The most common types of mold: terms and designations

Molds are fungi with branching mycelium. It produces dangerous spores that cause serious health damage if inhaled by humans. There are more than 200 thousand different types of mold. They differ in shape, color, structure, concentration of released toxins.

 

Types of Mold by Color

• White Mold: commonly seen on overwatered plant soil, forming a white layer. Also found on bread and cheese.
• Green Mold: typically spoils food, causing rot and fermentation. Sometimes seen on bricks.
• Pink Mold: proliferates in spoiled food and its spores can adhere to floors, walls, and ceilings.
• Black Mold: widely recognized and hazardous, it adheres to various surfaces and building materials.
• Blue Mold: especially harmful to wooden structures, even causing wood to decay. Seen on wooden floors, window frames, and furniture.
• Gray Mold: grows on foods, plants, and seeds.

 

Common Molds

• Absidia is a zygomycete fungus commonly found indoors. It's allergenic and, in immune-compromised individuals, can lead to mucorosis and infections in various body parts. It's notable for infections in AIDS and neutropenia patients.
• Acremonium is allergenic and produces a trichothecene toxin that can cause symptoms like nausea. It's also associated with various medical conditions and is the asexual state of certain other fungal species.
• Acrodontium salmoneum, an airborne fungus, shares many characteristics with Acremonium, including toxin production and its association with a range of health conditions.
• Alternaria is everywhere (but most often in bathrooms), found especially in soils and building interiors. It has large spores that usually settle in the respiratory tract and can cause various health issues, including immediate-type hypersensitivity.
• Aphanoascus fulvescens is prevalent in soils and dung and often associates with bird habitats. While it's recognized as an allergen, there are no known toxic-related diseases.
• Apophysomyces elegans, found in decaying vegetation, is also allergenic. It's linked with zygomycosis infections, typically resulting from traumatic implantation.
• Arthrinium phaeospermum, frequent on dead plants, is considered an allergen. It has associations with subcutaneous infections but lacks ties to any toxic diseases. Arthrographis spp.: These little fungi love to hang out in soil and rotting plants. Arthrographis cuboidea and A. kalrae are known to cause allergies. People have found A. kalrae on our skin, nails, and even in our breathing spaces, linking it to a condition called onychomycosis. However, we're still figuring out its exact role. The good news? No toxic diseases from this one!
• Ascomycete: this is a big family of fungi, housing the likes of “sac fungi” and yeasts. Identifying them can be a bit tricky; some spores have unique shapes, but we need to be sure before labeling. Heads up, though - they can give you allergies.
• Aspergillus: imagine a group of 150 fungi species, mostly living off rotting plants, soil, and stored food, especially in those holiday-worthy tropical places. Some of these fungi aren't the best roommates; they can be harmful to humans. They love humid conditions (water activity levels of 0.75 - 0.82) and, unfortunately, can cause allergies. Worse still, they can mess with our respiratory system, cause infections, and some even produce potential cancer-causing toxins.
  • Aspergillus alliaceus: this one's a bit of a mystery. Sometimes we find it outdoors, or even inside, lurking in soils, with cacti, or with onions and garlic. It can cause allergies, but, on the bright side, it's not tied to any severe diseases.
  • Aspergillus auricomus: this fungi's claim to fame? It was first spotted in a potassium iodide solution, and then in Arizona's cottonseed. It's a rare indoor guest and can cause allergies. Thankfully, no severe illnesses are linked to it.
  • Aspergillus caespitosus: If you haven't seen this one indoors, that's because it's a bit rare. Its favorite spots? Soils and sometimes leftover sugarcane. It's on the list of allergens but hasn't been known to cause any nasty diseases.
  • Aspergillus caesiellus: it loves hanging out in soils. It might trigger allergies, and even though there haven't been any major toxic diseases reported from it, it can still cause some health issues sometimes.
  • Aspergillus candidus: this is a regular indoor dweller, especially in warmer regions. It can often be found sneaking around in stored food like wheat, rice, and even in some pastas. It's an allergen and has been tied to some nasty infections and diseases. Also, watch out - it might produce a toxin that can harm humans and animals.
