STACHY

[Guest guest]

Mold Education: The Pathogenicity Of Stachybotrys

Chartarum

by Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi.

Stachybotrys chartarum is a dematiaceous fungus that

is ubiquitous in our living environment. This fungus

has long been regarded as non-pathogenic and its

inhalation effect on humans has been scarcely studied.

Recently, however, epidemiologic studies on acute

idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants suggested

that the fungus might be potentially pathogenic to

humans. To determine the pathogenicity of this fungus,

its interaction with the host defense system was

studied using polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and

macrophages.

Histopathological analysis of mice intratracheally

injected with this fungus was also performed. The

results disclosed that the conidia of S. chartarum

were resistant to the antifungal activities of

alveolar macrophages in terms of phagocytosis, killing

and inhibition of germination.

However, the conidia could not survive in the lungs of

mice when injected intratracheally. Lavage fluid of

mycelia that contained the dark slimy material coating

the surface of conidia showed cytotoxic activity

against macrophages and PMNs. Intratracheal injection

of conidia in mice resulted in intraalveolar

infiltration of PMNs.

When using multiple injections during a 3-week period,

strong eosinophilic infiltration into the proximal

alveoli and perivascular tissues was observed. Our

results suggest that inhalation of conidia may cause

serious damage to the human lung, particularly when

repeated.

# # #

[Guest guest]

I wonder this too, I've read that the mycotoxins it produce could

depend on what its growing on(whats feeding it) but dont know if it

grows without produceing any mycotoxins at

all.

>

> I have two question- I hope that they aren't stupid. Perhaps one of

> our experts could answer-

>

> Is stachy found in buildings that are not " sick " ? Would you be able

to

> find small amounts that would not necessarily cause any harm?

>

> I would love to get an answer -

>

> Thank you in advance-

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Actually these are two very good questions. The answer to both is

" yes. "

Stachybotrys chartarum is not as common as Penicillium,

Cladosporium and other " common " or " normal " molds and it doesn't

become airborne as easily. Which means it can be present without

occupants being exposed to it - they don't come in contact with it at

all or in sufficient levels or combinations. Also, bacteria is

probably an equal or greater source of health effects because there

are more of them, more kinds and they reproduce more quickly in damp

conditions.

Stachy spores and fragments are virtually everywhere. So it will be

present in buildings where people are not sick and it won't

necessarily cause harm to anybody. Hyper-sensitized individuals,

however, may react to the extremely low levels that are present.

That's what hyper-sensitized means. Stachy and other molds aren't

like radiation and it's " zap you're dead " characteristic. Actually,

even that isn't true. We are bombarded with radiation all the time.

It just isn't " too much " usually to cause immediate harm.

I remember when, as a result of the Melinda Ballard case, researchers

began looking for sources of Stachybotrys. My initial disbelief and

outrage was based on their discovery that that it would grow on

sheetrock straight from the manufacturer. The conclusion was that

building materials were coming already contaminated! I assumed,

therefore, that the manufacturer was at fault.

The truth is, the mold (spore) was already there. My response now to

the molds of any kind being already present everywhere is, " Duh! " It

is impossible, except under extraordinay and expenses circumstances,

to have a mold-free environment.

However, without water the single spore would stay a single spore.

But just add water and mold grows like cockroaches and bunny rabbits -

they " proliferate " indiscriminately and profusely.

The mere presence or absense of mold spores or growth is not the

determining factor for when mold of any kind is a problem. The

" problem " occurs with the combination of a susceptible individual(s)

and exposure to something they react to. If either the susceptibility

or the exposure is missing, there is no " problem. "

Mold and people both require a certain environment to survive and to

thrive. Mold and people require a different set of environmental

characteristics but they are close together and they overlap. The

" problem " is when the environment that we occupy shifts to one more

conducive to mold, bacteria, rodents, insects, etc. The remedy is to

change the environment back to a people friendly one by stopping the

moisture, remove the " infestation " without further exposure of the

occupants, and taking measure to prevent a recurrance. Clean and dry.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

> I have two question- I hope that they aren't stupid. Perhaps one of

> our experts could answer-

>

> Is stachy found in buildings that are not " sick " ? Would you be able to

> find small amounts that would not necessarily cause any harm?

