What is Hell Toxin (HT) sometimes referred to as HCCT? Hell Toxin is a group of unidentified environmental toxins experienced by hundreds or perhaps thousands of people.
The toxins all known as HT have similar properties to each other (sometimes they are differentiated into different strains), and are experienced in similar ways to folks who are reactive.
Many who have gone through mold avoidance or been exposed to toxic molds experience this toxin and react to it.
This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Typical Reaction
The typical reactions to this toxin are burning and other skin irritations, sometimes even resulting in what looks like burn marks. However, not everyone who is reactive to HT gets a burning feeling or tingling sensation on the skin.
Keep in mind that burning alone, does not define an HT reaction or presence of the toxin. I have seen many people over the last year panic over skin burning, itching or other irritations, who found out it was to a myriad of toxins or allergens that were not HT.
Those who “simply have burning” can usually easily, or much more easily, find the cause and avoid it.
I have also seen folks mistake EMF sensitivity for HT reactivity as well. EMF sensitivity abates with the absence of the trigger and there is no physical toxin that is present that can spread. It can be confusing to figure out the difference in some cases.
The typical experience includes a high ability to cross-contaminate. At the mildest stage, this could simply be spreading by water, instead of it washing out or improving with washing like most toxins, and having to throw out items instead of cleaning them.
But in the more typical advanced reactivity stage, it is highly cross-contaminating and it cannot be mistaken for something else.
Will I Unmask to HT with Mold Avoidance
Keep in mind that unlike cyano, mystery toxin or stachy, not everyone who embarks on mold avoidance will become sensitized/reactive to HT, most don’t.
This is a misconception that everyone will “unmask”, and this came from MT (Mystery Toxin) and HT being discussed together and discussed more widely in the forums now.
I also don’t consider HT to be an outdoor toxin the way MT is, though it certainly can contaminate outdoor environments.
Do I have HT?
If you are unsure whether you have HT, check in with a few folks who have a lot of experience to run by your reactions, symptoms, and experience with them.
Dr Daniel Cagua-Koo helps patients through physical treatments and cleaning protocols.
I help folks in the beginning stages on how to manage this toxin which can become quite costly and devastating.
Please get more than one opinion if you are unsure. There are a number of ways that experienced folks will look at how the toxin acts to identify it.
Signs you have HT (you might not have them all):
- Burning, tingling, itching of the skin or feeling of something tingling in the air or something that feels like radiation
- Cleaning things with water and regular soap does not get rid of it and at the very least worsens the toxin (for example, in the least reactive stage you wash a piece of clothing and it spread to everything thing else in the wash).
- A more advanced version worsens drastically with water
- It is not possible to wash it out of clothes (other than a few successes with very special protocols)
- The toxin can worsen dramatically with some efforts used to kill or compete with it. Almost all the products used to kill or clean can also “blow up”
- If you are successful with cleaning it, it is only from specialized methods
- Electronics, paper, plastic are the quickest to get contaminated and the hardest to remediate
- It worsens around electronics (or EMFs in general)
- It contaminates things in ways that mold or bacteria cannot contaminate things, for example being unable to be cleaned off metal or ceramic with soap and water
- The toxin can feel like it has a charge in advanced reactivity. Because it acts like a charged particle, it can jump, and cling
- In advanced stages, it can spread quickly. Unless you physically improve with treatments or detox the toxin usually spreads if it’s not cleaned with special products
- You will likely feel this on specific items like from certain warehouses and certain new products. Many new electronics do have this (I speculate it is the aluminum-based Flame Retardants in part), certain clothing brands, phone brands, and warehouses should feel bad to you otherwise it’s not likely you are reacting to the same thing
How do we Know we are all Reacting to the Same Toxin?
One other way to tell is that those who have this reaction react to the same items – there are brands of electronics, clothes, entire warehouses in Kentucky, and other common stores and places where we find the same toxin – and while we are all a bit different – our experiences with the toxin are similar enough to have been able to define this as a toxin in the environment and not just an internal reaction.
We have also sent items to each other and to Dr Dan and visited each other.
We have visited buildings or homes of another reactor to see if we are talking about the same toxin and we have found we do react to the same places or items and therefore have identified it through these ways.
Why do we not get it Tested?
Many discussions have taken place on how to get this toxin properly tested and identified, however, a large amount of funding is needed to undertake this testing.
Mold testing experts and industrial hygienists have given their thoughts on this and after taking in the information, have agreed that the amount of funding needed is very high, and is not available at this time.
Keep in mind we do not know what this toxin is. Dr. Daniel Cagua-Koo hypothesizes that this has a nano metal component. Nano metals are used frequently now as flame retardants (nano aluminum), and as antimicrobials (nanosilver).
