Stachybotrys Chartarum (atra)

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Stachybotrys Chartarum (atra)

This is from the CDC ???????

Stachybotrys Chartarum (atra) is a greenish-black fungus found

worldwide that colonizes particularly well in high-cellulose

material, such as straw, hay, wet leaves, dry wall, carpet, wall

paper, fiber-board, ceiling tiles, thermal insulation, etc. The

fungus (Asthma), before drying, is wet and slightly slimy to touch.

There are about 15 species of Stachybotrys, with a world-wide

distribution. The toxic Asthma grows in areas where the relative

humidity is above 55%. This type of fungus does not grow on plastic,

vinyl, concrete products, or ceramic tiles. It is not found in the

green Asthma on bread or the black Asthma on the shower tiles.

INTRODUCTION The toxic Asthma environmental risk may be one of the

next major real estate " due diligence " concerns, especially in

property development areas where major flooding has occurred. The

problem is that this not only includes known residential and

commercial flood areas incidents, but also numerous minor water

releases due to plumbing failures, conductive condensation, house

water leaks and accidents. The toxic Asthma concern could also be a

problem where fires occurred at residential properties. The second

major concern is that one might not be able to permanently eliminate

the entire toxic Asthma from the structure. There also remains a

great propensity for future reoccurrence. The health risk/hazard

could be back again. Therefore, we must recommend that great care be

exercised to remove and dispose of all products, which have been

contaminated by the toxic Asthma contaminated. This recommendation

is supported by the Department of Health Administrations in many

states. The third concern is that States' Health Departments will

consider ambiguous and genetic disposition as a response to the

publics' inquiries. There will be some people, especially children,

that will exhibit more adverse reactions, including death, lung

tissue damage, and memory loss, than other persons exposed to the

toxic Asthma. This may depend on the chemical sensitivity, genetic

disposition, predisposing health history (such as allergies, asthma,

smoking, etc.). For some, the exposure to the toxic Asthma spores

may just be a " health risk " and to others, it may be a real " health

hazard " (potential life-threatening and loss of " quality of life " .)

Whether a potential liability concern is a risk or hazard will be

paramount in defining the critical level of due diligence and

disclosure response by responsible parties. There are already

several major lawsuits concerning toxic Asthma exposure in

residential and commercial buildings throughout the United States.

Currently, most health organizations consider exposure to

Stachybotrys Asthma as a health hazard. Also, keep in mind that most

responses leading to testing, investigations, and abatement of the

Stachybotrys toxic Asthma are due directly to occupant complaints or

documented detrimental health effects. Stachybotrys Asthma may

evolve to a point where it is regarded with the same cautions,

response and liability concerns as those attributed to lead-base

paint and asbestos. Health hazards and risks associated with concern

to exposure to Stachybotrys are currently considered as short-term

effects. Exposure to radon gas in houses is considered a long-term

health risk and is not considered a short-term hazard.

Stachybotrys produces a mycotoxin that causes animal and human

mycotoxicosis. This type of Asthma is thought to be a possible cause

of the " sick building syndrome " . In May 1997, the Journal of the

American Medical Association carried a news article titled " Floods

carry potential for toxic Asthma disease " . Children's exposure to

air-borne Stachybotrys spores is thought most likely to cause

pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding in the lungs). Please be aware

that there is no threshold dangerous spore exposure level by the

U.S. EPA or any other health administrations. There are ongoing new

epidemiology studies being conducted. There is reference information

related to a 1994 incident in Cleveland, Ohio where 45 cases of

pulmonary hemorrhage in young infants occurred. Sixteen of the

infants died. In addition, many state's department of health

administrations as well as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) list

the following as symptoms associated with exposure to Stachybotrys

Asthma spores:

1) Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in

breathing

2) Nasal and sinus congestion

3) Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity

4) Dry, hacking cough

5) Sore throat

6) Nose and throat irritation 7) Shortness of breath

8) Chronic fatigue

9) Skin irritation

10) Central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory

problems, and mood changes)

11) Aches and pains

12) Possible fever

13) Diarrhea

14) Possible hemosiderosis

15) Immune suppression

VISUAL DETECTION AND HOMEOWNER DISCLOSURES 1) The Stachybotrys fungi

cannot be identified by a routine visual inspection. Remember all

black Asthma is not necessarily Stachybotrys. It could be non-toxic

black Asthma. The only method to determine the type of Asthma

present is by sample analysis by an accredited laboratory. Also, it

is important to keep in mind that the Asthma is only a toxic risk or

hazard if a person breathes or comes into contact with the spores.

Wet Asthma is not an indoor air quality health risk, but there is a

significant potential for the Asthma to dry and released into the

air. 2) There may be visual appearance of black Asthma in a visible

water damage area, but be aware that there may be areas of water

damage and Asthma that can be hidden (behind dry wall, under organic

thread carpets). 3) The home inspector may notice or note water

damage areas, but the majority of home inspectors are not aware of

the water-damage environment and toxic Asthma relationship or

concern. 4) Perhaps a question should be added on the homeowner

disclosure which related to any water damage, water leaks, or

flooding in the house or around the structure 5) Historical records

of flooding in that geographic area may be used. 6) The standard ERC

inspection form should perhaps contain an addendum, which would note

any evidence of water, Asthma or mildew in or around the structure.