>

> I would love to get an answer -

>

> Thank you in advance-

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> FAIR USE NOTICE:

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If I am not mistaken the micotoxins are not set off until it is disturbed, I

know if you kill it or it dries up and is disturbed this is how it goes

airborne. I know stacky is not usually an airborne mold but that is what

happened to me. Just the fact that it should not be there is enough to be of

concern though. I am no proffesional so take my advice with a grain of salt but

my best advice is if you know it is there leave it to a pro to deal with it,

these toxins are no joke to experement with.... Hope that helps..

Chris

who <jeaninem660@...> wrote:

I wonder this too, I've read that the mycotoxins it produce could

depend on what its growing on(whats feeding it) but dont know if it

grows without produceing any mycotoxins at

all.

[Guest guest]

Carl,

I think therefore my small bit of advice on this is somewhere in the ballpark.

I wish I could write and speak as eloquently as you do. I am sure education has

allot to do with this but your post are very logical and to the point. It is

very nice to have you on board with all of us other jailhouse lawyers. I think

you are great and your knowledge is vast. My admiration is duly noted...

Chris

" Carl E. Grimes " <grimes@...> wrote:

,

Actually these are two very good questions. The answer to both is

" yes. "

Stachybotrys chartarum is not as common as Penicillium,

Cladosporium and other " common " or " normal " molds and it doesn't

become airborne as easily. Which means it can be present without

occupants being exposed to it - they don't come in contact with it at

all or in sufficient levels or combinations. Also, bacteria is

probably an equal or greater source of health effects because there

are more of them, more kinds and they reproduce more quickly in damp

conditions.

Stachy spores and fragments are virtually everywhere. So it will be

present in buildings where people are not sick and it won't

necessarily cause harm to anybody. Hyper-sensitized individuals,

however, may react to the extremely low levels that are present.

That's what hyper-sensitized means. Stachy and other molds aren't

like radiation and it's " zap you're dead " characteristic. Actually,

even that isn't true. We are bombarded with radiation all the time.

It just isn't " too much " usually to cause immediate harm.

I remember when, as a result of the Melinda Ballard case, researchers

began looking for sources of Stachybotrys. My initial disbelief and

outrage was based on their discovery that that it would grow on

sheetrock straight from the manufacturer. The conclusion was that

building materials were coming already contaminated! I assumed,

therefore, that the manufacturer was at fault.

The truth is, the mold (spore) was already there. My response now to

the molds of any kind being already present everywhere is, " Duh! " It

is impossible, except under extraordinay and expenses circumstances,

to have a mold-free environment.

However, without water the single spore would stay a single spore.

But just add water and mold grows like cockroaches and bunny rabbits -

they " proliferate " indiscriminately and profusely.

The mere presence or absense of mold spores or growth is not the

determining factor for when mold of any kind is a problem. The

" problem " occurs with the combination of a susceptible individual(s)

and exposure to something they react to. If either the susceptibility

or the exposure is missing, there is no " problem. "

Mold and people both require a certain environment to survive and to

thrive. Mold and people require a different set of environmental

characteristics but they are close together and they overlap. The

" problem " is when the environment that we occupy shifts to one more

conducive to mold, bacteria, rodents, insects, etc. The remedy is to

change the environment back to a people friendly one by stopping the

moisture, remove the " infestation " without further exposure of the

occupants, and taking measure to prevent a recurrance. Clean and dry.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

> I have two question- I hope that they aren't stupid. Perhaps one of

> our experts could answer-

>

> Is stachy found in buildings that are not " sick " ? Would you be able to

> find small amounts that would not necessarily cause any harm?

>

> I would love to get an answer -

>

> Thank you in advance-

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> FAIR USE NOTICE:

>

>

>