Most people who react to it seem to agree with this assessment and theory.
Where to send it for testing and how to collect it are other challenging areas.
The substance clearly has something about it that makes it different from just any nano metal. Many hypothesize it might have a biological component as well.
It acts in similar ways to candida auris which has been described by mainstream scientists as “spreading like wildfire”, but has not been identified as the same thing.
While prominent doctors have not spoken publicly about it, many doctors who treat mold illness, CIRS, and related illnesses do acknowledge this toxin.
Wilson practitioners also seem to be aware of this toxin/reaction.
What informs our Hypotheses on what this Toxin is
While we can hypothesize based on our symptoms and how the toxin acts, we start to confirm a theory based on what kills or cleans it up, as well as places it is likely to be found.
What are the Main Cleaning Protocols
Kill methods (do not usually resolve the problem on their own, they are one step of the cleaning protocol – just a kill method usually equals a blow up).
They include: silver hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide (without silver, up to 30%), Ozone (No longer recommend ozone on or near HT as 9 people have lost everything to this), boiling, flamethrower torch, antimicrobial essential oils, tinctures or teas: pepper, tea tree, cedar). Sage, juniper (wood), turpentine, and citronella can also be used.
Other methods that may work in this stage are high temps over 40C for prolonged periods and enzyme cleaners.
Break down or compete with the toxin – enzyme cleaners break down a number of toxins from biological to chemical. Enzyme cleaners can be used alone but are usually part of a full protocol.
Enzymes used on HT include MoldToxin Klear (US), Enzyme Komplete (Canada) and Liquid Ate (Canada and US).
You can add additional enzymes to make this stronger.
Probiotics help to compete with the toxin, the main one used in EM1. Teraganix is the brand used throughout the US and Europe. EM1 can be used on objects, skin and the home without another step.
On clothes it’s not used without a kill step.
I have also used probiotics soaps (I really like the soapnut probiotic soap, although it’s not essential), and made a lotion using oral probiotics mixed with body lotion, any oral probiotic will do – this part is essential for me.
I also really like serrapeptase mixed into lotion. This is stronger than probiotics in lotion and works better for me.
Binders are used after the kill stage: Bar Keepers Friend, TSP, Zeolite (Odourout), Pectin, quaternary ammonia (Steramine, Barbicide, or Shockwave).
Repopulate the biome after killing and binding, with EM1.
I have found enzymes and cedar tea to both be good cleaning products that work for “kill” and “clean up”. They work well to remove it off my skin too.
To make cedar tea I soak cedar branches (the green part) in water, boil it at least twice, and then soak overnight.
Cleaning Protocols
Silver Peroxide protocol (most are not using silver anymore, because the benefits are not worth the risks, it’s not really needed).
Dr Dan’s Protocols – Called “3 Part” is hydrogen peroxide, quats and Barkeepers in one bottle, followed by enzymes or EM1. See his website River of Life Medical for new protocols to try, he is always changing and adding new things.
- Mix to 3%-30% HP, plus Steramine or other similar quats, with Barkeepers.
- Barkeepers can be mixed in the bottle or sprinkled on separately. Generally, you might start with 6-10% HP depending on your strain with about 1/3 of each product.
- Follow with balancing the biome with Enzymes or EM1.
- High concentrations of HP burn the skin and are dangerous to work with. They are dangerous to breathe in too if you spray of fog.
Sara Tamames Protocol with boiling and EM1 (includes soap nuts and Swiffer). I would say only works on mild strains and/or mild reactivity. While boiling and EM1 have both been used by many others in conjunction with other products, I haven’t seen this protocol alone work for many people.
- In this clothing protocol, you pour boiling water over clothes in a bucket. Then when that cools you pour it off. Then you soak in EM1 overnight.
Vulpex protocol (soaking item in Vulpex overnight, followed by a soak in quats and then Oxyclean). This seems to work only for those partially masked or less sensitive. TSP is used instead of vulpex by more people.
Plants, teas, extracts and essential oils in the above list. I use cedar tea. Used for cleaning objects, the home and can be used on the body in certain concentrations. Essential oils listed above can be sprayed in a room or on items. See Dr Dan’s website for more essential oil formulas.
The hardest thing to remediate is clothes (or other cloth items). This should not be attempted in the beginning.
Protocols for Personal Care of the Body
I have found probiotics mixed into unscented body lotion to be a big help.
I also find that spraying Liquid-Ate on my skin to be a lifesaver. It neutralizes the toxin that is on the skin, helping me to get into a clean area like the bed, uncontaminated. It has a very light citrus scent that may not be noticeable to those with a normal sense of smell.
