Environmentally acquired illness (EAI) refers to debilitating problems caused by exposure to mould and other biotoxins, Lyme, toxic chemicals, heavy metals, air pollution, dust, and other irritants found in the environment.

Unhealthy indoor air and persistent infections are the two primary causes of EAIs.

Many buildings that have had roof leaks, plumbing leaks or flooding become contaminated with moulds and bacteria. These produce toxins that are inhaled by occupants and cause illness.

While outdoor toxins also can make people sick, indoor exposures tend to be worse because the toxins are more concentrated in closed spaces.

Infections that are not completely cleared and remain in persistent forms or are reactivated are a second, significant cause of EAI. Just as the chicken pox virus can be reactivated and cause shingles, these infections can flare when a person’s immune system is already impaired by mold and the other biotoxins found in water-damaged buildings. When an individual is exposed to both infections and mould, the result can be severe chronic illness. 

EAIs include:

• Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) (also called mould illness or biotoxin illness),
• Persistent Lyme disease and other infections caused by Bartonella, Babesia, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), mycoplasma etc.
• Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
• Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)

Many people who have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or with fibromyalgia are often found to be suffering from exposure to mould, biotoxins, and/or other environmental hazards. Many people with CFS or fibromyalgia improve if they address their exposure to mould and other environmental toxins.

It is not yet known how many illnesses may be caused by environmental exposure.