[StBernard] stachbotrys mold

[Westley Annis]

Stachbotrys is one of the upteen types of mold, but is the probably the most
famous in recent years.  EPA and DEQ have published a lot of info on
precautions for mold, mold remediation,etc. If you don't have those
pamphlets, google search and you can read about it.
 
Keep in mind that mold is a living organism and it needs the right
conditions to live, such as a food source (like sheetrock, cloth, etc.) and
moisture, and low light. Sounds like a house that has been flooded and left
untouched for six months is the ideal environment, doesn't it.
 
There are good molds, like penicillin, unless you are allergic to it. I know
of people that are so sensitive to some molds that they have a similar
reaction to molds that most people don't know are present, i.e. their eyes
water and their throat tightens if there is a trace of mold present.
 
While we faced nasty environments in Sept. when many of us first entered our
homes, I can only imagine how much nastier it has gotten by now. Our warm
and wet winter is helping it grow. 
 
I am not an environmental scientist, but a civil engineer. I decided to save
and disinfect several times with antibacterials, and run through a
dishwasher my precious china and crystal. These will never be used for
cooking or heated in a microwave.  I threw away all my good pots, flatware,
and all other dishware because it just wasn't worth the effort for one, and
I do not want to heat these things which will hold food in case any
chemicals were absorbed and released. However, I feel confident that there
is no trace of mold on the antique glassware, porcelain collectibles, etc.
because that's not a surface mold feeds from and also because of the
thorough scrub down I gave them.
 
I do know people who have had some clothing professionally cleaned, but they
said they got to it before mold set in. 
 
In summary, with each passing day, mold is a bigger issue for a house that
has not been aired out and flushed out. At some point I would expect it will
be a job for professionals in those space suits.  Be selective as to what is
worth saving and consider how you will use it (is it for looks and
sentimental value or are you going to eat out it), and who will use it (an
adult who can tell if they are having a reaction or an infant). And, until
it is disinfected, take all the precautions that the experts
recommend-gloves, masks, protective clothing. 
 
Deborah Keller