When HT was really bad I would follow that with the Yes to Tomatoes Charcoal Wipes (warning, they are scented), to wipe the remaining small amount of HT off of the skin (I have also used to them to protect items like cards).
I have also used EM1 and cedar tea to wipe down my skin successfully.
Swimming in a chlorine pool has been a good way to decon, I have found, and many others have too.
Soaking in Epson Salts provides some resilience from the toxin, many of us have found. You can also sprinkle Epson Salts on the bed, this is very helpful. I also soak clothes in them.
I have not found it hard to decon from my skin and hair, personally. Though some have a lot of struggles with their hair.
Hair Washing
I haven’t had my hair be prone to contamination but others have. They have used baking soda, essential oil shampoo, anti-dandruff shampoo, and other strategies.
Helping prevent the spread in the environment
I use 6 mil poly on beds and change it out when necessary. It’s a better idea to use sleeping mats and discard them when necessary unless you have this more under control since it’s not possible to remediate a bed.
It is better to be off the ground though, a camping cot can help.
At times I have put foil over floors and sometimes on the face of cabinets to help prevent the spread. Just regular heavy-duty foil. It’s by no means a perfect block, but it has helped me. Cardboard is also a decent block.
The main prevention is to prevent contaminated objects and people from coming into the environment.
Airtight metal and glass containers can be of some help, but it’s not the same strategy as sequestering other toxins like mold.
Breaking from HT
If you have a certain case of HT that you need to “break” from it I recommend joining the Facebook group and reading through other folks’ accounts of breaking from HT.
I can help you create a break out plan.
There are various experiences breaking from HT:
1) Those who did a successful clean break – some people had to do it many times to get clear. This is very unlikely to be a “one and done” situation. You can either do a bunch of breaks in quick succession or do then when the levels in the environment build up too much. I have done three complete clean breaks.
2) Those who broke but it didn’t work – they ran into it again or found that the source was colonization and very quickly were back in the same situation.
3) Those who are fine with living with some of it around so are not trying to break from it 100%. They might just break from stronger strains/the worst item or end up bringing down their internal reactivity.
The majority of people need to let go of their things.
Breaking 100% is a difficult task and takes a lot of planning.
Healing
Many folks have healed from a variety of methods – these treatments have helped people recover.
Interim management is possible through clean breaks, daily management techniques, and cleaning.
Nico says
I noticed though I when I searched your whole website for cardboard that you mention it as a blocker material, like foil or 6 mil in this ht post & you did also mention that comment about cardboard needing to not have PVC or being in accordance with FSC or PEFC. I want to use cardboard (like old amazon boxes) as a blocker plus with a natural DIY glue recipe that I found, think boiled water with flour and salt, etc. which is hardening and will strengthen multiple layers of cardboard together until it’s as strong as wood, if not stronger. I want to build some parts of my van build with cardboard, and possibly some coroplast. I figure lightweight and shouldn’t trigger me, right? And more importantly, I’m broke as heck.
But I’m having a really hard time figuring out how to tell if or when cardboard is safe or not. Actually that’s how I found your website in the first place! Maybe I’m not searching with the right keywords.
could you expound on your experience with cardboard? How do you tell if it’s the good stuff? Do you just look for a post-consumer recycled notice or are you contacting the manufacturer of the Box itself?
I am a highly sensitive to everything, mast cell activation and lupus patient looking to build my own tiny home in a van. I’m getting soooo much from your website, thank you, times infinity!!!
Tina says
Why are we suffering in silence? Is there nothing we can do to find out exactly what this is? I have seen posts online from people who have no idea why they’re suffering burning skin sensations, have been exposed to mold, have gotten rid of many of their belongings, are in debt from replacing, moving, cleaning constantly, or just don’t understand what this invisible hellion is and why it spreads so viciously,, and no one seems to be aware of it other than those sensitive too it. I have read recently it may be a toxin called Penitrem A Penitrem A, which is produced by the fungus Penicillium crustosum, is one of a group of tremor-producing agents produced by several fungi species It’s the horrid cross contamination and being able to detect it anywhere. I have received clothing that was supposed to be new that exploded when I opened the packaging. I’ve been in our public library bathroom (in Boston), and have felt it there. I immediately detect it now in stores, and on products. A lot of it is cardboard containers with it, or someone returning an item who has it and doesn’t know it. I have felt it on people who were making furniture deliveries, and had removed old furniture. It’s pretty horrible, I just wish there were a way to bring serious attention to this. There must be greater numbers than we can imagine, out here going it alone. Unfortunately, Dr. Dan who I spoke to directly was not very helpful, and is extremely selective in who he decides to take on as a patient.
