Toxic Truths: How Mold, PFAS, and BPA Are Harming Your Health!

In a recent episode I interviewed Dr. Kelly McCann, an integrative environmental medicine physician who has been working with complex chronic illness for years. We dug into mold toxicity, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), chronic infections like Lyme, and the practical first steps anyone can take to feel better. If you're overwhelmed by these topics, I'll break down the essentials in a straightforward way and share simple actions you can take today.

Why Dr. Kelly Got Into This Work

Dr. Kelly trained in integrative and environmental medicine after a fellowship with Dr. Andrew Weil. She studied with clinicians who focused on environmental chemical exposures and later learned Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's mold protocols. Her interest became personal when she got sick after living in a damp, flat-roofed building in Oregon. Learning about mold and environmental toxins helped explain her symptoms and motivated her to help others.

What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?

MCAS is a hypersensitivity condition where mast cells, the immune system's "soldiers at the gate", release inflammatory mediators like histamine, cytokines, serotonin, and heparin inappropriately. In many people with genetic susceptibility, the triggers turn on and don't turn off. Triggers include mold, chronic infections (Lyme, Bartonella), environmental chemicals, EMF, hormones, and even trauma.

Key Points About MCAS:

• Many people have a genetic predisposition (estimates pre-COVID ~1 in 6 showed susceptibility).
• Symptoms vary widely because mast cells in different tissues contain different mediator mixes.
• Frequently overlaps with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and environmental illness.

Mold, Mycotoxins, And Why They Matter

Not all molds produce mycotoxins. Mycotoxin-producing molds create metabolites to outcompete other molds. Those metabolites can make people sick. Mold exposure often acts as the straw that breaks the camel's back when someone already carries infections or chemical burdens.

Dr. Kelly points out that modern building practices and materials (impermeable wraps, slab contact with drywall, vinyl flooring) can trap moisture and feed mold growth. Southern California houses, soil molds, and irrigation patterns can also contribute to mold issues.

How To Test And What To Do At Home

Testing options range by cost and thoroughness:

• Professional inspection by an indoor environmental specialist: most accurate, but costly.
• ERMI or HERTSME DIY tests: PCR-based tests that look for specific mold species and provide a score.
• Simple mold plates for renters or low-budget checks.

Practical home steps you can take now:

• Use a hygrometer or moisture meter to help keep indoor humidity under 50%.
• Run dehumidifiers in damp areas and improve ventilation in bathrooms.
• Don't disturb visible mold or try to "bleach it away". Disturbances can spread spores and antigenic fragments.
• Don't wear shoes in the house; vacuum regularly to capture dust and microplastics.
• Filter your water. PFAS contamination is widespread and hard to remove biologically (note: plasma apheresis is one of the few ways to actually remove PFAS from the body).

Treatment Approach When Someone Is Highly Sensitive

Dr. Kelly's approach is twofold: calm mast cells so the person can function, then identify and treat root causes.

• Calm mast cells: low-histamine diet (when helpful), H1/H2 blockers (cetirizine, loratadine, ranitidine-type meds historically), cromolyn sodium, ketotifen, DAO enzyme supplements for histamine breakdown.
• Nervous system work: vagus nerve stimulation, devices like wearable vagal stimulators, breathing exercises and sleep optimization.
• Limbic/brain retraining: DNRS, Gupta, Primal Trust type programs to settle a stuck nervous system after trauma or chronic activation.
• Investigate and treat chronic infections (Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia) and eliminate environmental exposures when possible.

Mind-Body, Trauma, And The "Unforgetting" Idea

Kelly emphasizes that trauma and unresolved life situations can make immune dysregulation worse. She speaks about an "Unforgetting Project": helping people reconnect with their authentic selves and intuitive wisdom. Part of healing for her patients is learning to listen to body-messages, speak their truth, and build emotional and spiritual resilience.

Practical Non-Negotiables I Took From This Conversation

1.  Filter your water: PFAS are everywhere and hard to clear from the body.

2.  Cut plastic exposure: reduce plastics in food storage, avoid heating food in plastic, and limit synthetic clothing where possible.

3.  Keep indoor humidity below 50%: Clean/dry damp areas; get professional mold inspection when in doubt.

4.  Protect sleep and nervous system: prioritize sleep quantity and quality, reduce evening screen time.

FAQ

Q: How do I know if mold or MCAS is part of my problem?

A: Look for multi-system symptoms: chronic fatigue, brain fog, rashes, GI issues, new allergies, and sensitivities. A history of living in a damp environment or unexplained decline after moving or travel raises suspicion.

Q: Can I test a tick I found on me?

A: Yes, ticks can be tested for pathogens for a relatively low cost. Even if you don't get sick immediately, a tick-borne infection can surface later when other stresses occur.

Q: Is bleach or alcohol OK for surface mold?

A: No. Bleach or alcohol can fragment mold and spread antigenic particles. If you suspect mycotoxin-producing molds, get a proper remediation plan and avoid DIY demolition that spreads spores.

Q: Where can I learn more or follow Dr. Kelly?

A: Dr. Kelly maintains a clinical practice in Southern California (The Spring Center) and has resources at drkellymccann.com. She's also working on the Unforgetting Project to help people reconnect with their core intuition and health.

Final Thoughts

If you're overwhelmed by environmental illness or MCAS, start with small, practical steps: filter water, control humidity, reduce plastics, and improve sleep. The rest you can layer in nervous system work, mast cell calmers, testing and remediation.

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Thanks for reading! I'll keep sharing interviews like this to help you eat, train, and live like a savage!

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