  • Aspergillus carbonarius: this unique species loves mud and wood in swampy areas, soil, and dirty water. Rarely found indoors, it can cause allergies, but hasn't been tied to severe diseases yet.
  • Aspergillus carneus: another one that's not too common indoors. It enjoys tropical soils. Although it can give you allergies, there haven't been any serious illnesses linked to it.
  • Aspergillus cervinus: a rare find, but if you do see it, it's probably come from tropical rainforests across the globe. Not your typical house guest, but it can trigger allergies.
  • Aspergillus clavatus: this one is pretty widespread in warmer soils and some foods. While it's not usually found indoors, those in the brewing industry might recognize it. It can cause allergies, but no major health scares from it.
  • Aspergillus deflectus: not typically found indoors. Prefers tropical soils. It's an allergen, but no scary diseases connected to it.
  • Aspergillus flavipes: this one might pop up indoors sometimes. It's generally found in tropical soils and rotting plants. It's an allergen and has been linked to a couple of skin and bone infections.
  • Aspergillus flavus: this one's quite common and can be a bother. You'll find it in many places, especially on moldy foods. It's an allergen and has a bad reputation for producing toxins and causing a range of health issues, especially for the liver. Be cautious around this one.
  • Aspergillus foetidus: not usually seen in nature or indoors. Interestingly, it's used in some industrial processes. Allergy-triggering, but hasn't been connected to any major diseases.
  • Aspergillus fumigatus: can sometimes be found indoors, but it's everywhere from soils to compost piles. Especially loves warm spots. This one is a real troublemaker for those with compromised immune systems. Be wary around it.
  • Aspergillus japonicus: another rare one in nature and indoors. Can be found in tropical soils. It's an allergen, but thankfully no serious diseases have been linked to it.
  • Aspergillus kanagawaensis: not a usual find, but if you do spot it, it might have come from forest soils. It can cause allergies, but hasn't been linked to severe diseases.
  • Aspergillus glaucus: might pop up indoors, especially in subtropical areas. This one can handle dry conditions and can be found in various food products. It's known to cause allergies and some infections, but no major toxic diseases so far.
  • Aspergillus nidulans: typically found in warmer soils like tropical and subtropical regions. Watch out! It can lead to lung issues and even some nasty infections. Plus, it produces sterigmatocysti, which isn't great for the liver or kidneys.
  • Aspergillus niger: a regular guest in our homes, it's usually hanging out in the soil, on plants, or in our food. For folks with weak immune systems, it might cause some lung problems.
  • Aspergillus niveus: gives some people allergies, but the good news? No known toxic or harmful diseases linked to it.
  • Aspergillus ochraceus: often found indoors and has a knack for producing ochratoxin A, which isn't great for the kidneys. And, it's got a few other toxins up its sleeve for the liver.
  • Aspergillus oryzae: a nature-lover, it's usually in soils and plays a part in fermenting some of our favorite foods. But like some others, it can be an allergen. Thankfully, no scary diseases connected to it.
  • Aspergillus ostianus and Aspergillus paradoxus: if you're allergic, watch out. Otherwise, they're relatively harmless with no toxic or invasive diseases to their name.
  • Aspergillus parasiticus: this one's a bit sneaky. It makes aflatoxins, which are potentially cancer-causing.
  • Aspergillus penicilloides: thrives in drier areas and can trigger allergies. In rare cases, it might act as a pathogen.
  • Aspergillus puniceus and Aspergillus sparsis: they're mainly allergens without any known toxic or harmful effects.
  • Aspergillus sydowi: enjoys the soil and produces some toxins like patulin and citrinin. It's also linked to a few infections.
  • Aspergillus tamarii and Aspergillus unguis: mainly allergenic, without any seriously harmful effects noted.
  • Aspergillus ustus and Aspergillus wentii: they might cause allergies, and occasionally, they're associated with some diseases.
  • Aspergillus versicolor: found pretty much everywhere, it produces toxins that could upset the stomach and might have cancer risks.
• Aureobasidium pullulans: loves plants and moist places. While it can cause allergies, it's also tied to various infections.
