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Descriptions of Commonly Found Molds and their Side Effects

Ascospores: General category of fungal spores. Cannot be identified to genus. Considered allergenic.

Alternaria: Reported to be allergenic. Members of this genus are reported to cause ear infections. Many species produce mycotoxins that may be associated with disease in humans and other animals. Toxin production is dependent on the species or strain within a species and on the food source for the fungus. Some of these toxins have been found to be carcinogenic in animal species. Several toxins are considered potential human carcinogens. Common cause of extrinsic asthma. Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms; chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema. Commonly isolated from soil, plant debris and house dust; sometimes pathogenic to man.

Aspergillus: Reported to be allergenic. Members of this genus are reported to cause ear infections. Many species produce mycotoxins that may be associated with disease in humans and other animals. Toxin production is dependent on the species or a strain within a species and on the food source for the fungus. Some of these toxins have been found to be carcinogenic in animal species. Several toxins are considered potential human carcinogens. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: Type 1). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms; chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema. Commonly isolated from soil, plant debris, and house dust; sometimes pathogenic to man.

Penicillium: A wide number of organisms have placed in this genus. Identification to species is difficult. Often found in aerosol samples. Commonly found in soil, food, cellulose and grains. It is also found in paint and compost piles. It may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals. It is reported to be allergenic (skin). It is commonly found in carpet, wallpaper, and in interior fiberglass duct insulation. Some species can produce mycotoxins. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: Type 1). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms; chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema. Penicillium is a large genus encountered almost everywhere and usually most abundant genus of fungi in soils.

Chaetomium: Large ascomycetous fungus producing perithecia. It is found on a variety of substrates containing cellulose including paper and plant compost. It has been found on paper sheetrock. It is reported to be allergenic. Can produce an Acremonium like state on fungal media. Most species are strong decomposers of cellulose and occur wherever this substance is abundant, such as soil, dung, or rotting plants.

Cladosporium: is the most common of the so-called black molds. It produces a black pigment that protects it from ultraviolet light. This characteristic as well as its growth and dispersal characteristics is likely responsible for its presence and abundance in the environment. Clinical information includes: Certain species are pathogenic (harmful to human health) and it sometimes causes severe illness to those who are affected, also severe infections when it comes in contact with small cuts or abrasions on the skin, prolonged exposure can weaken the immune system allowing opportunistic bacteria and viruses to infect the host, cladosporium may be linked to some cases of impotence, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) are attributed to this mold at certain stages of its existence, It produces no major mycotoxins of concern, Airborne molds such as Cladosporium not only cause severe allergies but in large amounts can severely effect asthmatics and persons with other restrictive airway diseases.

Hyphae & Hyphal Elements: Single, unidentifiable fragments of mold. Although they might not be traceable to a specific mold species, these fragments can be responsible for allergic reactions in some people and may indicate previous or current growth.
Styemphylium: Reported to be allergenic. Isolated from dead plants and cellulose materials. Occurring on decaying plant materials.

Exserohilum: Allergen, Irritant, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Dermatitis.

Mitosporic Fungi: Respiratory and allergic diseases have been a result of this airborne mold.

Basidiospores: Known to cause type I allergies (hay fever, asthma).
Type III hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Lycoperdonosis (puffball spores), Mushroom culture hypersensitivity. Serpula lacrimans, the agent of "dry rot," and other fungi causing white and brown wood rot, grow and destroy the structural wood of buildings. Poria incrassata causes a particularly destructive dry rot in buildings.
Drechslera: They are known to be allergenic and can also cause fungal sinusitis.

Bipolaris: A fungus with large spores which would be expected to be deposited in the upper respiratory tract. This fungus can produce the mycotoxin-sterigmatocystin that has been shown to produce liver and kidney damage when ingested by laboratory animals.

Stachybotrys: Symptoms include burning sensations in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Typically the mold stays in moist clumps, but when the mold dries it becomes airborne and can be inhaled.

Curvularia: Reported to be allergenic. It may cause corneal infections, mycetoma and infections in immune compromised hosts.

Graphium: Some species of Scedosporium cause disease in humans and should be handled with great care. Occurring on wood, dung, seeds, and plant debris.