Q: What is Stachybotrys chartarum (stachybotrys atra)?

A: Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its synonym Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth. It is not necessary, however, to determine what type of mold you may have. All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.

Q: What does mold need to grow?

A: Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply: Moisture, Nutrients, and a Suitable place to grow. Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping Indoor mold growth.

Q: Should I be concerned about mold in my home?

A: Mold should not be permitted to grow and multiply indoors. When this happens, health problems can occur and building materials, goods and furnishings may be damaged.

Q: Can mold make me and my family sick?

A: Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it. The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person.

Q: What symptoms might I see?

A: The most common health problems caused by indoor mold are allergy symptoms. Although other and more serious problems can occur, people exposed to mold commonly report problems such as Nasal and sinus, Congestion, Cough, Wheeze/breathing difficulties, Sore throat, Skin and eye irritation, Upper respiratory infections (including sinus).

Q: Are the risks greater for some people?

A: There is wide variability in how different people are affected by indoor mold. However, the long term presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. The following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others: Infants, Children, Elderly people, Individuals with respiratory conditions or sensitivities such as allergies and asthma, Persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, organ transplant recipients, et al)