Commonly Found Indoor Molds

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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.

Periconia 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.

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

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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.

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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.

Sporothrix  Isolated from soil, live or dead plants and peat moss.  Sporothrix schenckii is an agent of human sporotrichosis, cutaneous infection and ocular mycosis, usually in immunocompromised people.

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

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