Ep 14. Is Mold Making You Sick? Jason Earle of GOT MOLD? - Pt. 1
In this episode of "Everyday Epigenetics. Raw. Real. Relatable.", host Susan Robbins sits down with Jason Earle, an indoor air quality expert and the founder of Got Mold. Jason shares his compelling journey from battling health issues in a moldy childhood home to becoming a crusader for healthy indoor environments. We are talking about the key highlights from this conversation, shedding light on the often-overlooked impact of mold on health and the pitfalls in current mold testing methods.
The Surprising Impact of Buildings on Health
Jason Earle, once the youngest licensed stockbroker at the age of 17, left a successful Wall Street career after he connected the dots between his childhood ailments and mold exposure. "I became fascinated when I connected the dots with the idea that the buildings we live and work in can make you sick," Jason begins. This revelation was a game-changer for him, igniting his mission to educate others about the health risks posed by moldy environments.
Jason's Early Struggles with Mold Exposure
Jason recounts his childhood marked by severe respiratory issues. At just four years old, he was misdiagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a diagnosis later overturned when doctors discovered he had asthma compounded by pneumonia. Allergy tests revealed Jason was allergic to a long list of common allergens, including grass, wheat, and pets, all prevalent in his farmhouse surroundings. Despite the doctor's inability to accurately pinpoint the cause at the time, it became evident that the moldy environment of his home played a significant role in his health challenges.
The Turning Point: Leaving a Moldy Home
A pivotal moment in Jason's life was moving out of his musty childhood home. "When my folks split up when I was twelve years old, moved out of that musty farmhouse, all my symptoms went away," he shares. This move to a healthier environment marked the beginning of his recovery, albeit his family faced further tragedy with his mother's suicide in that same home a few years later.
Impact of Modern Construction Materials
Modern building practices, characterized by the use of materials like sheetrock, petrochemicals, and fluffy insulation, unknowingly contribute to unhealthy living conditions. Jason notes, “Poorly maintained buildings can lead to occupant illness," a problem exacerbated by the convenience-driven use of potentially carcinogenic materials.
The Challenges and Pitfalls of Current Mold Testing Methods
Current mold testing methods, particularly mycotoxin urine panels and the ErMI test which analyzes dust for mold DNA, are prone to false positives and misinterpretation. Jason warns that these tests often reflect food-based mycotoxin exposure rather than mold exposure from the environment. This misinterpretation can result in unnecessary panic and costly, extensive home renovations.
Mold and Mental Health: A Correlation
Increasing research suggests a link between mold exposure and mental health issues. Susan cites a Brown University study indicating a correlation between mold and depression. While the causation is not firmly established, Jason shares a poignant part of his personal story—losing his mother to suicide in their moldy home—which resonates with the study’s findings.
Mitigating the Effects of Mold Exposure
Jason emphasizes the importance of addressing air quality, food choices, and overall attitude to mitigate mold's impact. He recommends eliminating synthetic substances and opting for low or no VOC materials in building practices. Additionally, adopting a ketogenic diet, particularly with grass-fed, pastured meats, may help reduce the body's mycotoxin burden.
Jason's personal journey has fueled his commitment to indoor air quality. As CEO of GOT MOLD? he continues to raise awareness about mold's health risks and advocate for better building practices. His development of the Got Mold test kit provides a more accessible means for individuals to detect mold in their homes without the hefty price tag of professional inspections.
Jason Earle’s story is a powerful reminder of the critical link between our living environments and health. Mold exposure, often underestimated, can have significant and far-reaching consequences. By understanding the impact of mold, improving testing methods, and adopting healthier building practices, we can create safer, healthier spaces and improve our overall well-being.
Be sure to come back next week for Part 2, where we'll continue our conversation!
Learn About Jason:
Jason Earle is a man on a mission. An adoring father of two boys in diapers, incurable entrepreneur and indoor air quality crusader, he is founder & CEO of GOT MOLD?, and the creator of the GOT MOLD?® Test Kit.
The realization that his moldy childhood home was the underlying cause of his extreme allergies and asthma, led him into the healthy home business in 2002, leaving behind a successful career on Wall Street.
Over the last two decades, Jason has personally performed countless sick building
investigations, solving many medical mysteries along the way, helping thousands of families recover their health and peace of mind. He has featured or appeared on Good Morning America, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Dr. Oz Show, Entrepreneur, Wired, and more.