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 one can get exposed to it, what currently is known about its effect on pregnancy and how one can easily test for this mold.
Stachybotrys chartarum
Stachybotrys chartarum is a toxin producing (i.e., toxigenic) mold often found in buildings with excessive moisture problems. It is a greenish-black mold that grows well on materials that contain cellulose such as:
- drywall
- wallpaper
- cotton fabrics/textiles
- cellulose based ceiling tiles
- paper products
- carpets made of natural fibers
- paper covering on insulated pipes
- insulation material
- wood and wood paneling
- general organic debris (when material is subject to prolonged wetting)
Since it is a slow grower and poorly competes with other indoor molds, Stachybotrys chartarum is seen several months later after the initial water damage.
Exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum
When Stachybotrys chartarum is actively growing, a wet slime covers and holds the spores together, preventing them from easily becoming airborne. Therefore, inhalational exposure only occur when the mold has dried up and disturbed thus releasing the spores into the air. As such, finding Stachybotrys chartarum in a building does not necessarily mean that the building occupants had been exposed to this mold.
Can exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum affect pregnancy?
A link between inhalational exposure to molds such as Stachybotrys and Aspergillus and pregnancy loss has not been proven. It is very unlikely for the unborn baby to be directly exposed to inhaled spores.
However, numerous unreliable reports exist supporting a link between mold toxins (mycotoxins) and pregnancy loss in humans. This is probably because, animal studies using mice indicate that mold toxins can disrupt fetal development. For example, oral ingestion of contaminated feed or partially purified toxins of Stachybotrys chartarum was shown to cause a decrease in the number of pregnant mice; an increased frequency in dead, resorbed or stunted fetuses; and decreased average litter size.
While currently there is no scientific evidence supporting that indoor mold exposure during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or stillbirth it doesn’t mean it’s safe to expose yourself. If inhaled in large quantities, spores of Stachybotrys can cause health problems such as allergic reactions similar to hay fever, breathing difficulties, eye irritation, skin rashes and occasionally, more serious symptoms. It is known that people at greatest risk of health effects associated with mold exposure are those with respiratory conditions such allergies, asthma, and sinusitis, as well as infants and children, elderly people, individuals with a weakened immune system and pregnant women.
Testing for Stachybotrys chartarum
If any black mold is found in a home or office, it is recommended that it be tested to determine if it is Stachybotrys chartarum.
In order to have an analysis completed, carefully take a sample by following the steps below. It may also be worthwhile learning about our air mold testing kits:
- Work with a mask or breathing filter and disposable gloves.
- Ensure that no skin is exposed.
- Cut off approximately 2-3 inches long of clear scotch tape.
- Hold tape at one end and place sticky side down onto the surface with visible mold growth and press gently.
- Remove tape and stick it onto a ziplock bag (Do not fold the tape).
- Number each tape and identify the sites sampled. For example:
- Tape 1: Basement, east wall.
- Tape 2: Window sill, master bedroom.
- Tape 3: Ceiling tile, kitchen.
- Enclose samples in an envelope or bag
- Send the sample to a testing laboratory such as Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories.
Main References
- D. M. Kuhn and M. A. Ghannoum (2003). Indoor Mold, Toxigenic Fungi, and Stachybotrys chartarum: Infectious Disease Perspective. CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Jan. 2003, p. 144–172
- Korpinen, E.-L. 1974. Studies on Stachybotrys alternans IV. Effect of low doses of stachybotrys toxins on pregnancy of mice. Acta path. microbiol. scand. Sect. B., 82:457-464
