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Stachybotrys chartarum: cause of human disease or media darling?
J David Miller1, Thomas G Rand, Bruce B Jarvis
1Department of Chemistry, NSERC Industrial Research, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 0M3, Canada. david_miller@carleton.ca
Abstract:
This is a review of the literature of associations of the saprotrophic fungus Stachybotrys chartarum sensu lato with human and animal illnesses. This fungus grows on very wet cellulose-based building materials. S. chartarum has been the subject of considerable media attention because of temporal associations of exposure with unexpected and dramatic outcomes such as infant pulmonary hemosiderosis and neurocognitive damage. It is generally accepted that living or working in mouldy environments is associated with building related asthma, exacerbating asthma in mould-sensitive asthmatics and increased rates of upper respiratory disease. However, such relationships are with building-associated moulds, comprising many species that colonize wet or damp building materials, and are not specific to S. chartarum. There is limited evidence that severe lung damage can occur from building exposure to S. chartarum but possibly only under conditions of exposure that approach those associated with handling contaminated straw. There is no positive evidence in the literature to account for putative neurological damage resulting from exposure to this mould.
Insights
This review examines Stachybotrys chartarum, a fungus found on wet building materials. While linked to general mold issues, specific severe human health effects like lung damage or neurological issues from S. chartarum exposure are not well-supported by current literature.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Mycology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Stachybotrys chartarum (S. chartarum) is a saprotrophic fungus often found on water-damaged cellulose-based building materials.
- This mold has received significant media attention due to alleged associations with severe health outcomes, including infant pulmonary hemosiderosis and neurocognitive damage.
- General associations between building-associated molds and respiratory illnesses like asthma are established, but often involve multiple species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing scientific literature on the associations between Stachybotrys chartarum and human and animal illnesses.
- To critically evaluate the evidence linking S. chartarum exposure to specific severe health outcomes.
- To differentiate the effects of S. chartarum from general mold exposures in indoor environments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Analysis of studies reporting associations between S. chartarum and health conditions in humans and animals.
- Evaluation of the quality and strength of evidence for claimed health effects.
Main Results:
- Living or working in moldy environments is generally linked to building-related asthma and upper respiratory diseases, but these associations are not specific to S. chartarum.
- There is limited evidence suggesting severe lung damage from S. chartarum exposure, potentially only under conditions mimicking occupational exposure (e.g., handling contaminated straw).
- No positive evidence currently exists in the scientific literature to support claims of neurological damage resulting from exposure to S. chartarum.
Conclusions:
- While S. chartarum contributes to the general burden of mold-related health issues in damp buildings, its specific role in severe outcomes is not definitively proven.
- The dramatic health effects attributed to S. chartarum in popular media lack robust scientific validation.
- Further research may be needed to clarify the specific toxicological profile and health impacts of S. chartarum under various exposure scenarios.