Stachybotrys chartarum
Question: Hello, I recently received results from your lab and 1 of 3 moulds identified was Stachybotrys. In your mould library you reference Stachybotrys Cartarum only. Is all Stachybotrys the chartarum variety? Can you recommend a link for how/if you can destroy this mould (ie. it appears to only be on one wall, will replacing the gyproc be remedy enough – I have 2 young children)?
Answer: Stachybotrys chartarum is not the only variety (species to be more correct) that grows indoors but it’s perhaps the most common. A closely related species, Stachybotrys chlorohalonata, was described in 2003. Another species that is closely related to Stachybotrys and is common in water-damaged buildings is Memnoniela echinata. Just like Stachybotrys species, Memnoniela echinata is isolated from cellulose containing materials (e.g., paper, wallpaper), textile and dead plant materials. Exposure to these moulds should be avoided.
Correcting the moisture problem and replacing the contaminated material (that cannot be cleaned) with new material is the best way to deal with mould. The work should be done by a qualified mould remediation contractor.
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