"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 can grow rapidly (within 3-7
days) in very damp areas of buildings and homes. However, most buildings that contain this
fungus have a chronic water problem that was left unattended. . |
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| Where is it?
Common areas for Stachybotrys
to grow indoors:
1. Water soaked wood
2. Ceiling tiles
3. Wall paneling
4. Unpainted plaster board surfaces
5. Cotton items
6. Cardboard boxes
7. Stacks of newspaper
8. Carpet backing and glues |
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Is my mould Stachybotrys?
| 1. |
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. |
| 2. |
While wet, it looks black and shiny and when
dry, it looks less shiny. |
| 3. |
It will not grow on plastics,
vinyl, concrete products or ceramic tiles. |
| 4. |
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. |
| 5. |
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 and volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) with unpleasant odors. 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:
1. The source of the water problem must first be corrected. All roof or
plumbing leaks must be fixed and the clean-up debris from backup sewage/flooding must be
done before proceeding with disinfection.
2. 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 dusk mask, rubber
gloves and open the windows when cleaning with bleach water.
3. If the area cannot be cleaned (you have wet broken ceiling
tiles), is too damaged, or is disposable (such as cardboard boxes), discard them and
replace with new ones.
4. 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 and if it is. An on
site visit by a professional investigator should be able to determine the extent of the
fungal growth. A reliable remediation company should be contacted who is familiar with the
precautions and other specifics for extensive mould cleanup of the fungal contamination.
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