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The Hembroff Case
Toxic Mould, Mycotoxin Exposure & Recovery

This case study shares Andrea Hembroff’s personal journey with toxic mould exposure, mycotoxin illness, and the testing breakthroughs that uncovered the hidden environmental cause. It highlights the importance of advanced mycotoxin testing, remediation, and awareness of inspection limitations.

Health Collapse After Hidden Mould Exposure

 

In 2017, Andrea moved into her house. After two years of living in her home, her health deteriorated dramatically. At the time, she had no idea mould exposure and mycotoxins were the reason. She was fighting with:

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  • Dementia-like symptoms

  • Seizure-like episodes

  • Chronic migraines

  • Severe nerve pain​​​​

Andrea Hembroff Portrait

Andrea Hembroff

​​​Forced to Leave Home & a new Beginning in the Mycotoxin Industry

When mould was identified as the reason, Andrea and her family had no choice but to leave their home. With limited resources, they lived in a tent for months.

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During this time, Andrea immersed herself in research on mould remediation, environmental testing, and mycotoxins, combining her pre-medical background with a new passion for indoor environmental sciences.​

​Andrea later transitioned into the industry, becoming both an advocate and educator. Her unique role connected environmental professionals with functional medicine doctors, bridging the gap between science and health.

Mould on water-damaged indoor area

The Symptoms Return

Years later, Andrea’s health declined again. Her symptoms were worst in the bedroom. She had access to some of the best mould inspectors and testing methodologies in the U.S. & conducted wall cavity sampling, spore trap sampling, dust tests with mass spectrometry, particle counters, thermal cameras & moisture meters...

 

…every test came back “clean.” But she knew something was wrong.

The Breakthrough: Airborne Mycotoxin Testing (AMEA)

Finally, Andrea tried Airborne Mycotoxin Environmental Analysis (AMEA), which revealed:

  • High levels of Aflatoxin

  • Ochratoxin A

  • Trichothecenes

 

These mycotoxins are associated with severe health effects, including liver and lung cancers. Shockingly, the previous homeowner had died of cancers linked to aflatoxin exposure.

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Exploratory Remediation & Findings

The AMEA results gave Andrea the confidence to proceed with remediation. Behind the walls, they discovered:

  • Mould growth behind siding near the bedroom window (woodpecker damage)

  • Mould-infested windows due to poor flashing

  • Saturated, mould-contaminated subfloor in the bathroom

 

The home required re-siding and complete remediation of the bedroom and bathroom.​​​

"My real-life case study demonstrates how hidden mould & mycotoxin exposure can devastate health & shows why comprehensive testing and skilled inspectors are essential." 

A short video detailing Andrea's story

Interview with Dr. Jill Carnahan

Interview with Daniel Stih

Recovery & Key Lessons

Today, Andrea has regained her health thanks to persistence and advanced testing.

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Key Takeaways

  • Each mould testing method has strengths and limitations.

  • Traditional non-invasive inspections often miss hidden mould.

  • Airborne mycotoxin testing can uncover hidden problems that standard inspections overlook.

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