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Mold Information

Alternaria
Ascomycetes
Basidiomycetes
Botrytis
Chaetomium
Cladophialophora
Cladosporium
Coprinus
Curvularia
Drechslera
Epicoccum
Exophiala
Fusarium
Ganoderma
Microsporum
Myxomycetes
Nigrospora
Oidium
Penicillium/
  Aspergillus
Peronospora
Phialophora
Pithomyces
Rhizopus/Mucor
Rusts/Smuts
Stachybotrys
Torula
Unidentifiable

Facts:
  • Mold is a type of fungus. Other types of fungi include yeasts and mushrooms.
  • Sometimes the term mildew is used. It is also a type of fungus.
  • Molds reproduce by means of spores which commonly travel through the air.
  • Mold can look like a smudge, a discoloration, or even a stain.
  • Many smell musty or faintly like alcohol.
  • Mold's most important requirement is a source of moisture. (e.g., basements, bathrooms, kitchens, carpet, upholstery, soil)
  • Some varieties of mold are toxic

Allergenicity:

  • Molds are strong allergens, however, most people are not allergic to molds.
  • They are most numerous in the warmer months, but can be found year round.
  • The spores can be inhaled or make contact through the eyes.
  • In many climates, for each pollen grain in the air there are 1000 mold spores.
  • Mold exposure increases with cutting the grass, raking dead leaves, or working with hay or mulch piles

