Mold can grow quickly in areas that have been saturated by water. In buildings with drywall, wallpaper, texturing, wood and any other cellulose-based products, there is a real danger of the growth of stachybotrys.

What is Stachybotrys?

Stachybotrys, commonly called stachy, is a greenish-black, slimy mold found only on cellulose products (such as wood or paper) that have been wet for several days or more. The mold does not grow on concrete, linoleum or tile.

How is a person exposed to Stachybotrys?

Stachybotrys and some other fungi may produce several toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can be present in spores and small mold fragments released into the air. Once the mold fragments, mycotoxins and spores are in the air, individuals may breathe them into their lungs.

What are the symptoms of exposure to Stachybotrys mycotoxins?

Symptoms of exposure to mycotoxins include coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rash and diarrhea. Because these symptoms are general in nature, they also can be caused by a cold, influenza or exposure to other allergens. It is not known what level of mycotoxin from Stachybotrys must be present in the air to cause these symptoms.

What should I do if mold is found in my home?

Any mold can cause a health effect under the right conditions. While some reports exaggerate the severity of possible health effects, it is important to handle all molds with caution.

Testing for molds is very difficult and expensive, and it cannot determine whether health effects will occur. If you can see or smell mold, testing is not necessary; it needs to be cleaned up.

How can I clean moldy surfaces?

It is important to make sure that the source of moisture is stopped before the mold is cleaned up.

If this is not done, the mold will grow again. How you clean up areas contaminated with mold depends on the surface where the mold is growing. A professional should be consulted if large areas (more than 30 square feet) are contaminated with mold.

How can I reduce my exposure to the mold while cleaning it up?

During the cleanup of molds, many spores may be released into the air. Mold counts in air are typically 10 to 1,000 times higher than background levels during the cleaning and removal of mold-damaged materials. To prevent health effects, there are several ways you can protect yourself while cleaning up the mold.

• Anyone with a chronic illness, such as asthma or emphysema, should not do the cleanup.
• Use a HEPA filter respirator purchased from a hardware store to reduce the mold spores you inhale.
• Wear protective clothing that is easily cleaned or discarded.
• Wear rubber gloves.
• Do not allow family members or bystanders to be present when you are doing the cleanup.
• Work over short time spans and take breaks in fresh air.
• Open the windows in your house during and after the cleanup.
• Shut off heat or air conditioning to prevent mold spores from being spread around the home.
• Tightly cover the air return vent if there is one in the affected area.
• Turn on an exhaust fan or place a fan in a window to blow air out of the affected room to the outside. (Make sure the air is being blown outside of the home, not into another room.)
  
• Double-bag materials before you remove them from the contaminated area.