Stachybotrys chartarum or black mold as it’s commonly called by the general public has been associated with numerous health issues some of which have not been scientifically proven. Among the many concerns is that exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum during pregnancy can cause pregnancy loss or stillbirth. This article briefly explains what Stachybotrys chartarum is, how […]
Archives for August 2014
Is Dry Rot Fungus Dangerous?
The dry rot fungus, Serpula lacrymans, is one of the most destructive wood decay fungi in buildings in many countries around the world. Due to its destructive nature, Serpula lacrymans is often referred to as a “building cancer”. It can also cause structural damage to masonry. The fungus thrives in poorly ventilated, dark places with elevated […]
Flesh-eating bacteria in humans
The term “flesh-eating bacteria” was originally used to describe the group A streptococci (GAS), such as Streptococcus pyogenes, that cause a rare infection. Terms like flesh-eating or necrotizing have been used because the bacterial infection produces toxins that destroy tissues such as muscles, skin, and fat. However, the bacteria does not “eat” the flesh as […]