“Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.”
"Stachybotrys is a filamentous fungus occasionally isolated as a contaminant from nature and indoor environments. The geographic distribution of Stachybotrys is wide. It has been isolated from contaminated grains, tobacco, insulator foams, indoor air, and water-damaged buildings. Stachybotrys produces trichothecene mycotoxins known as satratoxins. These toxins may lead to pathological changes in animal and human tissues [787, 1415]."
From: http://www.doctorfungus.org/thefungi/stachybotrys.htm
Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus that has become notorious as a mycotoxin producer that can cause animal and human mycotoxicosis. It is considered a Class "A" toxin, because its mycotoxins are known carcinogens and immunosuppressive.
There are numerous reports indicate that T-2 mycotoxin has been used as a simple but effective biological warfare agent on several occasions. The most common strategy was when heavily used in aerosol form ("yellow rain") to produce lethal and non-lethal casualties in in the country of Laos during the Vietnam War. The report of "yellow rain" in remote sections of jungle in Laos (1975-81), which resulted in more than 6,378 deaths, has been viewed as use of T-2 mycotoxin as a biological weapon. From: http://www.mold-survivor.com/t_2_mycotoxin.html
"Unlike most biological toxins that do not affect the skin, T-2 mycotoxin is a potent active dermal irritant. Moreover, it is the only potential biological weapon agent that can be absorbed through intact skin causing systemic toxicity.5 Clinical symptoms may be present within seconds of exposure. While larger amounts of T-2 toxin is required for a lethal dose than for other chemical warfare agents such as VX, soman, or sarin, its potent effect as a blistering agent is well noted. T-2 mycotoxins can be delivered via food or water sources, as well as, via droplets, aerosols, or smoke from various dispersal systems and exploding munitions.6 These properties make T-2 mycotoxin a potentially viable biological warfare agent. The reported LD 50 of T-2 toxin is approximately 1 mg/kg.7 "From: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/830892-overview
Over the past 20 years in North America, evidence has accumulated implicating this fungus as a serious problem in homes and buildings and one of the causes of the "sick building syndrome." This fungus alone, has resulted in multimillion dollar litigations and caused serious problems for homeowners and building managers who must deal with the human issues and remediation.
Mycologists are increasingly expressing concern in respect of common occurrences and extensive growth of S. chartarum in homes and buildings damaged by flood waters or other types of water incursions, and in particular, the lack of knowledge by the general public and public and private institutions about this fungus. SOURCE: http://www.apsnet.org/online/feature/stachybotrys/
Mycotoxins and Other Biologically Active Metabolites
"The mycotoxins and other biologically active compounds produced by S. chartarum are of concern to human health (23,32,33,57). Mycotoxin poisoning by this fungus is referred to as stachybotryotoxicosis.
S. chartarum produces a variety of macrocylic trichothecenes and related trichoverroids: roridin E and L-2; satratoxins F, G, and H; isosatratoxins F, G, and H; verrucarins B and J; and the trichoverroids, trichoverrols A and B and trichoverrins A and B. The satratoxins are generally produced in greater amounts than the other trichothecenes, but all compounds are produced in low quantities. They apparently occur in all parts of the fungus (53). The difficulty in obtaining, identifying, and purifying these toxins has slowed extensive studies on their biological activity. Hinkley and Jarvis (23) recently published analytical methods for the identification and quantification of bioactive compounds produced by this fungus. These methods were designed to quantitate individual compounds in culture extracts and detect low levels of trichothecenes in samples.
Macrocyclic trichothecenes are highly toxic compounds with a potent ability to inhibit protein synthesis (32). Numerous studies have demonstrated the toxicity of toxins from S. chartarum on animals and animal and human cells (42,45,49,51). Yang et al. (62) reported that satratoxin G was the most cytotoxic of eight trichothecenes tested on mammalian cells, even more toxic than the well known T-2 toxin associated with alimentary toxic aleukia. Other researchers have also reported the high toxicity of satratoxins compared to other trichothecenes (18). The LD50 in mice for satratoxins is ~1 mg/kg (32).
In addition, the fungus produces nine phenylspirodrimanes (spirolactones and spirolactams) and cyclosporin, which are potent immunosuppressive agents (33). Jarvis et al. (33) suggested that the combination of trichothecenes and these immunosuppressive agents may be responsible for the observed high toxicity of this fungus. New biologically active compounds are still being discovered in cultures of S. chartarum. Hinkley et al. (24,25) recently described the metabolites atranones A-G and two dolabellane diterpenes, but the complete biological activity of these compounds is unknown. Vesper and colleagues (57,59,60) reported some isolates produce Stachylysin, a hemolysin (compounds that lyse erythrocytes), and a hydroxamate siderophore. They suggest these compounds could be pathogenicity factors involved in pulmonary hemorrhage in infants exposed to S. chartarum.