Glossary of Terms

Alternaria
Natural (outdoor) Origin - commonly found in fresh tomatoes, vegetables, cereal, plants, soil and airborne in homes. This genus is present in large numbers in outside air. Fungi increase in number with a midday pattern or double peak pattern. They are know to be resistant to changes in the amount of water available. They have been observed to resume growth after extended periods of drying. they are commonly considered a saprophytic contaminant.
Indoor Origin - It can establish itself on damp cellulose containing building materials.
Pathoginicity - Pathogenicity infection is seldom reported, but occasionally causes Phaeohyphomycosis, most commonly in subcutaneous tissue. Alternaria species are emerging as pathogens in immunocompromised host, such as bone marrow transplant patients. There have also been a few reports of infection of nails, eye, and nasal sinuses after trauma.
Diseases - Some species have been reported to cause Phaeohyphomycosis and Onychomycoses.
Allergen - Recognized as the chief fungal cause of hay fever. Others can include asthma, and hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.
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Ascomycetes/Ascospores
Natural Origin - A large category of spores (produced in a sac-like structure) that are found everywhere in nature. They are considered a wet weather spore. They are plentiful during light rainfall or in pre-dawn hours when condensation is heavy. Ascomycete/Ascospore is sometimes used as a general morphological identification (i.e. the ascus or sac structure is present) for certain samples in those cases when the spores do not appear to represent any of the indoor air quality (IAQ) significant genera.
Indoor Origin - Most commonly brought in by outside air movement (wind disseminated).
Pathogenicity - Most Ascospores of health or IAQ importance are identified separately by their genus (e.g. Chaetomium).
Diseases - If there are any known, they will be listed with the identified genus.
Allergen - If there are any known, They will be listed with the identified genus.
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Basidiomycetes/Basidiospores
Natural Origin - A general class is spore formed on a structure known as a basidium. This category is commonly found in outdoor air samples, They are considered a wet weather spore. They are plentiful during light rainfall. In mushrooms and bracket fungi, the releases of spores require high humidity and so are most abundant in the pre-dawn hours. Spores can be transported short distances in light rain. These spores come from mushrooms, toad stools, puffballs, and bracket fungi. In puffballs, spores are released as rain drops strike them, with strong gusts of wind, or when small animals hit them. They are found in lawns, fields, parks and wooded areas from spring through fall with in a few days after rainfall.
Indoor Origin - Some species are associated with dry rot in wood. Elevated airborne concentrations indoors might be indicative of water damage or too high of humidity.
Pathoginicity - No known infections have been reported in humans at this time.
Diseases - There are no known diseases associated with this spore at this time
Allergen - Many species are reported to be allergenic and high levels of these spores inside can contribute to allergy.
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Botrytis
Natural Origin - Found in soil, vegetables and decaying plants. High levels are likely to be found in greenhouses or where there are large numbers of plants and higher humidity.
Indoor Origin - Primarily found where there are large numbers of plants and higher humidity.
Pathognicity - It is parasitic on plants and soft fruits, however no infections have been reported in humans or animals.
Disease - There are no known diseases associated with this spore at this time.
Allergen - It can cause allergic asthma after indoor exposure.
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Chaetomium
Natural origin - Commonly found on deteriorating wood or wood products.
Indoor Origin - Frequently emits a musty odor in the indoor environment. Readily colonizes cellulose-based materials and are commonly found on sheet rock and other indoor substrates.
Pathogenicity - Chaetomium species are sometimes encountered as causative agents of infections in immunocompromised patients. Commonly considered a contaminant.
Diseases - Has been known to cause Phaeohyphomycosis.
Allergen - Unknown at this time.
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Cladophialophora
Natural Origin - Previously known as Xylohypha. Its natural habitats are soil and rotten plant matter.
Indoor Origin - Can be found in air conditioning systems, humidifiers, and other surfaces in frequent contact with moisture.
Pathogenicity - Infection might be contracted through inhalation.
Diseases - Some species are known to cause Phaeohyphomycosis, Chromoblastomycosis, Mycetoma.
Allergen - Unknown at this time.
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Cladosporium
Natural Origin - Cladosporium grows on leaves and soft stems. It is the most prevalent spore to be found in outdoor air samples. Cladosporium is also know to be very resistant to changes in the amount of water available, as they have been observed to resume growth after extended periods of drying.
Indoor Origin - Cladosporium can be found in refrigerator drip pans, the bottom of refrigerators, on moist window frames and on painted surfaces which are moist, or in high humidity locations. It can also grow on textiles, wood, paper and various man-made materials. It is widely distributed in air and rotten organic material and as a contaminant on foods.
Pathogenicity - Commonly considered saprophytic contaminants. They have only occasionally been implicated in infections. Perceived to be primarily non pathogenic.
Diseases - Rare documented cases of Keratitis and Omychomycoses.
Allergen - It is one of the most important fungal airway allergens and is frequently isolated as a contaminant. They spores are known to be prevalent sources of allergens in the atmosphere and cause symptoms that include hay fever, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
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Coprinus
Natural Origin - A mushroom found on lawns, soil, dung, straw, compost, buried wood, stumps, wood chips, and building materials.
Indoor Origin - On a or near decayed wood.
Pathogenicity - Rare pathogenicity reported in immunocompromised patients.
Diseases - Skin lesions and pulmonary infection.
Allergen - Spores could induce allergenic reactions in humans.
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Curvularia
Natural Origin - Occurs as a contaminant and pathogen of soil, plants and cereals.
Indoor Origin - Current known source is in textiles, or cellulose based materials, however others may exist.
Pathoginicity - Infections may develop in patients with intact immune systems. It has recently emerged also as an opportunistic pathogen that infects immunocompromised patients.
Diseases - Etiologic agents of opportunistic infections, most commonly of the cornea and sinuses, it has been known to cause Mycetoma and Phaeohyphomycosis at various sites including nails, subcutaneous tissue, and systemic organs.
Allergen - A cause of allergic sinusitis and is known to be a prevalent source of allergens in the atmosphere, generally causing symptoms associated with respiratory problems.
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Drechslera
Natural Origin - Species are mostly found in plant debris and soil. Its species are pathogenic to some plants. The highest concentrations of these spores occur in the spring and have a lower peak in autumn.
Indoor Origin - Can occur on stored seeds, or cellulose based materials
Pathoginicity - Various but uncommon infections have occurred of the eye, nose, lungs and skin.
Diseases - Occasionally a cause of Phaeohyphomycosis, including Keratitis, Sinusitis, and Osteomyelitis. These infections most often occur in Immunocompromised persons, although infections also occur in normal hosts.
Allergen - May cause symptoms associated with hay fever, asthma and other respiratory problems.
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Epicoccum
Natural Origin - Found in a wide variety of plants, soil, air, seeds, paper, and insects. It is a secondary invader of plant materials and a common causative agent of leaf spot and various plants. Epicoccum is known to be very resistant to changes in the amount of water available, as they have been seen to resume growth after several extended periods of drying.
Indoor Origin - Found in textiles and building materials.
Pathoginicity - There are no documented cases of infections in humans or animals. These isolates are considered all contaminants.
Diseases - There are no known diseases associated with this spore at this time.
Allergen - Known to be a prevalent source of allergen in the atmosphere, generally causing symptoms associated with respiratory problems.
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Exophiala
Natural Origin - A dermatiaceous fungus, similar to phialophora, widely distributed in soil enriched and organic wastes, plants, water, decaying wood material, sewage sludge, and in many other sources.
Indoor Origin - Indoors it can be found in air conditioning systems, humidifiers, and other surfaces in frequent contact with moisture.
