Recently, media attention has been directed toward mold and the health effects associated with mold activity. One specific genus, Stachybotrys sp., has gained notariety and dubbed the "toxic mold". Stachybotrys as well as multiple other species produce mycotoxins which can have adverse effects on ones health based on suceptibility, concentration and health status. However, mold exists naturally throughout each environment and fungal genus varies with present conditions. Generally, when concentrations exceed natural existing levels adverse health effects begin to appear. Therefore, it is imperative to repair deficiencies allowing fungal growth to exceed natural levels such as repairing roof leaks, leaking domestic water lines, etc.

The following is a synopsis of the fungal genus Stachybotrys sp. and proper protocol for remediation if identified in the indoor environment.

Stachybotrys sp.

Stachybotrys sp., rarely found in outdoor samples, is characterized as a sooty black fungus occasionally accompanied by a thick mass of white mycelia. This fungus generally thrives on materials with high cellulose content such as gypsum wallboard, paper and insulation that have become chronically moist due to water intrusion or excessive humidity. Stachybotrys spores are in a gelatinous mass and are difficult to find in indoor samples unless physically disturbed. When rendered airborne, the spores die readily after release due to the fact that this fungus is usually accompanied by other fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium that are more easily aerosolized and less likely to succumb to other rapidly growing fungi.

Stachybotrys produces mycotoxins such as Satratoxin H., which an individual can be exposed to through inhalation, ingestion or dermal exposure. A series of symptoms including headache, general malaise, fever and flu-like symptoms have been documented in susceptible individuals.

Remediation should be accomplished in a manner that does not present a potential health risk to the occupants as well as the remediation workers. The remediation contractor must conduct all microbial remediation in accordance with guidelines established by the New York City Department of Health. The document produced by the New York City Department of Health Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Disease Epidemiology entitled Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments outlines work practices and equipment to be utilized during the remediation procedure. Included is the usage of a polyethylene enclosure to “contain” the contamination during the remediation. Also, the materials need to be properly disposed of as well as remaining materials in the direct vicinity of the contamination be sanitized. Negative air high efficiency filtration units are incorporated in the enclosure to ensure contaminants are not rendered into the ambient indoor air environment. In addition to the engineering controls outlined in the New York City guidelines, personal protective equipment is identified and essential for worker protection during the remediation.
Failure to follow these guidelines can result in further contamination throughout the building not limiting microbial activity to areas of moisture intrusion.

Home | About CIE | Services | Indoor Air Quality
OSHA Compliance | Mold Info.| Training | Contact CIE

Copyright©2002 All rights reserved.