Molds or fungi are a major group of non-motile, eukaryotic organisms that have defined cell walls, lack chlorophyll and reproduce by means of spores. Everyone knows that molds have been around for millions of years and will more than likely be around for a few million more. We've all seen it on bread that hung around a little too long, in our bathrooms where the grout has blackened between the tiles, and virtually everywhere outside.

The increased efficiency of today's structures affecting indoor air quality, the types of materials used in construction, poor building and equipment maintenance, poor ventilation and other factors have created environments favorable to mold growth.  In the past, there was no widely accepted connection between mold and detrimental health effects.

There is so much emphasis on making structures airtight to better regulate environmental controls that buildings are unable to "breathe" anymore, causing increased moisture problems, if not properly maintained. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment that is not regularly inspected may be home to mold and poor building maintenance invites unabated mold growth. Most molds found in the home or business located on non-porous surfaces smaller than 10 square feet can simply be cleaned using an anti-microbial or a biocide. If active growth is visible on porous surfaces (e.g. drywall, wood, carpet, upholstery, etc.), professional mold remediation should be seriously considered. It is important to regularly inspect the structure for poor drainage, roof leaking, plumbing, and HVAC systems to prevent any moisture build-up. Any materials that are found to be wet should be immediately dried within 48 hours. Normally after 48 hours, certain molds will amplify.  If visible mold and/or musty odors are present, the source of the moisture problem(s) should be discovered quickly and the mold eliminated, otherwise, the mold problem will just get bigger.  

MOLD GLOSSARY

Acremonium naturally found in soils, decaying organic matter and plat debris. Can be found in food and indoor environments. A common allergen. Can produce a trichothecene mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds.

Agrocybe/Coprinus This genus is a basidiomycetous mould. Fungal spores which are from mushrooms. The specific mushroom species can not be identified on the culture plate. Many mushroom spores are reorted to be allergenic

Alternaria A common saprobe found on decaying wood, decaying plants, food, spoil and outdoor air.  Some species are plant pathogens.  Indoors, it can be found in house dust, carpets, damp areas around showers and windows frames and anywhere condensation occurs.  Because of its abundance and ubiquity, Alternaria is one of the most important fungal allergens and is recognized as the chief fungal cause of hay fever.  Infection is extremely rare.

Arthrinium is a cosmopolitan filamentous fungus isolated from plant debris and soil. There are no infections so far reported due to Arthrinium in humans or animals. Since Arthrinium is cosmopolitan in nature, it is an occasional laboratory contaminant.

Ascomycete constitute the largest class of fungi characterized by the production of sexual spores in structures call asci.  This includes plant pathogens, saprobes and decomposers.  With a few exceptions, most Ascomycetes do not grow in buildings and are seldom agents of wood rot.  Ascomycetes are the perfect stages of molds like Aspergillus and Penicillium.  At high levels, Ascomycete spores may cause allergies.
Since most Ascomycetes are plant pathogens, ascospores are common during the growing season of plants and are rare during winter, such as those of the Ascomycetes genera: Daldinia, Hypoxylon, Paraphaeospaeria, Phaeosphaeria and Leptosphaeria.

Aspergillus Reported to be allergenic. Members of this genus are reported to cause ear infections. Many species produce mycotoxins which 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 I). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema.

Aureobasidium A Common saprobe frequently isolated from soil, plant surfaces, seeds, grains, fruits and other food, human skin and nails.  Common indoors in humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, poorly maintained HVAC systems and window frames.  Allergies to Aureobasidium are common, but infections are rarely reported.

Basidiomycetes  A class of fungi characterized by spores formed on basidia.  Included the mushrooms, toadstools, wood bracket fungi and puffballs.  Some species are edible, such as Agaricus bisporus, the commercially cultivated mushrooms.  A few species cause wood brown rot, white rot and dry rot in buildings.

Bipolaris The genus Bipolaris is cosmopolitan in nature and can be isolated from plant debris and soil.  It contains about 45 species, most of which are subtropical and tropical plant parasites. However, a few species are capable of causing disease in humans.

Botrytis is a filamentous fungus isolated from decaying plants. No infections due to Botrytis have been reported in humans or animals. It may act as a facultative pathogen in plants and is commonly considered as a contaminant

Cercospora This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti.

Chaetomium A common fungus in soils, dung, decaying organic matter, seeds and wood or other cellulose-containing materials. Can be found indoors in water-damaged buildings on sheet rock, wall paper and other paper products. It is a common cause of food spoilage. In some species it is allergenic, but rarely causes human infections

Chrysosporium A common soil saprobe occasionally isolated from human or animal skin and nail.  Chrysosporium inops is xerophilic and occurs in food.

