Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) is widespread in the United States, it is rare in peoples homes. There are about 15 different species that of Stachybotrys worldwide. The mold lives on moist and water logged wood and paper. In homes it can grow in wallpaper, thermal insulation, fiberboard, dry wall, and gypsum board. The mold does not like to grow on plastic, vinyl, or shower tiles. The mold is relatively slow growing and other rapidly growing fungi can displace it. In building material it grows best when the relative humidity is above 55% there temperature rapid fluctuations. The mold appears as a slimy green-black often with white edges, when dry it appears as black spots. If the mold takes over an area greater than several square feet often with extensive water damage or involves structural materials, you will probably require a contractor familiar with mold clean-up.

Health Concerns:
Stachybotrys and related strains of this fungus such as (chartarum and alternans) may produce a toxic substance called Satratoxin H (a trichothecene mycotoxin)- - which is poisonous if inhaled. The toxins grow on the fungal spores. Stachybotrys may be behind so-called "sick building syndrome," in which dozens of people become ill in a building or workplace. Indeed, The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that "Floods carry potential for toxic mold disease." Often the spores do not become airborne when they are part of the slimy mold cluster which binds them together, but they may spread rapidly if the mold dries up, especially in an air-conveyance system.

People who are exposed to the toxins produced by Stachybotrys often experience cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent local hair loss, and generalized malaise. People breathing the toxins, especially children or the elderly, may develop a rare lung disorder called pulmonary hemosiderosis, essentially a Pulmonary Hemorrhage. In the early 1990's there where 45 cases of pulmonary hemorrhage in young infants related to mold exposure. 16 of the infants died in Cleveland, Ohio. Stachybotrys has also been associated by the Center for Disease and Control to dozens of other cases of acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants after homes were flooded and concluded that significant exposure to molds, played a significant role in the development of this severe and fatal lung disease. The toxins are known to suppress the immune system and animals injected with the toxin from the mold have had brain hemorrhages and problems in the, spleen, intestine, lung, heart, lymph node, liver, and kidney.

Given the prevalence of the mold problem, many believe it will be a major real estate concern such as lead paint, asbestos and radon gas. The mold issue will be greatest concern in residential and commercial developments which have experienced flooding as well as minor water leaks due to plumbing failures, condensation, storms and accidents. It is also difficult to permanently eradicate the toxic mold from the building which raises concerns of the mold growing back.

Today, most health organizations view Stachybotrys mold as a health hazard. But currently the EPA has set no strict regulations for determining the health risks associated with Stachybotrys, but that may soon change. There several major lawsuits relating to toxic mold exposure in residential and commercial buildings throughout the United States.

 

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