Mold Library

alternaria- Environix Alternaria
Environix Arthrinium
Saccharomyces- Environix Ascospores
aspergillus- Environix Aspergillus
aureobacidium- Environix Aureobasidium
Environix Basidiospores
bipolaris- Environix Bipolaris/ Drechslera Group
Environix Botrytis
chaetomium- Environix Chaetomium
cladosporium- Environix Cladosporium
Curvularia- Environix Curvularia
Epicoccum- Environix Epicoccum
Environix Fusarium
Environix Myrothecium
Nigrospora- Environix Nigrospora
Environix Penicillium
Pithomyces- Environix Pithomyces
Environix Rusts
Environix Smuts, Periconia, Myxomycetes
Environix Stachybotrys
Stemphylium- Environix Stemphylium
Environix Torula
Ulocladium- Environix Ulocladium
Environix Zygomycetes
 
 
Alternaria sp.

What is IAQ?

General Information

50+ species

Ubiquitous, Cosmopolitan. Dry spore type, Airborne   

What are some of this molds characteristics? 
Grows well on cellulose surfaces.  Does not require significant amounts of water. 

Where does it grow outside? 
Soil, sewage, vegetation, plant debris, textiles, food stuffs. 
Acts as plant pathogen mainly to weaker plants. 

Where does it grow inside? 
Common on many different substrates. 

Is this "black mold"?
The term black mold (also "toxic black mold") is not scientific but is widely used by the media to usually reference Stachybotrys molds. 

Is it a potential allergen? yes
Some people may experience hay fever, asthma, Woodworkers lung or Apple store hypersensitivity.   

Does it present any unique human risks? (as pathogen, opportunist or contaminant)*yes
Can affect respiratory system, skin, nails.  Presents greatest risk to immunosuppressed and wound injury individuals. 

Most species do not grow at 37°C (body temperature)

Can it produce toxins?**  yes
Alternariol (used as an antifungal) produced by A. alternata.
Other metabolites produced include AME (alternariol monomethylether), tenuazonic acid, and altertoxins (mutagenic).

Can it be identified via Air Sampling?  yes
Sometimes spores cannot be distinguished from Ulocladium species. 

Can it be identified via Direct Sampling?yes

What are some of its industrial uses? 
Used to control noxious weeds and other plants

Other comments: 
None.

*Other types of disease not listed in this description may also result from exposure.    

**Indicates potential toxin production by given species of this genus.  Not all toxins are produced by all species and the extent is highly dependent on environmental conditions.  List may not be all inclusive due to new discoveries in research.