Stachybotrys Chartarum

Have you of late spotted any black growth in your basement, around your bathroom or toilet, or in your kitchen? Have you been sneezing or coughing when you enter certain rooms? If this is the case, then your house may have been invaded by Stachybotrys chartarum and requires urgent attention.

What is Stachybotrys Chartarum?

Stachybotrys chartarum or black mold is a fungi species that has a characteristic greenish-black color distinctive smell. It is one of the most poisonous pathogenic molds that can be found in residences since it produces a toxin known as mycotoxin which has the potential of causing serious health problems in the human body.

Where does it grow?

Any surface that is damp is favorable to black mold growth. The following surfaces are ideal for black mold growth: carpet, insulation materials, drywalls, paper, fibre-board, cardboard, wallpaper, upholstery, ceiling tiles, fabric, furniture, gypsum board, floor boards, dust and any paper products.

What factors in the home contribute to growth of this mold?

The major cause for the formation of Stachybotrys chartarum is dampness which can be as a result of plumbing problems (water leakage), humid basements, flooding, damp clothes, poor ventilation, humidifiers, blocked gutters, lack of maintenance, and water accumulation around your house foundation. The ideal temperature for growth of black mold is 70 F but it can also flourish during winter. Unlike Fusarium moldthe color is always black.

Mode of spreading

Once the spores are airborne they can become attached to a person’s skin, shopping bags, clothing, carpets, furniture and also pets. If any spores enter your home and are deposited on a wet surface, they begin to multiply exponentially.

Other openings through which the mould can enter your home are HVAC systems, an open doorway and opened windows. They easily become airborne when we sit on the couch, use the vacuum or step on the carpet.

Because of their microscopic nature, they are virtually omnipresent outdoors and indoors depending on the location of their colony. In case you are moving to a new house, thoroughly clean it before moving in.

How fast does it spread?

Stachybotrys chartarum starts to grow the moment its spores are deposited on a moist fibre-rich object (wet wall, fabric or wood). It then spreads fast (within twenty four to forty eight hours) through the house through dispersion of microscopic pores.

The mold can colonize a place in less than 12 days because it grows at a rate of 1 square inch on a daily basis. In less than seven days it would have covered an area that is equivalent to several square feet. Regrettably, its fast growth rate makes it a big problem for homeowners because it becomes widespread within a short time before being noticed.

Effects on Health

Of all the two thousand different mold species, Stachybotrys Chartarum is the most lethal. The mold releases microscopic toxic spores into the air that have the potential of causing serious respiratory problems. Health problems caused by black mold are: Chronic fatigue, eye irritation, rashes, chronic headaches, fever and sneezing. Life threatening health problems include Asthma, respiratory complications, nausea and vomiting, respiratory complications.

Damage caused by Black Mold

Physical signs on of black mold infestation in your house are: musty odor, condensation on the wall and floor, discoloration of the ceiling and walls. The damage cause by black mold can be extensive. It includes the following:

a) Structural damage

Mold can biodegrade any organic matter. Therefore it will destroy carpets, paper backing and insulation materials which will have to be replaced.

b) Malfunctioning ventilation and heating systems

Once the mold has infiltrated ventilation and heating systems they will stop working. Regularly service these systems to prevent accumulation of mold.

Conclusion

Stachybotrys Chartarum is also referred to as the “undetectable killer” because it invades house spaces that are not easily seen and reached. And due to its fast spreading rate, it will burrow into ceiling and walls and remain hidden under your carpet or cupboard. Therefore people become exposed to it without knowing. If you experienced any of the mentioned symptoms and you suspect exposure, seek medical treatment. To avoid its negative effects, limit your exposure to the mold: ensure you plumbing is working, use a dehumidifier to control humidity levels, your house should be properly ventilated and use anti-mold cleaner to regularly clean your house. If you notice any black mold colony in your house, contact mold removers specialists to remove the contamination.

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