Black Mold - Stachybotrys | Where is it found and what to do (2024)

FAQs

Black Mold - Stachybotrys | Where is it found and what to do? ›

Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth.

This mold may cause human disease through direct irritation, type 1 hypersensitivity or the production of toxins. A variety of respiratory, dermatological, eye and constitutional symptoms have been associated with heavy and prolonged exposure to S chartarum.

If you see a small patch of mold, DON'T ignore it—clean it using bleach and water or a commercial cleaner specifically designed to kill mold and mildew. Consult with a mold removal specialist immediately if you discover a patch of mold that is more than 10 square feet in size or concentrated in a hard-to-reach area.

Pay attention to the color and consistency: We already talked about black mold above, though it's more accurate to say that Stachybotrys chartarum has a greenish-black hue. Toxic mold can also have a grayish, soot-like texture, or a slimy, wet surface. In some cases, you may even notice furry orange or brown spots.

Some of the richest dietary sources of glutathione are spinach, avocados, asparagus, and okra. In addition to glutathione, quercetin and N-acetylcysteine support mold detox. If you're recovering from mold exposure, you may benefit from a concentrated dose of glutathione through supplement pills, inhalation or IV.

50-200 spores – still very low levels; the toxic mold species Stachybotrys and Memnoniella are some of the species to be considered an issue at this level. 200-500 spores – the most common species (Penicillium/Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Curvularia) are typically not an issue and stay within the normal range.

For a natural solution to getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.

We do not have precise information about how often Stachybotrys chartarum is found in buildings and homes. While it is less common than other mold species, it is not rare.

Indoors, it tends to grow on cellulose-rich materials, such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation, especially when these materials have been exposed to excessive moisture. Stachybotrys Chartarum can also be found in soil and decaying organic matter outdoors.

Is it OK to be in house with black mold? ›

Black mold can cause health problems. As such, it is not advisable to be in a house with black mold. If a person must stay in a house with black mold, they should try to seal off any areas where black mold is present to reduce contact with it.

Removing all mold-infested materials is the only thing that kills mold 100% of the time, every time. For smaller amounts of mold growth, however, a fungicide can kill mold 100%.

Well, it may be because there is Stachybotrys chartarum–or more commonly known as black mold–in your home. This mold has a distinct odor that can be described as “musty” or “earthy.” Some people compare the smell to that of rotting wood or leaves… gross!

Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper.

Indoors, it can grow on chron- ically wet cellulose building mate- rials such as lumber, wood pan- els, drywall backing, insulation and ceiling tiles. Moisture con- tributing to indoor growth of Stachybotrys is usually provided by flooding or leaks.

Allergic reactions typically occur within 15 minutes of exposure to the possible black mold allergens. Reactions may include skin discoloration (red, gray or white) or raised, round spots called wheals that look like mosquito bites.

When removing black mold, you should wear PPE for the job. To treat a small affected area of less than ten square feet, wear goggles, rubber gloves, and an N95 mask. Not wearing a mask puts you at risk of inhaling mold, which can cause allergies, lung infections, breathing problems, cognitive problems, coughing, etc.

Thus, exposure to the toxicity of black mold can cause harm to our physical health. Cleaning it yourself risks a greatly increased chance of acquiring damaging health conditions by unsettling the toxins into the air. Depending on the frequency of mold exposure, an individual's health can be severely compromised.

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.