What is Stachybotrys?
Stachybotrys Chartarum is a greenish-black fungus that is found throughout the world and is typically wet and slimy to the touch. There are somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 different species that grow in surroundings where the humidity exceeds 50%. Stachybotrys Chartarum thrives on materials high in cellulose and low in nitrogen content. Examples include wet leaves, straw, carpet, wallpaper, thermal insulation, fiberboard, dry wall, gypsum board, paper, dust, and hay. What these examples have in common is their propensity to become chronically moist or water logged due to excessive humidity, water leaks, flooding, etc. It is not found on materials such as plastic, vinyl, or ceramic tiles, nor is it the green mold in bread or between shower tiles. Since homes and buildings are not typically tested for it, it is difficult to say how prevalent this mold is.
Stachybotrys, commonly called stachy, is a greenish-black, slimy mold found only on cellulose products (such as wood or paper) that have been wet for several days or more. The mold does not grow on concrete, linoleum or tile. How is a person exposed to Stachybotrys? Stachybotrys and some other fungi may produce several toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can be present in spores and small mold fragments released into the air. Once the mold fragments, mycotoxins and spores are in the air, individuals may breathe them into their lungs. What are the symptoms of exposure to Stachybotrys mycotoxins? Symptoms of exposure to mycotoxins include coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rash and diarrhea. Since these symptoms are general in nature, they also can be caused by a cold, influenza or exposure to other allergens. It is not known what level of mycotoxin from Stachybotrys must be present in the air to cause these symptoms. In 1994, the U.S. Centers for Di
Stachybotrys is a fungal genus with one notable representative: Stachybotrys charatrum, the notorious “black mold” which can infest structures, especially homes. This mold is notable because it has been known to produce substances known as mycotoxins, under the right environmental conditions. These substances can cause severe illness in people, especially if individuals are exposed repeatedly to mycotoxins over an extended period of time. Molds in this genus like environments which are rich in cellulose, such as paper pulp, wood, and straw. They are greenish to black in color, and the colonies develop a furry texture over time. Stachybotrys is a very slow growing mold which can be out competed by other mold species, but given the right environment, it can grow copiously and cause a great deal of damage. In order to thrive, Stachybotrys needs a very high-moisture environment, which is a fact that people can use to their advantage. Stachybotrys itself is not toxic. The mycotoxins are pro
Stachybotrys is a specific family (genus) of mold that is present in the environment. Out-of-doors stachybotrys molds help to decay organic matter. One particular species known as stachybotrys atra (sometimes known as stachybotrys chartarum) is prone to growth indoors. This mold is normally dark brown or black in color. It can look slimy, sooty, or even like grayish white strands depending on the amount of moisture available and the length of time it has been growing. It is important to remember that many other common indoor molds can look similar to stachybotrys (including cladosporium, aspergillus, alternaria, and drechslera), so testing is critical to conclusively identify stachybotrys in a building. Stachybotrys mold needs the proper conditions in order to grow, including moisture, a nutrient source, temperature, and time. Standing water or a relative humidity of 90% or higher is necessary for stachybotrys to start germination and grow. However, once the stachybotrys begins to grow
