Mold Library

General Information

200+ species. Ubiquitous, Cosmopolitan, one of the most commonly found molds.  Often produces microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC's) that give the distictive heavy, musty odor.

Where does it grow outside?
Often found growing in soil, decaying plant debris, compost piles and fruit rot.

Where does it grow inside?
Often found growing indoors on water damaged building materials (chipboard/OSB, plywood, wallpaper, glue) as well as on food items (dried foods, cheeses, fruits, herbs, spices, cereals)

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 people may experience hay fever, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis:  cheese washer's lung, woodman's lung, moldy wall hypersensitivity.

Does it present any unique human risks? (as pathogen, opportunist or contaminant)* 
Very rare. 

Can it produce toxins?**
These include:  penicillic acid, peptide nephrotoxin, viomellein, xanthomegin, xanthocillin X, mycophenolic acid, roquefortine C & D, citrinin, penicillin, cyclopiazonic acid, isofumigaclavine A, penitrem A, decumbin, patulin citreoviridin, griseofulvin, verruculogen, ochratoxin, chrysogine, and meleagrin.

Can it be identified via Air Sampling? 
Although indistinguishable from Aspergillus species

Can it be identified via Direct Sampling? 
Easily identified if sporulating structures are observed, otherwise may be indestiguishable from Aspergillus species

OTHER:

What are some of its industrial uses?
Used in roquefort and camembert cheese, salami-sausages starter culture; anti-bacterial antimicrobial penicillin, and anti-fungal antimicrobial griseofulvin.

*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