Mycotoxin
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Mycotoxin is a toxin produced by a fungus under special conditions of moisture and temperature. Not all fungi can produce mycotoxins. Even those with the ability to produce mycotoxins, may not be producing them at all times.
Public concern over mycotoxins increased following some of the multi-million dollar "toxic mold" settlements of the late 1990's. The health effects experienced by mycotoxins is a function of the concentration, duration of exposure and the subject's sensitivities. The concentrations experienced in a normal home, office or school are typically too low to trigger a health response in occupants. The mycotoxins are not sprayed out as a gas (volatile) but rather they are associated with the spores and hyphae. Exposure occurs when someone inhales fungal spores.
A fictional application of a mycotoxin occurs in William Gibson's seminal novel Neuromancer, in which Case, the anti-hero, is punished by some of his business partners by being administered a "Russian mycotoxin", which alters his nervous tissue and renders him unable to access cyberspace.
External links
Microbiology of Animal Feeds (http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/ARTICLE/AGRIPPA/556_EN.HTM)