mold site- University Of Minnisota

[Guest guest]

http://www.dehs.umn.edu/iaq/fungus/stachybotrys/homepg.html

Glossary

Hidden Fungi in Buildings

Investigation/Interpretation of Results

Links

Managing Water Infiltration

Pictures

References

Fungus Main Page

Indoor Air Quality Main Page

HomeSearchProgram AreasTrainingFormsAbout Us

Stachybotrys

Click on images for larger view

Health Effects

Individuals with chronic exposure to the toxin produced by this fungus reported cold and flu sysptoms, sore troats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent local hair loss, (28) and generalized malaise. The toxins produced by this fungus will suppress the immune system affecting the lymphoid tissue and the bone marrow (1). Animals injected with the toxin from this fungus exhibited the following symptoms: necrosis and hemorrhage within the brain, thymus, spleen, intestine, lung, heart, lymph node, liver, and kidney (29). Affects by absorption of the toxin in the human lung are known as pneumomycosis (1).

Characteristics

It is usually difficult to find in indoor samples unless it is physically disturbed or if there is (speculation - a drop in the relative humidity). The spores are in a gelatinous mass. The spores die readily after release. The dead spores are still allergenic and toxigenic. Percutaneous absorption has caused mild symptoms (6).

Growth Media

This is a slow-growing fungus on media. It does not compete well with other rapidly growing fungi. The dark-colored fungi grows on building material with a high cellulose content and a low nitrogen content. Areas with relative humidities above 55% and are subject to temperature fluctuations are ideal for toxin production (29). Appropriate media for the growth of this organism will have a high cellulose content and a low nitrogen content.

Outdoor Location

This organism is rarely found in outdoor samples.

Potential Toxin Production

Serveral strains of this fungus (S. atra, S. chartarum and S. alternans are synonymous) (1) may produce a trichothecene mycotoxin - Satratoxin H - which is poisonous by inhalation. The toxins are present on the fungal spores.

Water Activity

0.94, optimum ->0.98 (22)