For mycotoxins to affect human health, what must be present?

For mycotoxins to impact human health, there must be an actual presence of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by specific molds, and without these substances being present, there is simply nothing to cause harm. Exposure alone does not guarantee health effects; it is the mycotoxins themselves that are responsible for toxicity.

In scenarios involving mold and health, other factors such as exposure pathways, individual susceptibility, and environmental conditions do play significant roles in determining the extent and severity of health effects. However, these factors become irrelevant if mycotoxins are not actively present. Therefore, the core requirement for potential health effects to occur is the existence of mycotoxins.