Pathoginicity - Infections are usually acquired via traumatic implantation and are associated with the existence of local or systematic immunosuppression.
Diseases - Are among fungi causing infections referred to as Phaeohyphomycosis and subcutaneous infections such as Mycetoma, and Chromoblastomycosis.
Allergen - Allergenic effects are not well studied.
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Fusarium
Natural Origin - A common soil fungus, but some occur on seeds, especially of cereal. It is found on a wide variety of plants and is a know plant pathogen.
Indoor Origin - Occasionally found in areas with plant life or elevated moisture levels.
Pathoginicity - It is among causative agents of superficial and systematic infections in humans. Several species in this genus can produce mycotoxins frequently involved in eye, skin, and nail infections.
Diseases - Keratitis, mycetoma, sinusitis, pulmonary infections, and many more infections have been reported.
Allergen - Causes allergies such as hay fever and asthma.
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Ganoderma
Natural Origin - Found in highest concentrations in July and August. Found solitary or in small groups on downed logs of both hardwood and conifers, also on living trees.
Indoor Origin - Carried in by outside air movement. Elevated levels may be associated with dry rot in wood.
Pathoginicity - Not known to be pathogenic.
Diseases - None associated with this spore.
Allergen - No known allergen.
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Microsporum
Natural Origin - Natural habitat is soil.
Indoor Origin - Some strict parasites of animals or humans, most prevalent in children.
Pathoginicity - Causative agent of ringworm and other scalp, nail and skin infections.
Diseases - Microsporum is one of the three genera that cause Dermotophytosis.
Allergen - Not know to be an allergen.
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Myxomycetes
Natural Origin - Found in the forest where it is generally cool, moist and shady. It can be seen on decaying wood and in decaying leaves as colorful, shapeless structures. Myxomycetes are know as a slime mold because they secrete a slime trail across their habitat as they move. Affected by wind and moisture, they need protection from the drying affects of the wind and sun. It is not a major plant pathogen, but tends to feed on bacteria.
Indoor Origin - Occasionally found indoors where there is decaying wood.
Pathoginicity - Unknown at this time.
Diseases - There have been no reports of human infection.
Allergen - Some allergenic properties reported, but generally pose no health concerns to humans or animals.
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Nigrospora
Natural Origin - Found in decaying plant material, seeds and soil.
Indoor Origin - Rarely is seen growing indoors, but can be strong decomposer of cellulose.
Pathoginicity - Pathogenic role as a causative agent is not well known.
Diseases - Very rare reports of human infection.
Allergen - Can cause allergies such as hay fever and asthma.
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Oidium
Natural Origin - Occurs on many species of plants such as beans cereal crops, crucifers, grapes, mango, roses, and many various trees and weeds. Some spores are also seen in dust as part of the normal influx of outdoor microbial particles.
Indoor Origin - Occasionally found in rotting wood, cellulose based materials, or plants.
Pathoginicity - No information is available regarding health effects or toxicity.
Diseases - There have been no reports of human infection.
Allergen - Allergenicity has not been studied.
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Penicillium/Aspergillus
Natural Origin - Commonly found outdoors in soil, food, cellulose and grains.
Indoor Origin - Common fungal genus, especially in indoor environments. They can pose a danger indoors because they can grow in a few days. Commonly found in water damaged homes, but it can be isolated from paints, soil, and building materials wall, wallpaper, and house dust.
Pathoginicity - May be in the form of invasive infection, infecting various sites in individuals with lower resistance due to immunocompromised systems. Some species produced mycotoxins. Commonly considered a contaminant.
Diseases - Some Aspergillum species can cause a group of diseases known as Aspergillosis. Penicillium has been known to cause Keratitis, external ear infections, respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.
Allergen - Known to be allergenic.
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Peronospora
Natural Origin - Peronospora is very common and is an obligate parasite on leaves, stems, flowers and fruits of living higher plants. The spores may also be seen in dust as part of the normal influx of outdoor microbial particles.
Indoor Origin - Occasionally found in rotting wood, cellulose based materials, or plants.
Pathoginicity - No information is available regarding health effects or toxicity.
Diseases - Unknown at this time.
Allergen - Allergenicity has not been studied.
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Phialophora
Natural Origin - Found in soils, plants, woodpiles, fence posts, tree stumps, animal feces and decaying wood.
Indoor Origin - Can grow on or near rotted wood, cellulose based materials, or in areas of elevated moisture.
Pathoginicity - Some species are a known human pathogen. No information is available regarding toxicity.
Diseases - rare cases of Mycetoma and Phaeohyphomycosis have been reported.
Allergen - Allergenicity has not been studied.
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Pithomyces
Natural Origin - Spores found in dead stems, rotting leaves, paper, fodder grass, tree bark and over 50 types of plants.
Indoor Origin - Rarely found indoors, but it can grow on paper, or cellulose based materials.
Pathoginicity - Opportunistic infections are uncommon. Has occasionally been implicated as an etiologic agent in immunocompromised patients. Commonly known as a contaminant.
Diseases - Only known disease is facial eczema in sheep.
Allergen - Its allergenicity is not well established.
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Rhizopus/Mucor
Natural Origin - Frequently found in soil, plants, decaying fruits, bird and animal dung. Found on a variety of substrates.
Indoor Origin - Common on spoiling food, rotting or high moisture areas; less common on typical indoor environmental surfaces.
Pathoginicity - It has been found to be an opportunistic pathogen for immunocompromised individuals. Known as a common contaminant.
Diseases - It can cause Zygomycosis and other infections.
Allergen - Both can be an allergen.
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Rusts/Smuts
Natural Origin - Rusts/Smuts are members of the Basidiomycetes and are named because of the brown or orange color of the spores. It can grow on rotted wood or decaying cellulose. It is found on cereal crops, grasses weeds, other fungi and on other flowering plants. It is a plant parasite and is parasitic plant pathogens that require a living host for the completion of their life cycle.
Indoor Origin - Can occasionally grow indoors on rotting wood or cellulose based materials, but can be introduced through outdoor air.
Pathoginicity - Not well studied at this time, but know as a common contaminant.
Diseases - There have been no reports of human infections.
Allergen - Considered an allergen, but not well studied.
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Stachybotrys
Natural Origin - A soil fungus in the natural environment, it is found with decaying plant materials.
Indoor Origin - Stachybotrys is a slymy black mold rarely found outdoors, but can be common where there has been water damage due to flooding or various leaks. Because it needs cellulose to grow, it is found on drywall, ceiling tiles, and other materials containing paper on wood.
Pathoginicity - It produces several mycotoxins that appear to have the ability to affect humans and animals after ingestion, inhalation or percutaneous absorption. Commonly considered a contaminant.
Diseases - The fungus has been associated with pulmonary hemorrhage and Hemosiderosis in infants. It has been implicated in illnesses (coughing, wheezing runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rash, etc.) in occupants (all ages) of water damaged homes and other buildings. The long term health effects of Stachybotrys are not known at this time. Ongoing studies are in progress.
Allergen - Some consider it allergenic, although little is known.
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Torula
Natural Origin - Found in soil, dead vegetation, wood, grasses, nuts and oats. The spores are at their peak in the fall and late spring or early summer.
Indoor Origin - Can be found indoors on cellulose containing materials
Pathoginicity - There have been no reports of human infections
Diseases - None have been reported at this time.
Allergen - Reported to be allergenic. Can cause hay fever, asthma, and hypersensitivity Pneumonitis.
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Unidentifiable
Spores that are damaged, undeveloped, or not fully formed to be able to identify by genus.
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Glossary of Terms