Cladosporium is widely distributed as plant pathogens and saprobes. It is the most frequently found fungus in outdoor air. Indoors, it usually occurs at low concentrations in damp or humid areas, but may be found in high concentrations in water-damaged building materials. Its ability to sporulate heavily and to get airborne makes it an important fungal allergen. Frequently isolated as a contaminant in foods. Only occasionally associated with disease in humans; one species can cause chronic subcutaneous infection.

Epicoccum A cosmopolitan saprobe isolated from air, soil, grain, seeds, textiles, paper products and food materials.  Can be a plant pathogen and is a common cause of leaf spots of various plants.  Can be found in indoor environments, where it can grow under conditions of low humidity.  It is a know allergen and is occasionally isolated from human skin and sputum.

Eurotium Can be found in stored food, fruit juices, grains, nuts, milled rice, spices, meat products and peas.  Also commonly occurs in indoor environments.  Eurotium harboriorum may case keratitis and indigestion in man.

Exophiala is a dematiaceous fungus widely distributed in soil, plants, water, and decaying wood material. As well as being a saprophyte in nature, it is the causative agent of various human infections.

Fusarium A common soil fungus. It is found on a wide range of plants. It is often found in humidifiers. Several species in this genus can produce potent trichothecene toxins. The trichothecene (scirpene) toxin targets, the following systems: circulatory, alimentary, skin and nervous. Produces vomitoxin on grains during unusually damp growing conditions. Symptoms may occur either through ingestion of contaminated grains or possibly inhalation of spores. The genera can produce hemorrhagic syndrome in humans (alimentary toxic aleukia). This is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and extensive internal bleeding. Reported to be allergenic. Frequently involved in eye, skin and nail infections

Ganoderma Large very hard, woody bracket fungus that grows on living and dead trees. Some species are common on oaks, chestnuts and conifers such as hemlocks, spruces and pines. Many species are being investigated for possible medicinal uses

Gliocladium is a mitosporic filamentous fungus which is widely distributed in soil and decaying vegetation.  It is commonly considered as a contaminant.

Graphium is a filamentous fungus found in soil and plant material. While Graphium may be isolated as an occasional contaminant, its telemorphs, Petriella, Pseudallescheria, and Ceratocystis may cause diseases. Most isolates of Graphium isolated in the clinical laboratory are synanamorphic forms of Pseudallescheria boydii or secondary forms with Scedosporium apiospermum.

Mucor is a filamentous fungus found in soil, plants, decaying fruits and vegetables. As well as being ubiquitous in nature and a common laboratory contaminant, Mucor spp. may cause infections in man, frogs, amphibians, cattle, and swine. Most of the Mucor spp. are unable to grow at 37°C and the strains isolated from human infections are usually one of the few thermotolerant Mucor spp..

Myxomycete is an ancient form of slime mold.  Not much is presently known about Myxomycete.  It is often found on decaying wood or organic material

Paecilomyces A common saprobe found on dead plant and compost. Some species are insect parasites.  Can cause food decomposition.  It is rarely a human pathogen, but can cause infection in animals.  However, some species are emerging as causative agents of disease in immunocompromised individuals.

Penicillium A wide number of organisms have placed in this genera. 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, wall paper, and in interior fiberglass duct insulation. Some species can produce mycotoxins. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immeadiate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchiospasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema.

Phialophora occurs in nature as a soft rot fungus on wood, which and often cause a blue stain.  Can cause diseases in immunocompromised individuals.

Phoma A common indoor air allergen. The species are isolated from soil and associated plants (particularly potatoes). Produces pink and purple spots on painted walls. It will grow on butter, paint cement and rubber. It may cause phaeohyphomycosis a systematic or subcutaneous disease

Pithomyces This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti. It is generally classified as a dematiaceous (dark-walled) fungus. Grows on dead grass in pastures. Causes facial eczema in ruminants

Rhizopus Frequently isolated from soil and agricultural products, such as cereals and vegetables.  Can cause infection in immunocompromised, malnourished or severely burned individuals.

Rhodotorula A reddish yeast frequently isolated from air, soil, water, fruit juice, dairy products and other substances. Typically found as a saprobe in moist environments indoors such as carpeting, cooling coils, water tanks, humidifiers and drain pipes. Reported to be allergenic.  Has colonized terminally ill patients.

Rust Obligate parasitic fungi, which belong to Tellomycetes – Uredinales that cause plant disease.

Smut Obligate parasites and pathogens of plants that cause smut on various plant pars such as Silene anthers, corn kernels, onion bulbs and rice grains.