• Candida is a group of yeasts that are commonly found on our skin and in the environment. Not all are harmful; many are just part of our body's natural ecosystem.
  • Candida albicans: this one is everywhere-on humans, animals, and even in nature like leaves and soil. It's usually harmless but can cause issues like thrush or vaginal infections, often after taking antibiotics for a while.
  • Candida ciferrii: found in soils and can cause skin and nail issues. Nothing toxic linked to it yet.
  • Candida glabrata: this one is not just limited to humans; it's found in animals and even fruit juices. Known for causing persistent urinary tract infections and becoming a problem in hospitals.
  • Candida guilliermondii: found in people, animals, and even some food products. It can cause a variety of infections from urinary tract to respiratory ones. Again, nothing toxic has been reported.
  • Candida kefyr: located in grains and dairy products, and can occasionally cause blood and urinary tract infections.
  • Candida krusei: this one pops up in various places like soil, air, and dairy products. It can cause a range of serious infections, especially in people who are already unwell.
  • Candida lambica: found in dairy, fruit juices, and humans. It's an allergen but doesn't seem to be linked to any toxic diseases.
  • Candida lipolytica: this one's found in humans, corn, and olives. Known to cause blood infections and chronic sinus issues.
  • Candida lusitaniae: you'll find this in people, animals, and certain fruits. It usually causes problems in people who are already immunocompromised.
  • Candida parapsilosis: common in humans and some food and drink items like tea. It can cause blood infections and has been linked to burn infections.
  • Candida rugosa: found in a variety of places from dairy to seawater. It can cause blood infections and even affect cattle.
  • Candida tropicalis: mostly found in humans and animals, and can be a real problem for people with weak immune systems. Known for causing a wide range of infections.
  • Candida zeylanoides: found in humans, soil, and even meat and fish. Known to cause blood infections and skin issues, but nothing toxic so far.
• Chaetomium: you'll typically find this fungus in damp places like water-damaged paper in walls. It's a big, complicated fungus that loves to eat cellulose found in paper and plant compost.
  • Chaetomium atrobrunneum: lives in soil, air, and dead plants. It can cause some severe infections, and its tendency to like warmth and attack nerve tissue suggests it's an aggressive little critter. No toxins reported so far.
  • Chaetomium globosum: another one that's in the soil, air, and on plant waste. This can make you allergic and cause a range of skin and internal issues, even fatal infections.
  • Chaetomium strumarium: mainly found in warm soil and plant waste. Watch out! It's been linked to deadly brain abscesses in drug users.
• Chrysosporium: common in soil and plants. Mostly harmless but can sometimes cause skin and lung issues.
• Cladophialophora: everywhere in soil and plant debris. Certain species are known for causing nasty brain abscesses and skin conditions, especially in subtropical areas.
• Cladosporium: super common outdoors and can be found indoors too. It's generally an allergen and can be found on a bunch of different surfaces, from plants to paint.
• Cladosporium cladosporioides: lives in many of the same places as its cousin above and can also be an allergen. Sometimes causes lung and skin issues.
• Cladosporium herbarum: like its relatives, it's pretty much everywhere. It's an allergen that has been linked to skin conditions and eye issues.
• Cladosporium macrocarpum: this one's also everywhere but doesn't seem to cause any serious diseases.
• Cladosporium sphaerospermum: found globally and can mess with plants, textiles, and food. Known to cause skin and eye issues.
• Cladosporium fulvum: mainly hangs out on tomato leaves.
• Cryptostroma corticale: found on the bark of maple and sycamore trees.
• Conidobolus: known for causing a long-term nose inflammation.
• Cunninghamella: dangerous for people with weak immune systems, as it can cause serious lung and other infections.
• Curvularia: generally an allergen, and sometimes causes eye and skin infections, especially in people with weaker immune systems.
• Dreschlera: you'll usually find this fungus chilling on grass, grains, and old food. It has chunky spores, ranging from 40-120 by 17-28 microns. While it's not usually something to worry about, keep an eye out-literally. It's been known to occasionally cause corneal eye infections.
• Emericella nidulans: this soil fungus is a regular in tropical and subtropical areas. It's also known as the mature form of Aspergillus nidulans. Watch out, it can cause allergies. But so far, no toxic or invasive illnesses have been tied to it.
