What is Stachybotrys atra?
Stachybotrys atra (also known as S. chartarum and S. alternans) is a greenish-black fungus that can grow on materials with a high cellulose content (such as drywall sheetrock, dropped ceiling tiles and wood) that become chronically moist or water-damaged due to excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation or flooding. (It does NOT grow on plastic, vinyl, concrete products, or ceramic tiles). Stachybotrys atra (S. atra) is a relatively uncommon mold. Its spores do not become easily airborne; therefore, contamination of indoor air by S. atra is unusual. How can S. atra affect my health? Typically, indoor air levels of S. atra are low; however, as with other molds, at higher levels health effects can occur. These include allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms,) dermatitis (rashes,) sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and aggravation of asthma. Some related symptoms are more general, such as inability to concentrate and fatigue. Usually symptoms disappear after the contamination is removed. There h
