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| Types of Mold |
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Many find the word "TOXIC", when referring to certain types and varieties of mold, somewhat misleading. It is
said that anything that has a negative effect on the human body is considered "toxic", in the classic sense.
However a selected group of molds have been specifically categorized as "toxic", and seemingly discount the
fact that the so-called "non-toxic" molds can and do have adverse effects on people as well. Furthermore, as
a result, many experts agree that all excessive indoor mold conditions should be considered "Toxic".
Mold types:
Acremonium
This mold is commonly found in soil and on dead plant material. Indoors it grows on wet building materials
like drywall ceiling tiles and building paper. Acremonium should be considered allergenic and may be a
pathogen for immunocompromised individuals.
Alternaria
Commonly found in outdoor air, on many kinds of plants and foodstuffs and prefers rotting farmland manure.
It may be resistant to fungicides. Alternaria is considered an occasional contaminant of water damaged
building materials which contain cellulose. Although Alternaria is a notable source of fungal allergy,
pathogenic infections are also reported infrequently.
Aspergillus
There are a wide variety of species of Aspergillus. Some are considered opportunistic pathogens and may
cause pulmonary infections. Some members also produce mycotoxins and have been implicated in causing
allergic reactions and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Aspergillus type organisms are some of the first fungi to
grow on water-damaged materials and are frequently found in water-damaged structures. Although they are
commonly found in the outdoor environment, the outdoor frequency is generally considered low.
Aureobasidium
This yeast-like fungus is commonly found on caulk or damp window frames in bathrooms. Aureobasidium
may be pink or black in color. Although it seldom causes infections, it can be allergenic. This is one type of
mold that is a type of mildew. It will grow in cooler climates and along with Cladosporium is commonly found
growing on siding.
Bacillus
Survives in soil. A gram positive rod which is part of a large family of organisms which are for the most part
non-pathogenic for man.
Basidiospores
Frequently associated with dry rot, Basidiomycetes are primarily mushrooms, toadstools, puffballs, rusts and
smuts. High levels of these spores can contribute to allergies in indoor environments. Poria incrassata is a
particularly destructive fungal organism that falls into this classification. Poria has resulted in the collapse of
severely infested buildings.
Botrytis
Most commonly associated with plants, Botrytis can cause allergic asthma after indoor exposure. High levels
are likely to be found in greenhouses or other indoor areas with high humidity and large numbers of plants.
Ceratocystis/Ophiostoma
This is a very common plant pathogen that is frequently found on lumber in lumber yards and is built into
most homes. It has not been well studied and has not been reported to be pathogenic or a producer of
mycotoxins or allergens.
Chaetomium
Commonly found on deteriorating wood products, Chaetomium frequently emits a musty odor and is
frequently found on water-damaged drywall. Its health effects have not been well studied, however some rare
compounds have on occasion been identified as mutagenic.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is the genera most frequently encountered in both outdoor and indoor air. It is frequently
found in elevated levels in water-damaged environments. Some species may be resistant to certain types of
treated lumber.
Epicoccum
A secondary invader of plant materials, Epicoccum can grow at higher temperatures than many fungi,
allowing it to be a human skin pathogen. Colonies produce a wide variety of colors depending on the food
source. Although it may be isolated from water damaged building materials, it is generally thought of as a
typical outdoor organism.
Fusarium
Found in soils and on plants worldwide, Fusarium can invade corn and barley and produce toxins at lower
temperatures than many fungi. Fusarium has affected water-damaged carpets and a variety of other building
materials, and can cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. Its spores are typically slimy and may
be difficult to isolate from air samples. It has also been implicated in exacerbation of allergies and asthma
and may produce mycotoxins.
Gram Negative Rods
Group of bacteria commonly found in standing water or water saturated structures. Most are opportunistic
pathogens. Many species release endotoxins that can cause headaches and allergic type reactions.
Mucor
This mold is found worldwide and is frequently present in air samples. Mucor commonly grows on dung and
moist hay. It is fast growing opportunistic and may cause rare infection in immunocompromised individuals. It
is considered a mild allergen.
Penicillium
Penicillium species are common contaminants on various substances. This organism causes food spoilage,
colonizes leather objects and is an indicator organism for dampness indoors. Some species are known to
produce mycotoxins. The health of occupants may be adversely affected in an environment that has an
amplification of Penicillium. Penicillium is one of the first fungi to grow on water-damaged materials and has
been implicated in causing allergic reactions and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It commonly produces a
strong musty odor.
Pithomyces
Found in decaying wood, soil, and plant material, Pithomyces is not known to cause infections or major
health problems in humans. It has been found growing on paper but is not commonly found growing indoors.
