Natural Origin - A soil fungus in the natural environment, it is found with decaying plant materials.
Indoor Origin - Stachybotrys is a slymy black mold rarely found outdoors, but can be common where there has been water damage due to flooding or various leaks. Because it needs cellulose to grow, it is found on drywall, ceiling tiles, and other materials containing paper on wood.
Pathoginicity - It produces several mycotoxins that appear to have the ability to affect humans and animals after ingestion, inhalation or percutaneous absorption. Commonly considered a contaminant.
Diseases - The fungus has been associated with pulmonary hemorrhage and Hemosiderosis in infants. It has been implicated in illnesses (coughing, wheezing runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rash, etc.) in occupants (all ages) of water damaged homes and other buildings. The long term health effects of Stachybotrys are not known at this time. Ongoing studies are in progress.
Allergen - Some consider it allergenic, although little is known.
