Stachybotrys chartarum is a mold that grows on moist materials that have a low nitrogen and high cellulose content, such as paper, fiberboard, gypsum board, lint and dust. Stachybotrys is not rare, but it is not as common as other indoor molds such as Asperigillus, Penicillium and Clasdosporium. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, believes that the same precautions and treatments should be performed with Stachybotrys mold as with any other mold. (See References 1)
Health Effects
Due to its greenish-black color, Stachybotrys is sometimes referred to as "black mold". It produces toxic substances known as mycotoxins, which have been linked to respiratory problems in some people. Stachybotrys was inconclusively associated with more severe health effects in some people. It has been hypothesized to be the case of an outbreak of acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among babies, but the association has yet to be proven. (See References 1)
Moisture
The first step in mold treatment is to identify and remedy the source of the excess moisture. If there has been a flood, dry water-damaged materials out immediately. Use dehumidifiers, air conditioning units, and fans to expedite the drying process. The CDC recommends that you take anything that has been wet for two or more days outside for cleaning or removal because those items are moldy, even if mold growth is not yet visible. (See Reference 2)
Treatment
You can remove mold from hard surfaces such as countertops, stoves and sinks with soap and water, commercial mold cleaning products, or a solution of one gallon of water mixed with one cup of bleach. Rinse off the item thoroughly with clean water and dry it well. Wash anything made of cloth in very hot water. Scrub items with a rough surface with a brush.
Untreatable Items
Remove wet items made of cloth that are not washable. Remove any other items that you cannot clean, including paper, wood, carpet and leather. Remove and replace wet carpets, wallboard or insulation, as these items are usually impossible to clean properly.
Safety Precautions
You should never mix bleach with household cleaners, especially those containing ammonia, because toxic gases will result. You should wear protective clothing such as goggles, an N-95 mask, rubber gloves and rubber boots. Fresh air is essential when you use bleach, so make sure you have plenty of ventilation and open windows.
Big jobs
If your mold problem is extensive, you may not be able to clean it up on your own, and may need to contact a professional contractor with experience in mold removal. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, recommends that you consult an EPA document called "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings" for jobs greater than 10 square feet. (See References 3)
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