Rhizopus
Frequently found in house dust, soil, fruits, nuts, and seeds, Rhizopus often grows in fruit and vegetable
garbage, or in forgotten leftover food. Exposure to large numbers of Rhizopus spores has reportedly caused
respiratory complications. Rhizopus can be an allergen and opportunistic pathogen for immunocompromised
individuals, especially those with diabetic ketoacidosis, malnutrition or severe burns.
Scopulariopsis
A common contaminant that can cause toenail infections.
Sepedomium
A common soil contaminant. Non-pathogenic to humans.
Stachybotrys Chartarum (THE DREADED "BLACK" MOLD)
Stachybotrys grows well on extremely wet building materials containing cellulose that have remained wet for
more than a week. It produces mycotoxins that can irritate skin and mucous membranes. One potent
mycotoxin produced by Stachybotrys is called Satratoxin; it is also toxic when inhaled. Extreme care should
be taken when this organism is amplified indoors.
Staphylococci
Opportunistic pathogen. It can survive and grow in nasal secretions and on skin. Produces many toxins
which contribute to pathogenicity. Coagulase positive are considered potentially pathogenic.
Sterile Mycellium
Fungi that are not mature enough for speciation.
Streptomyces
Generally non-pathogenic. Some species can cause infections in humans. Also produces potentially harmful
mycotoxins. Odor characteristic of freshly tilled soil. Important in the pharmaceutical industry.
Trichoderma
One of the most widespread soil fungi, Trichoderma grows in carpet, on unglazed ceramics, and on paper in
damp homes. Some species produce metabolites related to trichothecenes, which can be toxic and may
cause symptoms like those associated with Stachybotrys Chartarum. It is also an allergen and may infect
immunocompromised individuals.
Ulocladium
Isolated from soil, wood, and decaying plant material, Ulocladium grows on very wet walls and particleboard.
Because of its high water requirements, it is considered an excellent indicator of water damage. This genera
is allergenic, contributing to the allergy load especially in those with Alternaria allergy.
Wallemia
Found worldwide in house dust, air samples, dry foodstuffs and soil. Wallemia attacks materials with low
water activity, is an allergen and may produce mycotoxins. It is known to grow on materials with high salt
content.
Yeast
Common in moist habitats and often able to grow at reduced oxygen levels. This organism can cause
allergies and can be an opportunistic pathogen.
said that anything that has a negative effect on the human body is considered "toxic", in the classic sense.
However a selected group of molds have been specifically categorized as "toxic", and seemingly discount the
fact that the so-called "non-toxic" molds can and do have adverse effects on people as well. Furthermore, as
a result, many experts agree that all excessive indoor mold conditions should be considered "Toxic".
Mold types:
Acremonium
This mold is commonly found in soil and on dead plant material. Indoors it grows on wet building materials
like drywall ceiling tiles and building paper. Acremonium should be considered allergenic and may be a
pathogen for immunocompromised individuals.
Alternaria
Commonly found in outdoor air, on many kinds of plants and foodstuffs and prefers rotting farmland manure.
It may be resistant to fungicides. Alternaria is considered an occasional contaminant of water damaged
building materials which contain cellulose. Although Alternaria is a notable source of fungal allergy,
pathogenic infections are also reported infrequently.
Aspergillus
There are a wide variety of species of Aspergillus. Some are considered opportunistic pathogens and may
cause pulmonary infections. Some members also produce mycotoxins and have been implicated in causing
allergic reactions and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Aspergillus type organisms are some of the first fungi to
grow on water-damaged materials and are frequently found in water-damaged structures. Although they are
commonly found in the outdoor environment, the outdoor frequency is generally considered low.
Aureobasidium
This yeast-like fungus is commonly found on caulk or damp window frames in bathrooms. Aureobasidium
may be pink or black in color. Although it seldom causes infections, it can be allergenic. This is one type of
mold that is a type of mildew. It will grow in cooler climates and along with Cladosporium is commonly found
growing on siding.
Bacillus
Survives in soil. A gram positive rod which is part of a large family of organisms which are for the most part
non-pathogenic for man.
Basidiospores
Frequently associated with dry rot, Basidiomycetes are primarily mushrooms, toadstools, puffballs, rusts and
smuts. High levels of these spores can contribute to allergies in indoor environments. Poria incrassata is a
particularly destructive fungal organism that falls into this classification. Poria has resulted in the collapse of
severely infested buildings.
Botrytis
Most commonly associated with plants, Botrytis can cause allergic asthma after indoor exposure. High levels
are likely to be found in greenhouses or other indoor areas with high humidity and large numbers of plants.