References:
www.aerobiology.ca/spores
http://pollen.utulsa.edu/Spores/Indoor.htm
www.co.st-louis.mo.us/pho/pollen_site/MoldInfo.html
www.doctorfungus.org/the fungi
www.mycology.adelaide.edu.au/mycology
Indoor Air Quality by McCrone Research Institute
Atles of Clinical Fungi 2nd edition. By G.S. deHoog, J. Guarro, J. Gene' & M.M. Figueras. 2000
Medically Important Gungi a Guide to Idenitification. Fourth Edition. By davise H. Larone. ASM Press, Washington, D.C. 2002


The information contained in this website if for generic information only. It does not and is not meant to imply that the above referenced spores, fungi, mildew, etc. while present, are irritants, contaminants or toxins in trace amount or larger unless verified by the examination of a qualified physician familiar with microbiological diseases or mycoses. Pollen and Fungus type qualifications are based on keys and reference standards for some known allergenic types. Pollen and spore types identified are all naturally occurring and may grow anywhere in a natural environment were water is present. While it is normal for fungi to be present inside all buildings from outside sources, growth occurs in humid conditions. Fungi cannot spread from building to building, as it is always present, but may or may not be growing. Results are submitted pursuant to Precision Analytical Laboratory, Inc.'s current terms and condition of sale, including the company's standard warranty responsibility or liability is assumed for the manner in which the results are used or interpreted.
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