People who handle contaminated materials have developed dermatitis, blood and immune systems disorders. If Stachybotrys atra spores are inhaled by humans, they have developed allergic, respiratory and immunologic symptoms as well as asthma, hypersensitivity pheumonitis, allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, sinusitis, and conjunctivitis. Other symptoms include fatigue and an inability to concentrate. There have also been reports of people experiencing cold and flu symptoms, diarrhea, headaches, rashes, and other respiratory symptoms when they were exposed to Stacchybotrys atra . I can see what looks like black mold growing in my child's classroom.
All molds can appear black.
So the fact that it is black does not necessarily mean that it is Stachybotrys . However, we should not have molds of any type growing in our schools, workplaces or homes. You should ask to have it identified. If the material it is growing on has been persistently wet, and especially if it is cellulous, it may be this fungus. If the material is wet to touch, and has been that way for some time, chances are good that it may be Stachybotrys .