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Symptoms of Stachybotrys Mold

There is controversy regarding the toxicity of a specific type of mold known as Stachybotrys. A grayish green mold that can grow anywhere where there is water or moisture, Stachybotrys also grows on anything that has a high-cellulose, low-nitrogen content. Drywall, paper and fiberboard are common breeding grounds. Although not necessarily toxic to most people, exposure to this type of mold is associated with several symptoms.

  1. Upper Respiratory Symptoms

    • You may experience upper respiratory symptoms when exposed to Stachybotrys mold, particularly if you are allergic to this type of mold or the toxins it produces. These symptoms include runny nose, coughing and wheezing. You also may notice that your eyes are irritated and that your throat becomes sore in the presence of the mold. If you have asthma, exposure to Stachybotrys may trigger an asthma attack. If the mold is the direct cause of your symptoms, avoiding areas where the mold is present, or removing the mold and eliminating its source, will likely bring you relief.

    Occupational Exposure to Stachybotrys

    • Greater exposure to this type of mold occurs in occupational settings, and this type of exposure results in much more severe symptoms. For example, if you are an agricultural worker who spends a great deal of time around and handling hay contaminated with Stachybotrys, you might experience a fever or difficulty breathing in addition to the more common symptoms of exposure. If your lung function or immune symptom is compromised, chronic exposure to Stachybotrys can cause an opportunistic fungal infection in your lungs as well.

    Ingestion of Stachybotrus

    • Although ingestion of Stachybotrys is more more common in farm animals than in people, it is possible to come into contact with the mold through contaminated grains. Ingestion of cereal grains produced from crops contaminated with Stachybotrys mold can result in several distressing symptoms. If you ingest grains contaminated with the mold, common symptoms include nausea, a burning sensation in your mouth and vomiting. You also may experience diarrhea and abdominal pain.

    Pulmonary Hemosiderosis

    • A potentially fatal condition, pulmonary hemosiderosis is the sudden onset of hemorrhage, or bleeding, in the lungs. As blood accumulates in the lungs, lung function becomes impaired, and respiratory distress develops. A positive correlation--although controversial--between Stachybotrys exposure and pulmonary hemosiderosis exists, particularly in otherwise health infants under 6 months of age. This is a rare occurrence associated with homes or other dwellings excessively contaminated with Stachybotrys.

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