicle.
In my experience and testing, only Mary Ruth Lipase and Protease will breakdown Penitrem A (I've tried 7 other enzyme products that did not break down Penitrem A).
2. Second, decontaminate the aluminum by fogging or wiping with Bar Keepers Friend (cheapest and easiest to find anywhere) OR Zeobind (Biopure $50s) and Grapefruit Pectin (Source Naturals $35s). ½ teaspoon per 2 liters of warm water.
3. QUATS: Steramine
Penitrem A can be decontaminated with QUATS. However, QUATS are toxic substances to the microbiome, so I try to minimize utilization of QUATS in the environment, unless you can fully fog and remove the QUATS.
4. Trisodium Phosphate(TSP)
TSP is a degreaser that can effectively removes Penitrem A(PAH) from surfaces and clothing when washing and wiping contaminated items. TSP DOES NOT bind Penitrem A. So if you use Trisodium Phosphate, Penitrem A is now transferred to the water or to the wash cloth/paper towel that should be carefully removed and thrown away.
Laundry Protocol:
With Self Contamination with Penitrem A, use the following to wash out the Penitrem A and Metals in your bedding.
Add the following to the washer.
Trisodium Phosphate 4 Cup
Bar Keepers Friends 1 Table Spoon
Home Made Hydroxyl Machine
Other type of filtration devices do not seem to work for MT in my clinical experience, including HEPA, Carbon Filters, PCO devices including Molekule, Air Oasis, Vornado, etc. However, home made affordable hydroxyl machines has been a productive tool for small portion of my clients who are stuck in MT locations for a season. However, hydroxyl machines are still only a tool and have some negative aspects. The nanoparticles of titanium used in Hydroxyl machine filters, in my personal experience, will end up in the environment. In my testing, titanium seems to neutralizes the toxicity of the aluminum. However, neutralizing one toxic metal with another metal is not a good strategy. Also, the Hydroxyls are theoretically breaking down the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (Penitrem A). I only recommend the hydroxyl machine as a temporary band aid for those who can tolerate the extra oxidative load of thydroxyls. Using a hydroxyl machine helps but results in slower healing and incomplete healing compared to MT free locations. I ALWAYS recommend the option of living in a location where the environment is healthy and balanced, free of Mystery Toxin.
Supplements to add when Detoxing Penitrem A in a Pristine Location
In a pristine location, anticipate Penitrem A self contamination as well as Penitrem A dumping into your intestines. Use the following supplements to help support the detox of Penitrem A from your system.
1. Cholestyramine and Welchol are bind Penitrem A well, however, because Penitrem A creates Porphyrins, Cleavers must be used to drain Penitrem A from the body. Two natural binders work really well for Penitrem A as well. Triphala binds Penitrem A as well as various other toxins, while it heals the intestins. So its one of my favorites. Also, PC Ecklonia from Biopure binds penitrem A well also. These other natural binders DO NOT bind penitrem A : chitosan, Ultrabinder, zeobind, enterosgel, apple pectin, grapefruit pectin, modified citrus pectin, humic/fulvic, microsilica, quality activated charcoals, etc).
2. Mary Ruth Lipase and Protease 30 minutes before meals, three times daily.
3. Triphala 4 servings with 2 servings of Cleavers is one of the most cost effective way of detoxing Penitrem A. Do this three times a day with meals.
3. Aluminum cellular detox and dumping happens later in the healing journey. Penitrem A typically needs to be detoxed from the body prior to cellular dumping of metals including aluminum. (Biosil and Enterosgel are my favorites)
Take Home Point:
Exposure to outdoor Mystery Toxin results in the SHUT DOWN of the bodies healing and detox mechanism similar to exposure to water damaged buildings.
Mystery Toxin plumes contain two components: Penitrem A and Aluminum.
People who are sicker tend to have exposure to BOTH outdoor mystery toxin as well as indoor water damaged buildings.
Those unable to heal despite excellent therapies and good indoor remediation should evaluate exposure to Mystery Toxins.
Cholestyramine and Welchol are the only binder that sufficiently binds Penitrem A.
Pristine locations are the most powerful healing intervention/treatment.
References
- Hollywood, M. A. et al. (2000) Am. J. Physiol. 279, C420.
- Knaus, H. G. et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 5819.
- Norris, P.J. et al. (1980) J. Neurochem. 34, 33.
- )https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27573827
- https://ndnr.com/cardiopulmonary-medicine/heart-rate-variability-the-why-what-and-how-of-hrv-and-its-importance-in-private-practice-part-2/
- https://chronicillnesstraumastudies.com/mecfs-freeze/
- When evaluating with HRV spectral analysis, the body's response to MT results in more Very Low Frequencies (VLF), which is related to the neuroendocrine response. Here is a link to an article about HRV spectral analysis and the tridoshas.
- https://ndnr.com/cardiopulmonary-medicine/heart-rate-variability-the-why-what-and-how-of-hrv-and-its-importance-in-private-practice-part-2/
Addendum:
Penitrem A | P-650 | Alomone Labs
Research Setting how Penitrem A is used:
Penitrem A is widely used to probe KCa1.1 channels in smooth muscle preparations, where it induces prolongation of the depolarization plateau potential.1 Penitrem A is a selective blocker of KCa1.1 (high-conductance Ca2+-activated K+, BK) channels. It belongs to a set of tremorgenic indole alkaloids which are lipid soluble and also include Verruculogen (#V-500) and Paxilline (#P-450).2 Penitrem A (400 mg mycelium/kg) increased the spontaneous release of endogenous glutamate, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), and aspartate by 213%, 455%, and 277%, respectively, from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes.3
References
- Hollywood, M. A. et al. (2000) Am. J. Physiol. 279, C420.
- Knaus, H. G. et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 5819.
- Norris, P.J. et al. (1980) J. Neurochem. 34, 33.