From the Guidelines
Black mold exposure is not a known cause of cirrhosis, and the primary causes of cirrhosis are chronic liver damage from conditions like alcoholic liver disease, chronic hepatitis B or C infections, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and certain genetic disorders. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024 1, confirms that cirrhosis from any cause is the strongest risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with an annual risk of 1-8% in cirrhotic patients. The study also highlights that the incidence of HCC appears to be less in alcohol-related cirrhosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease-related cirrhosis.
Some key points to consider:
- Chronic hepatitis B and C infections are the most common underlying liver diseases among patients with HCC globally, affecting an estimated 400 million and 170 million people, respectively 1.
- Alcohol excess is the cause of approximately 36% of liver cancers, and metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) is estimated to contribute around 10-14% of HCC cases in Western countries 1.
- Patients with other causes of cirrhosis, including primary biliary cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and haemochromatosis, are also at an increased risk of HCC 1.
- While black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) exposure can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and in some cases neurological symptoms, there is no established medical link between black mold exposure and the development of liver cirrhosis, as supported by previous studies 2, 3.
If you're experiencing liver problems, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate common causes of liver disease through appropriate blood tests, imaging studies, and possibly liver biopsy. Anyone concerned about black mold exposure should focus on proper remediation of the mold and addressing any respiratory or allergic symptoms that may occur, but liver damage would not be an expected consequence of such exposure based on current medical understanding.
From the Research
Black Mold Exposure and Cirrhosis
- There is limited research directly linking black mold exposure to cirrhosis, with most studies focusing on the common causes of cirrhosis such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis 4, 5.
- However, one study found that exposure to mold, mycotoxins, and other toxins may trigger an autoimmune response, with 6 patients showing elevated levels of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) after exposure to indoor mold 6.
- Another study suggested that molds can cause human disease through several mechanisms, including allergies, asthma, and hypersensitivity diseases, but found no evidence of a link between autoimmune disease and mold exposure 7, 8.
- The current evidence does not support a direct causal relationship between black mold exposure and cirrhosis, but further research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of mold exposure on liver health 6.