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Introduction

Develop a chemical test to quickly identify airborne mycotoxins produced by Stachybotrys mold and create an affordable device for easy home use.

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Introduction

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Introduction • Also known as “sick building syndrome”, Stachybotrys chartarum is becoming a much publicized problem in the United States after large outbreaks have been reported in Cleveland, OH and Chicago, IL. • Colonies of stachybotrys release spores containing mycotoxins that cause pulmonary hemorrhaging and hemosiderosis • These diseases are often lethal in children, and may be the cause of many deaths previously attributed to SIDS.

  2. Background • Stachybotrys is the most common form of hazardous mold found in up to 46 million residential homes and schools • Stachybotrys grows on materials with a high cellulose content that are at least 94% water saturated • Spores containing mycotoxins are released from the mold as the fungus dries up • Mycotoxins cause pulmonary hemorrhaging and hemosiderosis upon inhalation into the alveoli and release of Satratoxin H

  3. History of Mold Testing • Prior to the recent media interest in hazardous molds, testing did not occur until mold was visible or until physical symptoms of residents occurred • Currently, the testing process is very slow. Home tests require that a sample of the visible mold be taken and sent to a laboratory. This is often difficult, since the mold usually grows between walls.

  4. Project Description • Designing a chemical test to rapidly identify the specific airborne mycotoxins produced by stachybotrys • Creating an independent preventative or diagnostic device to test for the airborne toxic spores in homes that can be easily used by the layperson

  5. Economic Analysis • If only 2% of American homeowners purchased our product, we would sell 2 million units • Our product itself is inexpensive to make commercially • We estimate production costs to be $20 and we expect to make a $8 profit after marketing and packaging • Under these conditions we could expect to make 16 million dollars

  6. Cost Benefit Analysis • It is believed that at least 4.6 million homes are affected by the stachybotrys mold • It is estimated that repairs on homes and removal of mold cost on average $10,000 • Our product would only cost $30 and would function as an early detection method that would dramatically decrease the amount spent on repairs and removal

  7. The Toxin: Satratoxin H

  8. Progression of Stachybotrys from Growth to Illness:

  9. Ways to Detect Stachybotrys

  10. Biological Testing Procedures

  11. Final Design

  12. Timeline of Progress

  13. Conclusions and Future Plans • A working design could potentially save several million dollars in repairs, clean up, and medical care • Our design could also prevent infant and child deaths currently associated with SIDS • We hope to begin testing and improving our design to create a functional product by August 2002

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