• Emericella quadrilineata: another soil-dweller that's most at home in warm, tropical climates. It's the mature version of Aspergillus tetrazonus and can also trigger allergies. Like its cousin above, it hasn't been linked to any toxic or dangerous diseases.
• Emericella rugulosa: unlike the others, this one's a bit rare and mainly sticks to soil. It's the mature stage of Aspergillus rugulovalvus. It can cause allergies, but no toxic or invasive issues have been reported.
• Epicoccum: with spores ranging from 15-25 microns, this common allergen likes to hang out in plants, soil, grains, textiles, and even paper products.
• Epidermophyton: keep an eye on this one; it's known for causing skin and nail infections.
• Eurotium amstelodami: common in tropical and subtropical areas, you'll often find it in soil and concentrated food items. It's also known as the mature form of Aspergillus amstelodami. While it can cause allergies, it hasn't been connected to any toxic or invasive diseases.
• Eurotium chevalieri: this one's also common in warm climates, found in everything from soil to seeds and dried goods. It loves dry environments and is the mature version of Aspergillus chevalieri. It's an allergen but hasn't been tied to any toxic or harmful diseases.
• Eurotium rubrum: found in the same places as Eurotium chevalieri, it's another lover of dry conditions. It matures into Aspergillus rubrobrunneus. While it can cause allergies, no toxic or dangerous illnesses have been linked to it so far.
• Fusarium solani: this fungus loves moisture and is often found in plants and soil. It produces spores of varying sizes and can churn out nasty toxins called trichothecenes, which could make both humans and animals sick.
• Fusarium: this one's another soil-loving fungus that you can also find hanging out on various plants or even in your humidifier. It's known for producing some pretty powerful toxins, called trichothecenes, that can mess with your blood circulation, digestive system, skin, and even your nerves. If you're unlucky enough to eat grains that got hit with this during a wet season, you might find yourself up against symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Plus, it can cause some pretty awful skin reactions and internal bleeding. On top of all that, it can cause eye, skin, and nail infections. So, yeah, not a fungus you want to mess with.
• Geotrichum: this fungus is pretty common and loves moisture. You'll find it lurking around grains, fruits, and dairy products, as well as in soil and water. It's even part of the usual mix of microbes on our bodies. One species, Geotrichum candidum, can lead to a rare condition called geotrichosis. This can happen alongside tuberculosis and result in nasty skin, mouth, lung, and gut lesions.
• Gliocladium: this one's a lot like Penicillium in terms of its structure and, unfortunately, it's also an allergen.
• Helminthosporium: keep an eye out if you're allergic; this fungus is known to set off allergies.
• Histoplasma: this unique fungus switches its form based on how warm it is and has a knack for causing human illnesses. You'll often find it in areas where birds hang out.
• Humicula: this guy loves plant-based materials high in cellulose and is also a regular in soils.
• Hyaline Mycelia: a clear or white type of fungal growth, it doesn't make any spores, so you can't identify it just by looking. But if you're prone to allergies, it might give you a hard time.
• Microsporum: this fungus is responsible for ringworm in people.
• Monilia: some people are allergic to it. It's known for causing soft rot in tree fruits. Some of its relatives can cause a type of red mold on bread. It's rare, but it can be linked to some eye infections.
• Mucor: you can typically find this fungus in places like soil, decaying plants, horse manure, various fruits and their juices. It also appears in leather, meat, dairy, animal fur, and jute. It's a type of Zygomycetes fungus that some might be allergic to, especially upon skin or bronchial exposure. This fungus grows pretty quickly in fungal-friendly environments. For people with weak immune systems, it can lead to mucorosis, which affects areas like the lungs, nasal passages, brain, eyes, and skin. Sometimes, it can affect multiple areas at once.
• Paecilomyces: you can often find this fungus in soil and dust, and sometimes in the air. A type known as P. variotii might lead to a condition called paecilomycosis. People who trim wood or use certain humidifiers might be familiar with illnesses linked to this fungus. It can cause allergies for some, and in rare instances, pneumonia. If it grows on certain wallpapers with a substance called paris green, it can produce a gas called arsine.
