Mold Library

General Information

15+ species. Ubiquitous, Cosmopolitan. Wet spore type Distributed by wind when dried out. 

Where does it grow outside? 
Soil, forest soils, fresh water, aerial portion of plants, fruit, marine estuary sediments, wood.

Where does it grow inside? 
Commonly found growing indoors on surfaces that are continually damp in bathrooms and kitchens such as shower curtains tile grout and window sills.

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?
Some of people may experience hay fever, asthma, humidifier fever or sauna taker’s lung. 

Does it present any unique human risks? (as pathogen, opportunist or contaminant)*
Rare reports have shown the presence in skin lesions and keratitis.

Does it produce toxins?** 
Not known

Can it be identified via Air Sampling? 
It can be difficult to differentiate from other types of dematiaceous fungi due to the varying morphologies.   

Can it be identified via Direct Sampling?
Sometimes it is hard for the lab to identify if a small amount of structures have been lifted. 

What are some of its industrial uses? 
One species (A. pullulans) produce pullulan which is a biodegradable polysaccharide processed into fibers and used for packaging food and drug products.  

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.  

 

MOLD

ALLERGEN