From mold to mycotoxins: an LC–MS/MS method for quantifying airborne mycotoxins in indoor environments

Author: mycolabadmin
7/23/2025
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Summary

Mold in water-damaged buildings produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins that can become airborne and be breathed in. This study developed a precise laboratory method to detect and measure 29 different mycotoxins in indoor air samples. Researchers tested the method in three real mold-infested buildings and successfully identified seven different mycotoxins, proving the method works well even when toxin levels are very low. This breakthrough helps determine whether moldy indoor environments pose serious health risks to workers and occupants.

Background

Airborne exposure to mycotoxins and fungal spores poses significant health risks, particularly through inhalation of particles and mycelium debris. Detection of airborne mycotoxins remains challenging due to ultra-trace concentrations and complex dust matrices. The World Health Organization emphasizes health risks associated with mold exposure, which is increasing due to climate change-related flooding and moisture problems.

Objective

To develop and validate a reliable LC–MS/MS-based method for sampling and quantifying 29 toxicologically relevant mycotoxins in total suspended particulate matter from indoor environments. The study aims to assess indoor air exposure to mycotoxins from mold-infested buildings and demonstrate applicability through analysis of authentic case studies.

Results

The method successfully quantified 29 mycotoxins with limits of quantification ranging from 3.1 to 4520 pg/Nm³. Three authentic case studies detected seven different mycotoxins including alternariol monomethyl ether, sterigmatocystin, stachybotrylactam, and others. Intra- and inter-day recoveries were 98–129% and 96–129% respectively, with precision values below 20%.

Conclusion

The developed LC–MS/MS method provides a powerful tool for assessing mycotoxin exposure in mold-infested indoor environments with high sensitivity and sufficient range. The method’s applicability was demonstrated in representative use cases, enabling reliable exposure assessment even for mild or hidden mold infestations. Future studies will apply this method to larger sample series to further investigate fungal-mycotoxin relationships.

Published in:Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry,
Study Type:Method Development and Validation Study,
Source: DOI: 10.1007/s00216-025-05980-3, PMID: 40699261