COMMON MOLD EFFECTS
Many effects are covered here, but everyone has a different sensitivity to molds.
Alternaria
Common allergen causing hay fever or hypersensitivity reactions that sometimes lead to asthma, serious infections are rare, except in people with compromised immune systems. Normal agents from the decomposition of plants.
Arthrinium
No reported infections associated with this fungus. Normally not found indoors.
Ascospores
Very common outdoor spore, associated with rain and mositure
Aspergillus
Possible allergen. Common cause of respiratory irritation and infection. Found on water damaged wallpaper, carpet and organic materials
Basidiospores
Possible allergen to sensitive individuals, no known serious health effects associated with this fungus. Mushrooms and dry rot are examples of basidiospore producing fungi
Botrys
Potential allergen, hay fever and asthma effects. Parasite commonly found growing on indoor plants
Chaetomium
Not well studied but possible allergen with hay fever and asthma effects. Rare cases of nail infections. Found on a variety of cellulose, paper and plant compost
Cladosporium
Hay fever, asthma and or allergic fungal sinusitis are some of the potential allergens associated with this fungi. Possible human health risk. Has been known to cause onychomycosis, ocular keratitis, sinusitis, mycetoma, pneumonia, endocarditis, cerebral abscess, and disseminated infection. Most cases are from immunocompromised patients. Grows on various indoor building materials
Epicoccum
Potential allergen, effects are hay fever, asthma and skin allergies. Found in soil, air and rotting vegetation
Fusarium
Potential allergen, hay fever and asthma effects. Commonly found on fruit rot, requires very wet conditions
Nigrospora
Possible allergen. Grows well on paper indoors given the right conditions
Stachybotrys
Often referred to as "toxic black mold." It has the ability to produce mycotoxins which may cause a burning sensation in the mouth, throat and nasal
passages. Chronic exposure has been known to cause headaches, diarrhea, memory loss and brain damage. Found growing on water damaged cellulose, paper and ceiling tiles
Torula
Potential allergen, hay fever and asthma effects. Found growing on water damaged cellulose, paper, wicker, straw baskets and ceiling tiles. Often found growing outdoors on leaves, roots, wood, and soil
Ulocladium
Grows well on cellulose containing materials like paper, straw, wallboard. Requires very wet conditions