Mold and Mildew Awareness

Alternaria

Specimens of Alternaria are often found growing on carpets, textiles and horizontal surfaces such as window frames. It is commonly found in soil, seeds and plants. It is know to be a common allergen and is associated with hypersensitive pneumonia. Because of its small spore size, it is capable of being deposited in the nose, mouth and upper respiratory system. Sores in the nose, injured skin, and nail infections are prime targets and are easily irritated by Alternaria. It appears as a velvety tuft with long soft hairs and is often confused with Ulocladium as its color ranges from dark olive green to brown. Alternaria is a dry spore and is readily found in air samples as well as on tape lift samples.

This genera is found on many different textiles and organic materials such as soil, compost, stored grain, wood and paper and its moisture requirements vary widely with some preferring dryer conditions. It is often found in water-damaged carpet. It is a dry spore and spores may be carried in the air, making Aspergillus a common cause of respiratory irritation and infection. The mold may be woolly or cottony in texture and shades of green, brown or black in color. The spores are similar to Penicillium spores and sometimes indistinguishable though non-viable analysis, and as such, are often classified as Penicillium/Aspergillus.

This mold is found in soil, and on many plants. It requires very wet conditions to grow and is often found in humidifiers. It is know to reduce trichothecene toxins, which effect the circulatory, alimentary, skin and nervous systems. On grains, it produces vomitoxin, which can affect you through ingestion and inhalation. Exposure to Fusarium can lead to hemorrhagic syndrome (symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dermatitis, and extensive internal bleeding). Fusarium is allergenic and is often associated with eye, skin and nail infections, and readily infects burn victims. Colonies of Fusarium appear in shades of pink, orange and purple, tan, yellow, and red. It is a wet spore so it does not generally appear in air samples.

This mold is commonly found in air samples as well as in soil, food, grains, paint, compost piles, wallpaper and interior fiberglass duct insulation. It is often found in water-damaged carpets. It can produce mycotoxins, which are allergenic and infect the skin. This soft mold is most commonly found in shades of blue, green and white and may be velvety, woolly or cottony. Worldwide it is one of the most commonly found fungal genera and is accompanied by a heavy musty odor. Identification to the species level can be difficult and the spores are very similar to Aspergillus species. See Aspergillus above. Mold Awareness & Inspection Mold and Mildew Awareness

Is found in building materials with high cellulose content. It is found indoors and grows well in damp straw, wicker and other wood or paper products. It is not known to compete well with other molds, but if there is a high level and constant availability to water for an extended period of time it may become the dominant mold. It is not very common outdoors and is usually not found in outdoor air samples. It has not, until recently, been extensively studied, but is believed to have caused bleeding in the lungs of several children in Cleveland, Ohio. Exposure to Stachybotrys can be particularly hazardous and is reported to produce flulike symptoms including sore throat, diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases it is reported to cause hair loss and dermatitis. Stachybotrys appears distinctively from other molds and is a dark gray to black color, sometimes with green, and is shiny when wet. It is a wet spore and does not generally become airborne unless it is disturbed. Stachybotrys-also coined Toxic Black Mold.

 Ulocladium

This mold is found on gypsum board, tapestries, wood and other organic materials. It is a potential allergen and produces symptoms such as hay fever and asthma. It is a dry spore and is detected by air samples as well as tape samples. Ulocladium has an appearance similar to Alternaria but tends to appear more brownish whereas Alternaria more often appears as a dark olive green color. Colonies grow rapidly and have a texture similar to velvet.

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