There is considerable variation among isolates of S. chartarum in the production of mycotoxins and other metabolites (2,24,27,34,40). Indeed, Hinkley et al. (25) suggest there are two chemotypes of the fungus: the atranone and the macrocyclic trichothecene producers." From: http://www.apsnet.org/online/feature/stachybotrys/
History - Stachybotrysis chartarum
"In the late 1930s, stachybotryotoxicosis was reported in humans working on collective farms in Russia (10,14,17,29). People affected were those who handled hay or feed grain infested with S. chartarum or were exposed to the aerosols of dust and debris from the contaminated materials. Some of these individuals had burned the straw or even slept on straw-filled mattresses. The infested straw was often black from growth of the fungus. Common symptoms in humans were rash, especially in areas subject to perspiration, dermatitis, pain and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, conjunctivitis, a burning sensation of the eyes and nasal passages, tightness of the chest, cough, bloody rhinitis, fever, headache, and fatigue. Workers developed symptoms within two to three days of exposure to the fungus".
"Between the 1950s and the 1980s there were continued publications on S. chartarum but none that indicated a potential problem with S. chartarum in homes and buildings. In 1986, Croft et al. (6) reported an outbreak of trichothecene toxicosis in a Chicago home. Over a 5-year period, the family complained of headaches, sore throats, flue symptoms, recurring colds, diarrhea, fatigue, dermatitis, and general malaise. Air sampling of this home revealed spores of S. chartarum. The fungus was found growing on moist organic debris in an uninsulated cold air duct and on some wood fiber ceiling material. The home had a chronic moisture problem that favored mold growth. Extracts from the duct debris and contaminated building materials were toxic to test animals and several macrocyclic trichothecenes were identified in the extracts. When the mold problem was corrected, these symptoms associated with trichothecene toxicosis disappeared."
"Since the paper by Croft et al. (6), there have been numerous reports of S. chartarum in homes/buildings in North America, but few definitive studies implicating the fungus as the primary cause of mycotoxicosis in indoor environments." From: http://www.apsnet.org/online/feature/stachybotrys/
Essential Stachybotrys Information
FROM: http://www.lamold.com/ask_a_doctor.html
No single medical test can pinpoint the level of exposure or body damage caused by stachybotrys. Proper medical care and professional decision making is necessary to assure that the affected individual is treated properly.
Many physicians believe that the following tests are appropriate in conducting a medical screening for stachybotrys:
Complete medical exam
Chest x-ray · Pulmonary function test
Complete red and white blood cell count
Blood sedimentation rate
Stachybotrys specific RAST antibody test
Immunoglobulin panel
Immune competence tests
Doctors should be encouraged to discuss the environmental situation with the industrial hygiene professionals who have conducted sampling in the building in question etc. .
What Are The Recommendations of Doug Haney, PhD. For Toxic Testing?
We have found that a blood-serum test cultured with agar agents known as the Multiple Antigen Simultaneous Test (MAST) CLA, Environmental IgG, Panel #15, conducted by Hitachi Chemical Diagnostics,® Incorporated of Mountain View, California, and a genetic Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing process conducted by ImmunoLabs,® Inc., in the Los Angeles, are both very helpful in detecting fungi levels in the human body. There are also certain blood-serum tests available through blood laboratories for the Stachybotrys species. These can be expensive. Consult with, and work through your medical doctor if you are going to have them ordered.
Can anything be saved? Can I save any of my family heirlooms?
I have Stachybotrys. I lived in it for 6 months. Have left everything behind but wondering if I can save anything.
The answer to your question is complex. It largely depends upon those items which you wish to save and to a lesser extent the type of illness the Stachybotrys is causing you. Also, there are theoretical considerations and considerations gained from practical experience.
On a practical basis, if you are simply allergic to the mold than you could be more aggressive in saving items. However, if you suffer from toxicity, like many of us do, then it is my earnest recommendation that you be extremely cautious in trying to save anything or you will probably deeply regret it. In my experience, after disposing three automobiles and three houses, the only items that can be reasonably 'safely' retained are those that meet these requirements:
they are non-porous (they have durable, smooth surfaces)
they contain no cellulose or other organic material such as paper, cardboard, wood, leather, cotton, wool, wall board etc.
they could be thoroughly washed in a washing machine.
