How can I check for S. atra?
S. atra can grow on water soaked wood, ceiling tiles, wall paneling, unpainted plaster board surfaces, cotton items, cardboard boxes, and stacks of newspapers. If these areas have been very wet, usually for longer than one week, check for mold. After the area dries, the fungus will not continue to grow, but the black dust caused by the fungus can be sucked up by the basement furnace blower and spread the mold dust up to the offices. Be sure to check your basement for the black mold. If you do not have access to the basement, ask your building manager for assistance. Note: not all black mold is Stachybotrys, but moldy buildings are not healthy buildings. What can be done if mold growth has been found? • The source of the water problem must first be corrected. All roof or plumbing leaks/flooding must be fixed to successfully eliminate mold problems. • Mold should be cleaned as soon as it appears. Persons cleaning mold should be free of symptoms and allergies. Use a common household bleac