Ceratocystis/Ophiostoma
This is a very common plant pathogen that is frequently found on lumber in lumber yards and is built into
most homes. It has not been well studied and has not been reported to be pathogenic or a producer of
mycotoxins or allergens.
Chaetomium
Commonly found on deteriorating wood products, Chaetomium frequently emits a musty odor and is
frequently found on water-damaged drywall. Its health effects have not been well studied, however some rare
compounds have on occasion been identified as mutagenic.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is the genera most frequently encountered in both outdoor and indoor air. It is frequently
found in elevated levels in water-damaged environments. Some species may be resistant to certain types of
treated lumber.
Epicoccum
A secondary invader of plant materials, Epicoccum can grow at higher temperatures than many fungi,
allowing it to be a human skin pathogen. Colonies produce a wide variety of colors depending on the food
source. Although it may be isolated from water damaged building materials, it is generally thought of as a
typical outdoor organism.
Fusarium
Found in soils and on plants worldwide, Fusarium can invade corn and barley and produce toxins at lower
temperatures than many fungi. Fusarium has affected water-damaged carpets and a variety of other building
materials, and can cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. Its spores are typically slimy and may
be difficult to isolate from air samples. It has also been implicated in exacerbation of allergies and asthma
and may produce mycotoxins.
Gram Negative Rods
Group of bacteria commonly found in standing water or water saturated structures. Most are opportunistic
pathogens. Many species release endotoxins that can cause headaches and allergic type reactions.
Mucor
This mold is found worldwide and is frequently present in air samples. Mucor commonly grows on dung and
moist hay. It is fast growing opportunistic and may cause rare infection in immunocompromised individuals. It
is considered a mild allergen.
Penicillium
Penicillium species are common contaminants on various substances. This organism causes food spoilage,
colonizes leather objects and is an indicator organism for dampness indoors. Some species are known to
produce mycotoxins. The health of occupants may be adversely affected in an environment that has an
amplification of Penicillium. Penicillium is one of the first fungi to grow on water-damaged materials and has
been implicated in causing allergic reactions and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It commonly produces a
strong musty odor.
Pithomyces
Found in decaying wood, soil, and plant material, Pithomyces is not known to cause infections or major
health problems in humans. It has been found growing on paper but is not commonly found growing indoors.
Rhizopus
Frequently found in house dust, soil, fruits, nuts, and seeds, Rhizopus often grows in fruit and vegetable
garbage, or in forgotten leftover food. Exposure to large numbers of Rhizopus spores has reportedly caused
respiratory complications. Rhizopus can be an allergen and opportunistic pathogen for immunocompromised
individuals, especially those with diabetic ketoacidosis, malnutrition or severe burns.
Scopulariopsis
A common contaminant that can cause toenail infections.
Sepedomium
A common soil contaminant. Non-pathogenic to humans.
Stachybotrys Chartarum (THE DREADED "BLACK" MOLD)
Stachybotrys grows well on extremely wet building materials containing cellulose that have remained wet for
more than a week. It produces mycotoxins that can irritate skin and mucous membranes. One potent
mycotoxin produced by Stachybotrys is called Satratoxin; it is also toxic when inhaled. Extreme care should
be taken when this organism is amplified indoors.
Staphylococci
Opportunistic pathogen. It can survive and grow in nasal secretions and on skin. Produces many toxins
which contribute to pathogenicity. Coagulase positive are considered potentially pathogenic.
Sterile Mycellium
Fungi that are not mature enough for speciation.
Streptomyces
Generally non-pathogenic. Some species can cause infections in humans. Also produces potentially harmful
mycotoxins. Odor characteristic of freshly tilled soil. Important in the pharmaceutical industry.
Trichoderma
One of the most widespread soil fungi, Trichoderma grows in carpet, on unglazed ceramics, and on paper in
damp homes. Some species produce metabolites related to trichothecenes, which can be toxic and may
cause symptoms like those associated with Stachybotrys Chartarum. It is also an allergen and may infect
immunocompromised individuals.
Ulocladium
Isolated from soil, wood, and decaying plant material, Ulocladium grows on very wet walls and particleboard.
Because of its high water requirements, it is considered an excellent indicator of water damage. This genera
is allergenic, contributing to the allergy load especially in those with Alternaria allergy.
Wallemia
Found worldwide in house dust, air samples, dry foodstuffs and soil. Wallemia attacks materials with low
water activity, is an allergen and may produce mycotoxins. It is known to grow on materials with high salt
content.
Yeast
Common in moist habitats and often able to grow at reduced oxygen levels. This organism can cause
allergies and can be an opportunistic pathogen.