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Information for Homeowners
“Black Mould” - Stachybotrys - What is it? Stachybotrys chartarum – Stachybotrys
species have a world-wide distribution and can be isolated from
water-damaged paper, wallpaper, gypsum board, seeds, soil, textiles,
and from dead plant material. This black fungus generally grows in areas of high water activity for extended periods of time. However,
most buildings that contain this fungus have a chronic water problem
that was left unattended.
Common areas for Stachybotrys to grow indoors:
Water soaked wood
Ceiling tiles
Wall paneling
Unpainted plaster board surfaces
Cotton items
Cardboard boxes
Stacks of newspaper
Carpet backing and glues
Is My Mould Stachybotrys?
Stachybotrys
occurs widely in nature and it may usually be found in water-soaked
materials (wood, paper, cotton products, and other cellulose-rich
materials) in the indoor environment. While wet, it looks black and
shiny and is not easily dispersed when disturbed. When dry, it looks
less shiny and becomes airborn easily if disturbed by building
activity. It will not grow on plastics, vinyl, concrete products or
ceramic tiles.
It is not the only or most common black mould to
be found in homes and buildings. It is not the green mould on bread or
the black mould on shower tiles, curtains or window caulking. If you
have had plumbing leaks, roof leaks, flooding in basement (even if the
basement is not used), or sewer back-up in the past year, look for any
fungus or a musty odor. Note: Not all black mould is Stachybotrys, but
mouldy homes are not healthy homes!
What are the Symptoms of Stachybotrys Exposure?
Stachybotrys
species may produce metabolic products such as mycotoxins. Mycotoxins
are toxic by-products of the metabolic processes of filamentous moulds
and have a low molecular weight and are not volatile. Thus they are not
likely to be airborne. Stachybotrys produces several mycotoxins
including trichothecenes (satratoxins, roridin E, verrucarin J, and
trichoverrols). Human exposure would most likely result from the
inhalation of contaminated dusts, mould spores and fungal vegetative
fragments. The Institute of Medicine of National Academy of Sciences in
May 2004 released a report on “Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. The
report concluded that excessive dampness indoors is associated with a
range of respiratory symptoms and therefore constitutes a public health
problem.
Home Clean-Up Recommendations:
The
source of the water problem must first be corrected. All roof or
plumbing leaks must be fixed and the clean-up of debris from backup
sewage/flooding must be done before proceeding with disinfection.
Small
areas of mould can be cleaned with household bleach (such as Clorox)
and water mix (1 cup of bleach mixed in 1 gallon of water). Add a
little dish soap to the bleach water to cut dirt and oil on the wall
where the mould is growing. Use adequate ventilation and apply the
bleach water to the surface with a sponge, let it stand for 15 minutes,
and then thoroughly dry the surface. Be sure to wear a dust mask,
rubber gloves and open the windows when cleaning with bleach water.
If the area cannot be cleaned (you have wet broken ceiling tiles) and is too damaged, remove and replace with new materials.
It may be necessary to do more cleanup in the home (carpets, crawl spaces) if you have a bad mould problem.
Note: If you think you may have Stachybotrys
and have extensive mould growth in your home (greater than 10 sq.
feet), seek professional advice and contact an environmental laboratory
capable of identifying the fungi. The laboratory should be able to
determine what species of mould you have. An on site visit
by a professional investigator should be able to determine the extent
of the fungal growth. A reliable remediation company who is familiar with the precautions and other specifics for
extensive mould cleanup of the fungal contamination should be contacted or call 1-877 US
MICRO for more information on remediators.
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