MYCOTOXIN TESTING &
AWARENESS IN NEW ZEALAND
Protect Your Health from Hidden Indoor Contaminants
Why Mycotoxins Matter
If your property has experienced leaks, flooding, or moisture problems, there’s a high chance that mycotoxins remain in dust, air, surfaces, or HVAC systems.
Key risks of mycotoxin exposure are:
SEVERE HEALTH IMPACTS
Linked to respiratory illness, immune suppression, neurological issues, hormonal disruption, & even cancer
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PERSISTENCE
Mycotoxins can linger in buildings for years​
​UNDETECTED BY STANDARD TESTS
Traditional mould inspections don’t detect mycotoxins
REGULATION GAP
New Zealand has no indoor air standards, even though inhalation is far more toxic than ingestion
What Are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are invisible, toxic chemicals produced as a defence mechanism by mould (fungi) in damp or poorly ventilated environments. Unlike spores, they are microscopic, odourless toxins that spread like gases and persist long after mould is removed.
AIRBORNE
How Do Mycotoxins Spread Indoors?
spores attach to evaporating water molecules in warm & humid conditions
DUST & FIBRES
are released when surfaces are disturbed
HVAC SYSTEMS
recirculate toxins throughout buildings
When to Consider Mycotoxin Testing
Look for these red flags!
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Chronic, unexplained health symptoms
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History of leaks or water damage
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Low or inconclusive spore-trap results
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Concerns for vulnerable occupants (children, elderly, immunocompromised)
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Step 1: Building Assessment
​Comprehensive site inspection including:
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Visual examination
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Thermal imaging & moisture mapping
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Particle counting
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Identification of visible and hidden mould
Step 2: Laboratory Testing
1. AMEA – Airborne Mycotoxin Environmental Analysis
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Uses specialised air sampling (IOM myco-cassette)
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Detects Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A & Trichothecenes, all toxins linked to cancer, kidney damage & severe neurological symptoms
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​Non-invasive testing measures the actual toxins in the air, giving a true indication of inhalation risk
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2. MESA – Mycotoxin Environmental Surface Analysis
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Swab sampling from walls, ceilings, furniture, HVAC vents
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Ideal for hospitals, schools, post-remediation checks, and ongoing symptom cases
Step 3: Certified Lab Analysis
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Samples tested via ELISA (gold standard medical diagnostic method)
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Reports delivered in approx. 2 weeks
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Clear results: Detect / Undetect with background thresholds
Our Mycotoxin Testing Process
What Happens After Testing?
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Targeted remediation: identify and remove contamination sources
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Occupant safety advice: including relocation if necessary
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Health referrals: functional medicine & detox specialists
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Education: guidance on moisture control and mould prevention
Professional Mycotoxin Removal Guidance
Mycotoxins cannot simply be wiped away. Without proper removal, they persist in building materials, furniture & air. DIY methods or unqualified contractors often worsen contamination.
Just like asbestos or meth remediation, safe mycotoxin removal requires certified experts using PPE, HEPA filtration, containment & specialist cleaning agents.
MYKES offers clear remediation recommendations & connects you with certified professionals nationwide - unbiased & non-conflicted.
Post-Remediation Verification (PRV) & Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
Why PRV Is Essential
After remediation, PRV confirms the environment is safe. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and Healthy Homes Standards, property owners & landlords must prove indoor spaces are healthy.
Without PRV & CoC, you risk:
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Ongoing health problems
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Legal breaches and penalties
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Insurance disputes
Our PRV Services Include:
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Airborne mould & mycotoxin sampling
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Surface swab analysis
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Particle counting & VOC testing
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Moisture mapping & thermal imaging
Only when spaces pass testing will a Certificate of Compliance be issued.