Such items would include glass ware, dishes, silverware, CD ROMS, coins etc.
There are at least two important considerations when one deals with this mold.
(1). How long do the spores remain potentially viable once they are released from the living stachybotrys mold?
The best answer I have received regarding this is: "Stachybotrys spores can survive for at least a year after release. However, the
viability does decline with time. The environment they are in will affect survival and rate of decline."
Thus, any item you try to salvage can carry some spores that potentially could germinate, under the right conditions, in your new
environment.
(2). How long do the mycotoxins on stachybotrys spores remain potent after the spores are discharged into the air?
The best answer I have received regarding this is: "The trichothecene toxins are very stable. Again the environment matters, if stored dry, there is little loss of activity for a year."
Thus, if mycotoxins on the mold cause you symptoms, if you carried some of the dead spores on the material you tried to salvage, that material could continue to make you ill for as long as the mycotoxins remained potent.
The answers, in quotations, were kindly provided by Mr. Stephen Vesper of the EPA.
Finally, there is no question that Five percent sodium hypochlorite (bleach) will kill live mold. But, that doesn't solve your problem. You need to denature the mycotoxins on the mold spores that are on your contaminated material. This requires a substance that can denature the mycotoxins, while preserving the material being treated. I haven't found the answer to this question with any degree of reasonable certainty.
I have tried to salvage some clothing, but it has been difficult, risky, time consuming and in many cases failed, causing me a great deal of grief. I managed to salvage some super silk shirts (100% polyester) by repeated washings. In retrospect, it probably wasn't worth the effort. Very porous clothing, such as sweaters, even of the synthetic variety, don't seem to respond to a reasonable number of washings, at least in my experience. Using bleach on these clothing doesn't seem to help insofar as toxicity is concerned. And, forget paper products, such as books, articles, magazines, miscellaneous papers etc.
What are your symptoms and what has been effective treatment for you?
Symptoms included tremendous fatigue, malaise, muscle aches and cramps, restlessness, inability to sleep, and severe burning in my chest with exertion (due to profound pulmonary small airway disease).
My problem now is that I can't go near, much less work with, any paper or books contaminated by the mold spores. This includes medical books, charts, magazines etc. If I do get exposed become ill again anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending upon the intensity and length of exposure.
I found that with each exposure I got, my sensitivity would increase; that is, it would take increasingly smaller amounts of the mycotoxins on the spores to make me ill.
Also, I have become sensitized to incredibly small quantities of smoke. If I get a few whiffs of smoke from a cigarette, cigar or chimney (smoke from a fireplace), I'll get symptoms of fatigue, malaise, flu-like symptoms and eve more severe burning in the chest with exertion for a few hours to a day or two.
Regarding treatment, the five most effective measures are:
avoidance of living mold
avoidance of the mold spores
avoidance of contaminated items
avoidance of smoke
avoidance of fatigue (getting enough sleep)
The next five measures are:
6. inhalation ipatropium bromide (four times daily in a nebulizer)
7. inhalation albuterol sulfate (four times daily in a nebulizer)
8. inhalation fluticasone propionate 500 mcg and samletrol 50 mcg (powder), 2 puffs daily (Advaid Diskus 500/50)
9. Theophylline 200-300 mg daily in divided doses
10. Being careful to get enough potassium and calcium (combination of diet & pills).
(These are my own opinions from my personal experience, review of medical literature, conversations with experts and conversations with fellow sufferers. The following is not intended to be professional or medical advice; it is advice gained from the experience of a victim of toxic mold exposure.)
What should I do if I am sick and my house/apartment is found to have stachybotrys and/or other toxic mold(s)?
Determine if you and/or you family have allergic or toxic symptoms.
If there is any question of toxicity whatsoever, then you and your family should exit your current environment immediately; and, do not bring any of your old possessions, especially including clothing, books, furniture, bedding etc. (this will be further discussed in another post).
You should seek medical attention from a qualified expert, but getting out of the environment should be your top priority.
Persons affected by mold (especially the mycotoxins of mold) tend to severely underestimate the dangers from their exposure.
They tend to make their move far too late.
When they are eventually forced to move, they tend to make the mistake of taking their possessions - especially ones made of paper, cardboard, animal fibers (clothing), leather, and similar materials which the mold can readily grow on. This causes cross contamination of their new environment, and the process repeats itself.
If you are symptomatic form your mold exposure, get away from it. You can replace the material things, but you may not be able to replace your health!