Corinne says
Penitrem A is what we call mystery toxin. Hell toxin I believe is metal that has become ionized. I would guess that it is something commonly used like a nano metal flame retardant or nano metal antibacterial agent. I have a lab lined up but it’s 5000 to test each item.
Tina says
Thank you Corinne for all your research and information. Lab testing – Crowd Funding.
Is nano-silver dangerous?
Nano silver may cause minor eye and skin irritation. It also acts as a mild skin allergen. Inhalation of silver nanoparticles mainly affects the lungs and liver. Studies have shown that silver nanoparticles may be genotoxic to mammalian cells.
Chemtrails, Nanoaluminum And Neurodegenerative And Neurodevelopmental Effects
By Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
Marie Bailey says
So do we think it is a man-made toxic, like flame retardants? Where are the worst locations for it thus far? Specifically, is it really that bad in Boulder? Thank you!
Corinne says
Personally I think it’s nano silver antimicrobiala and or nano aluminum flame retardants. Boulder area is the worst. Some areas around Boston have been hard too. I’m guessing around the KY warehouses that it’s bad but no one has been there. It’s becoming more common in areas where mold avoiders are congregating it seems to me as well.
But it’s not usually an outdoor toxin, you can find this on items from factories anywhere in the world.
Leslie says
I nearly killed myself because I could not envision a life where I managed to keep HT out of my house. I was working at least 4 hours a day on the effort. It can't be done. My doctor saved my life when he said "You cannot avoid your way out of this. Read Annie Hopper's book." I started DNRS within a few weeks. (If DNRS isn't for you, there are other neuroplastic methods of healing the constant panic created by a damaged limbic system.) Now, although I can still feel larger amounts of HT, I am not afraid of it. I really don't like the *feel* of it, but I don't react to it. It will always be in our lives and our homes. I refuse to keep destroying items. I wash and dry new clothes by machine, even if I feel HT on them. Most importantly, not only am I still alive, I am living my life. I go places. I go to stores and concerts and my kids' schools and out to social events. I can walk without fear through Walmart and Target. I buy things. I buy fleece and electronics without having touched them first. I don't toss things (which always made me feel terrible for both the financial cost and environmental cost.)
Brain retraining may not be the only way out of the hell hole, but it does work for some people, including me. … I've communicated with a number of people who won't try to heal their brains because they are afraid "what if HT is really hurting my body?" My response is this: Would you rather hide from life with little hope of ever really living again, or would you rather live your life with the possibility that something might be hurting you? There is ALWAYS possibility that something — thousands of somethings — might be hurting us. I chose to live my life.
Wendy says
I have figured out what is part of the reaction of the Hell Toxin. It’s feeding off of magnesium. Magnesium and oxygen cause a reaction so any oxygen cleaners or laundry detergent will make it “Blow up” in the washing machine.
Corinne says
You’re finding all detergents are making it blow up? Many of us are experimenting with detergents and many are working. Generally I think it’s the water that is the problem. But it could (also) be the minerals in the water. I’m experimenting with deionized water which seems better. But I’m losing my reactivity so I need to hurry up with the tests.
Dennis L. O'Donnell says
I still do not understand what hell toxin is. Is it mold? The article confuses me.
Corinne says
If it doesn’t make sense then you likely don’t have it and hopefully will not become sensitive!
Sandra Sawyer says
sounds like mold plus all the other crap in the environment
Rosa says
Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience, Leslie. I very much appreciate it.
Raven Black says
What is the name of the book?
Sandra Sawyer says
thank yu, I am in your camp on this. i will check out the book
Sandra Sawyer says
just ordered the book although there is good coverage on YouTube. Also bought Jill Crista’s book about healing from mold. She and Dr, Neil Nathan, Toxic Heal Your Body, just did a seminar. See Nr Nathan’s websitie too. So far, these are my resources…as well as my physicain’s YouTube channel, Dr. Deborah Viglione….I have benefitted from the Nrf2 pathway activation in the best way possible…I would not give this up for the world. I also started Nrf1 and NAD pathway activation. I have mold, lyme, mercury and tin. I’m emotionally reactive…as much as I am physically reactive….it’s difficult to tell the difference but let’s say, I have had to cut out my Irish twin sister who is my narcissitic abuser…because the reactions I have to her agenda are like getting COVID illness….very physical. I must say that I have recovered from the last bad episode and am not ruminating like I was when constantly exposed to it. Also good counseling and she recognizes the physical impact….it all seems to add to that critical toxic load. I am currently living in a high relative mold apartment. It’s a multidisciplinary approach.
Evangeline L says
Leslie, your comment alone is such a tremendous help, and flooded my body and mind with such relief that my reactivity actually diminished. Thank you for this.