Stachybotrys sp. - Aw (water activity) 0.94, optimum Aw (water activity) > 0.98. several strains
of this fungus (S. Atra, S. chartarum and S. alternans are synonymous) may produce a
trichothecene mycotoxin, Satratoxin H, which is poisonous by inhalation. The toxins are present on
the fungal spores. This is a slow growing fungus on media. It does not compete well with other
rapidly growing fungi. The dark colored fungi grows on building material with a high cellulose
content and a low nitrogen content. Areas with relative humidity about 55% and are subject to
temperature durations are ideal for toxin production. Individuals with chronic exposure to the toxin
produced by this fungus reported cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches,
fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent local hair loss and generalized malaise. The toxins produced by this
fungus |11 suppress the immune system affecting the lymphoid tissue and the bone marrow.
animals injected with the toxin from this fungus exhibited the following symptoms: necrosis and
hemorrhage thin the brains thymus, spleen, intestines lung, heart: lymph node, liver and kidney. The
mycotoxin is also reposed to be a liver and kidney carcinogen. Affects by absorption of the toxin
in the human lung are known as pneumomycosis. This organism is rarely found in outdoor samples.
It is usually difficultly find in indoor air samples unless it is  physically disturbed. The spores are in a
gelatinous mass. Appropriate media for the growth of this organism will have a high cellulose
content and a low nitrogen content. The spores will die readily after release. The dead spores are
still allergenic and toxigenic. Percutaneous absorption has caused mild symptoms.

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