What is the difference between an allergy to mold and a toxicity from mold?
Allergic symptoms to mold would include sneezing; a running and itchy nose; watering and itching of the eyes; nasal stuffiness; respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and coughing, especially in asthmatics; itching of the skin.
Toxic symptoms are due to mycotoxins on the mold spores. They can include: memory loss ; attention deficit/concentration problems; personality changes such as irritability or depression; neurological disorders such as tremors; tingling or burning of nose, mouth; chronic fatigue; dizziness; nausea/vomiting; bleeding in the lungs; suppression of the immune system; headache; flu-like symptoms; red eyes (without watering or itching); incoordination; muscle spasms and cramps; damage to internal organs. Toxic symptoms from these mycotoxins have similarities to toxic symptoms from poisoning.
Stachybotrys spores produce multiple mycotoxins, including trichothecenes. Trichothecenes have been produced commercially for use in biological warfare. These are strong neurotoxins. Mycotoxins are nearly all cytotoxic, disrupting various cellular structures such as membranes, and interfering with vital cellular processes such as protein, RNA and DNA synthesis
If you were to meet a person suffering from allergy to mold, that person would most likely complain of symptoms similar to those of hay fever. Those symptoms are detailed above under allergic symptoms. The symptoms would most likely be described as annoying (with varying degrees of annoyance); they would not, however, be described as devastating. Their symptoms would be rather straight forward , easily observable and easily understandable.
If you were to meet a person suffering from toxicity due to mold mycotoxins, your first impression might be that the person is affected by a mental problem. Your first thought might be that the person would be best off consulting a psychiatrist or a psychologist. The person might have a lot of vague symptoms symptoms way out of proportion to what you could observe symptoms that might be difficult for the affected person to explain and for you to understand. But, the underling theme, if you listened carefully, would be that of toxicity. Most likely the toxic person would complain of extreme fatigue, weakness, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, and often respiratory problems: but not usually coughing or wheezing. Instead, he/she would complain of terrible burning or soreness in his/her lungs, possibly aggravated with exertion or exercise. And, instead of telling you that the experience was one of annoyance (to a lesser or greater degree) as allergy sufferers would tell you, the toxic sufferer would more likely describe her/his experience as a hellish nightmare.
The toxic sufferers behavior would more likely be that of a frantic effort to get away from the contaminated source and an almost
paranoiac effort to rid themselves of contaminated materials. This is in stark contrast to the allergic sufferer who would most likely find the offending mold to be more of a nuisance rather than a substance sent from hell.
What is more specific advice regarding continuing toxic mold exposure?
1. First, and foremost, if this mold is making you and /or your family old ill, my advice is to get out of that environment now! Continued exposure may increase the chances for a chronic problem and/or permanent damage. Go to a motel if necessary, while you are waiting for your new quarters.
2. You must be sure to accurately identify the mold(s); they could include Stachybotrys and/ or other toxic molds. Make sure that the lab testing your environment is familiar with the identification of stachybotrys and/or other toxic molds.
3. Don't disturb the mold or try to treat it yourself. If it is stachybotrys and you disturb it, you may cause the mold to sporulate
(produce a bioaerosol).The spores can be extremely toxic and damaging to susceptible individuals.
4. If it is stachybotrys, (and this may be also true for other toxic species) don't take anything with you when you move. This may sound harsh, but if you bring items contaminated with stachybotrys spores into your new environment you still may stay sick and you may have to repeat the process all over. Although, the spores are not living, they are much more toxic than the living mold as they carry strong mycotoxins which can cause all the symptoms you describe. The items I have found to be especially bad are all paper products including books, magazines, files of papers, cardboard, news papers and so forth. Also, the mold clings to fabric such as stuffed furniture, bedding, carpet, and clothing. You may get away with items that have smooth surfaces and that are easily washable such as dishes, pots, pans, glasses, silverware etc.
5. The precautions I mentioned in item #4 are from my own personal experience with stachybotrys and may not apply to other molds or all individuals exposed to stachybotrys. However, if you do find stachybotrys, and as both you and your child are quite symptomatic, I would give very serious thought to item #4. Also, I know that there are others exposed to stachybotrys who have had similar experiences.
NOTE: The views expressed on this page are solely the views of Dr. Joseph Klein and his associates and/or resources. The views expressed on this page are not necessarily reflective of the views or opinions AMI, however, our goal is always to provide unbiased resources for reliable information. AMI has no business affiliation or personal relationship with Dr. Klein. We referenced his material because he is not trying to sell anything.
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