Sporobolomyces can be commonly detected in air samples.  Frequently encountered indoors in water tanks, humidifiers, drain pans, etc.

Stachybotrys Several strains of this fungus (S. atra, S. chartarum and S. alternans are synonymous) may produce a trichothecene mycotoxin- Satratoxin H - which is a poisonous by inhalation. The toxins are present on the fungal spores. This is a slow growing fungus on media. It does not compete well with other rapidly growing fungi. The dark colored fungi grows on building material with a high cellulose content and a low nitrogen content. Areas with relative humidities above 55% and are subject to temperature fluctuations are ideal for toxin production. Individuals with chronic exposure to the toxin produced by this fungus reported cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent local hair loss and generalized malaise. The toxins produced by this fungus will suppress the immune system affecting the lymphoid tissue and the bone marrow. Animals injected with the toxin from this fungus exhibited the following symptoms, necrosis and hemorrhage within the brain, thymus, spleen, intestine, lung, heart, lymph node, liver, and kidney. Affects by absorption of the toxin in the human lung are known as pneumomycosis. This organism is rarely found in outdoor samples. It is usually difficult to find in indoor air samples unless it is physically disturbed or if there is (speculation- a drop in the relative humidity). The spores are in a gelatinous mass. Appropriate media for the growth of this organism will have a high cellulose content and a low nitrogen content. The spores will die readily after release. The dead spores are still allergenic and toxigenic. Percutaneous absorption has caused mild symptoms. There is controversy about toxigenic effects through inhalation of spores or mycelia

Tetraploa This genus is a mould that lacks a known sexual state and thus belongs to the Fungi Imperfecti.

Torula A very common hyphomycete on all kinds of dead, decaying herbaceous stems, especially in humid conditions. It forms dense, olive green to black areas of "mould", the colour that of the abundant conidia. It is reported to be allergenic.

Trichoderma Very common especially in soil and decaying wood, dead leaves, fallen timber, compost heaps and activated sludge.  Can be found indoors in water damaged buildings.  Has occasionally bee associated with disease in immunocompromised individuals.

Tritirachium A saprobe commonly isolated from decaying plant materials.  Easily gets airborne.  Can cause corneal ulcers.

Ulocladium Found as a saprobe in soil, plant materials, rotten wood, appear, textiles and cellulose materials.  Frequently collected in air and dust samples.  Can grow indoors on water damaged building materials.  Has not been associated with disease in humans, but can be very allergenic.

Verticillium is a widely distributed filamentous fungus that inhabits decaying vegetation and soil. Some Verticillium species may be pathogenic to arthropods, plants, and other fungi. It is commonly considered as a contaminant. Verticillium may very rarely cause human disease.

Wallemia A very xerophilic fungus that has been isolated from soil, air, hay, textiles and food such as jam, salted fish and mild products.  Can cause allergies.

Yeast Various yeasts are commonly identified on air samples. Some yeasts are reported to be allergenic. They may cause problems if a person has had previous exposure and developed hypersensitivity's. Yeasts may be allergenic to susceptible individuals when present in sufficient concentrations.

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. However, mold growth can be controlled indoors by controlling moisture indoors.

Molds reproduce by making spores that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on.

Many types of molds exist. All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health concerns are an important reason to prevent mold growth and to remediate/clean up any existing indoor mold growth.

Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common _ these reactions can be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Mold spores and fragments can produce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals regardless of whether the mold is dead or alive. Repeated or single exposure to mold or mold spores may cause previously non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive. Repeated exposure has the potential to increase sensitivity.

Molds can trigger asthma attacks in persons who are allergic (sensitized) to molds. The irritants produced by molds may also worsen asthma in non-allergic (non-sensitized) people.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis may develop following either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) exposure to molds. The disease resembles bacterial pneumonia and is uncommon.

Mold exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and sometimes can create a burning sensation in these areas.

People with weakened immune systems (i.e., immune-compromised or immune-suppressed individuals) may be more vulnerable to infections by molds (as well as more vulnerable than healthy persons to mold toxins). Aspergillus fumigatus, for example, has been known to infect the lungs of immune-compromised individuals. These individuals inhale the mold spores which then start growing in their lungs. Trichoderma has also been known to infect immune-compromised children.

Healthy individuals are usually not vulnerable to opportunistic infections from airborne mold exposure. However, molds can cause common skin diseases, such as athlete's foot, as well as other infections such as yeast infections.

If you know or suspect that you have a moisture and/or mold problem, call us.   We conduct a thorough investigation of the building/home.  Moisture readings, air quality samples, wipe/swab samples, history, health complaints and building/home condition tell a story that you may need to hear.   Call 301-932-8333 or toll free 877-812-8600 or click to email