Indoor Mold Growth Library

Alternaria is a major plant pathogen.  They can cause root rot of mangoes and decomposition of organic or cellulose materials.  They can also cause allergic reactions in humans such as asthma and hay fever.

Ascospores can cause destruction of cellulose fabrics and grow on water damaged contents and building materials.  They can cause headaches, respiratory disease, nausea, fatigue even athletes foot.

Aspergillus type molds can be quite common and can appear similar to Penicillium.  In low doses this mold can be harmless.  However, in high doses can cause Aspergillosis which is a respiratory disease.  Allergic reactions can be fever and cough.

Basidiospores can be produced by mushrooms and forests but also from damp building materials.  They can cause wood rot or dry rot in damp buildings with poor ventilation.    This mold can cause opportunistic infections, asthma, sinus infections and allergic Alveolitis.

Botrytis affects many plant species including wine grapes and other rotting fruit.  It causes respiratory issues or diseases known as 'winegrowers lung'.

Chaetomium is commonly found on cellulose materials such as paper, straw, cardboard and cotton materials.  It causes nail and skin infections as well as neurological damage.

Ganoderma is a fungus from the mushroom variety.  It can have health benefits.  Although indoors can indicate a hidden moist environment.

Oidium is a powdery mold that affect plants.  It is what is referred to as mildew.    It mostly affect plants.

Penicillium has a large number of species.  Some are helpful, some are harmful.  Penicillin comes from this genus of mold.  Serious health issues are all possible depending on the species.

Myxomycetes is a slimy mold.  It is not considered harmful to humans.

Pithomyces can be toxigenic mold.   Studies on health effects on humans is limited but in animals causes dermatitis as well as liver disease.

Polythrincium is a leaf mold.  Allergic reactions or negative health reactions in humans are not well studied.