Stachybotrys chartarum

STRUCTURE AND PHYSIOLOGY

Stachybotrys chartarum is a slow-growing but hardy mold that is most often found in cellulose-rich building materials in damp or water-damaged buildings.

TRANSMISSION AND DISEASE

The spores of Stachybotrys chartarum are only released when the mold is mechanically disturbed, especially when wet. Health problems related to this mold have been documented in humans and animals since the 1930s. Stachybotrys chartarum emits a mycotoxin that remains stable for years, causing ailments such as suppressed immune system and allergic reactions even after the source has been eliminated. Stachybotrys chartarum is a black mold that is the fungal cause of “sick building syndrome”. It was originally discovered in the wall of a house in Prague in 1837.

 

REFERENCE(S)

Gupta, Ramesh C., “Handbook of Toxicology of Chemical Warfare Agents”, Academic Press (2009)

Progovitz, Richard F., “Black Mold Your Health and Your Home”, The Forager Press (2003)