Common Molds In The Home
Stachybotrys chartarum aka (Stachybotrys atra)
Stachybotrys grows on wet materials that contain cellulose and low nitrogen content. Usually but not limited to building materials such as wall board paper (unfinished drywall), that has a high water activity over a long period of time (8-10 days or longer). It produces several types of toxic metabolites and mycotoxins that can irritate skin and mucous membranes. One of the mycotoxins it produces called satratoxin is also toxic when inhaled. Extreme care should be taken when this organism is amplified indoors. Individuals with chronic exposure to the toxin produced by this fungus reported cold and flu symptoms, sore throats diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent local hair loss, and generalized malaise. The toxins produced by this fungus will suppress the immune system affecting the lymphoid tissue and the bone marrow. Animals injected with the toxin from this fungus exhibited the following symptoms: Necrosis and hemorrhage within the brain, thymus, spleen intestine, lung, heart, lymph node, liver, and kidney. It is usually difficult to find in indoor air samples unless it is physically disturbed. The spores are in a gelatinous mass. Appropriate media for the growth of this organism will have a high cellulose content and a low nitrogen content. The spores will die readily after release. The dead spores are still allergenic and toxigenic. Percutaneous absorption has caused mild symptoms. FYI, even though Stachy in a home is rare, (3% to 5% of homes tested have Stachy in them), It is non discriminational, in other words it will make my lungs bleed just as it will make your lungs bleed.