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Stachybotrys: relevance to human disease

A I Terr1

  • 1aiterr@pacbell.net

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|January 5, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Public concern about Stachybotrys mold is high, but scientific evidence does not support Stachybotrys spores causing human disease. Pulmonary hemorrhage in infants is a possible exception, though not conclusive.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Mycology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Public concern has focused on Stachybotrys, an environmental mold.
  • This review examines scientific literature regarding Stachybotrys and human health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and critique published literature on Stachybotrys.
  • To determine objective scientific and clinical evidence of disease caused by Stachybotrys exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of MEDLINE for Stachybotrys research and reviews since 1966.
  • Included publications with information on human health effects.
  • Author's critique of the selected publications.

Main Results:

  • Stachybotrys is a minor indoor mold found in water-damaged buildings with low airborne spore concentrations.
  • Published reports do not establish Stachybotrys spore inhalation as a cause of human disease.
  • Evidence for Stachybotrys-induced pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis in infants is suggestive but not conclusive.
  • Old reports suggest Stachybotrys-contaminated grains may cause toxic gastroenteropathy.
  • No convincing cases of Stachybotrys-related allergy or infection are published.

Conclusions:

  • Current public concern regarding Stachybotrys spore inhalation in water-damaged buildings is not supported by medical literature.
  • Further research is needed to conclusively determine Stachybotrys's role in infant pulmonary hemorrhage.

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