If you have been experiencing unexplained symptoms — fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, sleep disturbances, mood changes, or weight fluctuations — and no one can tell you why, your home may be part of the answer.
What is CIRS?
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex, multi-system illness triggered by exposure to biotoxins, including those produced by indoor mould. It is characterised by a persistent inflammatory response and symptoms that are diverse, inconsistent, and frequently misattributed to other conditions.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue and difficulty recovering from exertion
- Cognitive difficulties — brain fog, poor concentration, memory issues
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headaches
- Respiratory issues
- Mood changes and sleep disturbances
- Unexplained weight changes
The challenge is that these symptoms overlap with many other conditions. Most GPs are not yet trained to consider the indoor environment as a contributing factor, which means people with CIRS are often misdiagnosed — or simply told nothing is wrong — for years.
The connection to indoor mould
Research indicates that prolonged exposure to indoor mould is one of the most significant triggers for CIRS. Mould does not need to be visible to cause harm. It grows inside wall cavities, under floor coverings, in roof spaces, and inside ducted heating and cooling systems. By the time a smell appears or staining is visible, contamination is often well established.
Around 24% of the population lack the antibodies to process biotoxins when exposed. For these individuals, repeated exposure does not trigger a normal immune clearance response — it accumulates.
Women may be particularly susceptible. Mould exposure has been linked to chronic inflammation, which can disrupt hormonal and metabolic processes. Symptoms that appear to be hormonal or menopausal in origin are sometimes rooted in environmental exposure — a connection that is rarely explored in a standard GP consultation.
What a building biology assessment can do
A professional mould and moisture assessment identifies hidden contamination that standard inspections miss. Before Marijana arrives at any property, a detailed questionnaire covers the building's history, the health of all occupants, and the timeline of symptoms. By the time she walks in the door, she already has a working picture of where to look.
The assessment identifies the source, the extent, and the likely contribution to the health concerns described. The written report can be shared with your GP or integrative practitioner to support an informed conversation about treatment alongside remediation.
If you or your family have been unwell for an extended period without a clear explanation, your home is worth investigating. It is one of the most overlooked factors in chronic illness — and one of the most fixable.