Stacybotrys [stachybotrys chartarum / stachybotrys atra] is a black mold growing in wall cavities and on most surfaces in a home, such as wood, drywall, carpet, or plaster that have been exposed to prolonged periods of excessive moisture.

This mold can act as both an allergen and a toxin; consequently, there are two completely different pathologies that may affect different people with exactly the same exposure. It can lead to serious health effects due to mycotoxins, such as Pneumomycosis.

Excessive indoor humidity resulting in water vapor condensation on walls, plumbing leaks, spills from showering or bathing, water leaking through foundations or roofs may lead to growth of many types of mold, including stachybotrys.

Characteristics of Stacybotrys Mold

Legal Considerations

If you get sick from a substance that grows in your home when it shouldn't, you do have certain legal rights. Design and construction standards are meant to produce and keep a home healthy and safe. In many states, Real Estate Guidelines protect home buyers, requiring vendors to disclose such defects as mold contamination.

Unfortunately succeeding in such a claim requires a positive laboratory test. The antibody test for SC is not always positive in the presence of SC. In one study of 48 people possibly exposed to SC, only 4 had an elevated antibody test for it. Medical practitioners do not know how long the antibody may remain positive after SC exposure, thus a positive test may be evidence of an earlier encounter with SC, not a current one.

In some states, a home contaminated with Stachybotrys may require a prescribed treatment, which can cost up to $10,000. Insurance companies previously were supportive, however, since the size of the problem has become known, most insurance companies have retracted cover.

I personally have a leaky home, and I suffered from Stachybotrys Poisoning. Being the first case in New Zealand, I was pretty much left to my own devices. My insurance company ran for cover and the Government refuses to acknowledge the problem. I continued working and living in my infected home, with bleeding lungs and deteriorating health, whilst I searched for a remedy.

Stachybotrys Contamination

Stachybotrys Mold grows in walls that are airtight but not water tight. The closed moist environment encourages the mold to grow on cellulose materials such as wood and wood based products. If the mold is contained within the wall cavity it does little harm to the health of the occupants, but it does cause rotting of the timber structure.

If the wall cavity is exposed, the mold spores are released into the home environment. These mold spores only survive outside their moist warm cellulose environment for 24-48 hours, and in themselves are not the main health hazard. Upon drying, the mold spores release a toxic chemical, which causes the reaction by many humans.