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| Stachybotrys Habitat and Health Implications |
| Isolated as a contaminant from grains, decaying plant materials, textiles, and tobacco. This organism is rarely found in outdoor samples. It is usually difficult to find in indoor air samples unless it is physically disturbed. Grows indoors on wet cellulose containing materials, such as sheet rock, paper, ceiling tiles, insulation backing, gypsum board and wallpaper. Non-cultured lab analyses (air-o-cells and tape-lifts) usually are the proper method of identification because Stachybotrys requires a special medium since it does not grow or compete well on most culture plate media. It is reported to be allergenic causing hay fever and asthma. There have been no reports of human infection. It is the "toxic black mold" that has garnered so much media attention. It may produce Macrocyclic, Trichothecenes, Verrucarin J, Roridin E, Satratoxin F, G & H, Sporidesmin G, Trichoverrol, Clyclosporins and Stachybotryolactone toxins. Exposure to the toxins can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin exposure. One species produces a toxin linked to the bleeding lung deaths of several infants. Some species produce a potent toxin that is lethal to animals. It is possible that Stachybotrys may play a role in the development of sick building syndrome. |
| Qualtest, Inc. 2458 Alton Parkway Irvine, CA 92606 Phone: (949) 838-0378 Contact Us |
| Qualtest, Inc. |
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| Isolated as a contaminant from grains, decaying plant materials, textiles, and tobacco. This organism is rarely found in outdoor samples. It is usually difficult to find in indoor air samples unless it is physically disturbed. Grows indoors on wet cellulose containing materials, such as sheet rock, paper, ceiling tiles, insulation backing, gypsum board and wallpaper. Non-cultured lab analyses (air-o-cells and tape-lifts) usually are the proper method of identification because Stachybotrys requires a special medium since it does not grow or compete well on most culture plate media. It is reported to be allergenic causing hay fever and asthma. There have been no reports of human infection. It is the "toxic black mold" that has garnered so much media attention. It may produce Macrocyclic, Trichothecenes, Verrucarin J, Roridin E, Satratoxin F, G & H, Sporidesmin G, Trichoverrol, Clyclosporins and Stachybotryolactone toxins. Exposure to the toxins can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin exposure. One species produces a toxin linked to the bleeding lung deaths of several infants. Some species produce a potent toxin that is lethal to animals. It is possible that Stachybotrys may play a role in the development of sick building syndrome. |
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