• Papulospora: this fungus is pretty versatile. It's found in places like soil, textiles, decaying plants, manure, and even paper.
• Penicillium: this fungus loves moisture and thrives between water activity levels of 0.78 to 0.88. It's a bit complicated because there are many types under its name. Spotting it can be tricky, but it's often in the air we breathe, especially around soil, food, and grains. You might also find it in paint and compost. While it's common in carpets and wallpapers, it's been spotted in certain indoor duct insulation too. Some folks might develop breathing problems or skin allergies due to it. A severe reaction might include symptoms like swelling and difficulty in breathing. Some of its types can produce harmful toxins, and it's one of the culprits behind certain asthma cases.
• Phoma: if you're allergic to indoor air allergens, you might be reacting to this fungus. It looks a lot like the early growth stage of another fungus called Chaetomium sp. You'd mostly find it with soil and some plants, especially potatoes. Got pink or purple spots on your painted walls? This could be the cause. And if you've heard of a condition called phaeohyphomycosis, it can be due to this fungus.
• Pithomyces: it's usually seen on dead grass in fields. If you've heard of facial eczema in animals like cows and sheep, this fungus is often the reason behind it.
• Rhizomucor: this is a type of fungus that some people are allergic to. If you have a weaker immune system, it can lead to a condition called mucorosis. It behaves similarly to another fungus called Mucor sp. People in certain jobs might be more familiar with allergies related to this fungus. It can affect various parts of the body like the lungs, sinuses, brain, eyes, and skin. Sometimes, it can pop up in more than one place at the same time.
• Rhizopus: much like Rhizomucor, this fungus can also cause allergies. It can lead to mucorosis, especially if you have a compromised immune system. It's similar to the Mucor sp. fungus in its behavior. It's another one of those fungi that might cause work-related allergies. If it does affect you, it can target the lungs, sinuses, brain, eyes, and skin, and sometimes more than one spot at once.
• Rhodotorula: this is a reddish yeast you might find in damp places like carpets, cooling coils, or drain pans. In some places, it's the yeast you'll find most often in the air inside buildings. Some folks are allergic to it, and skin tests have shown positive reactions. Also, in very sick patients, this yeast has been known to settle in.
• Scopulariopsis: this fungus can give off a toxic gas called arsine if it grows on certain materials like arsenic wallpaper. It's known to grow on various things, including house dust. Some people may develop type III allergies because of it.
• Serpula lacrymans: this one can trigger asthma in some people. If affected, individuals might experience symptoms like swelling and tightness in the chest. Over time, if exposed regularly, it could lead to severe lung conditions.
• Sporobolomyces: some folks are allergic to this fungus.
• Sporothrix: this one's a bit tricky. It can cause a condition called sporotrichosis, but usually only in people with weakened immune systems.
• Sporotrichum: this fungus can cause allergies. There's some confusion with Sporothrix sp., but this one doesn't cause sporotrichosis.
• Stachybotrys (Black Mold): this fungus thrives in damp environments. Some types of it can produce a dangerous toxin when inhaled. This toxin can lead to a range of symptoms from flu-like conditions to more severe reactions like damage to vital organs. Prolonged exposure might even cause cancer in the liver and kidneys. This fungus prefers to grow on materials with more plant fiber and less protein. If you're around it, you might feel a range of symptoms from colds to sore throats and even hair loss. In animals, it can lead to severe damage to major organs. It's a rare find outdoors and even indoors unless it's disturbed. While its spores die easily, they remain harmful.
• Stemphylium: this fungus can cause allergies and often grows on dead plants and materials made from plants.
• Syncephalastrum: if you come into contact with this fungus, it can cause a specific type of respiratory infection. This infection can lead to a solid fungal growth inside your lungs.
• Trichoderma: this fungus likes hanging out in soil, dead trees, pine needles, paper, and ceramics that aren't shiny. Oddly enough, it sometimes grows on top of other fungi. Though it can create antibiotics, they're not the good kind for humans. Plus, it can trigger allergies in some people. Oh, and it's great at breaking down plant fiber!
• Trichophyton: this one's a bit of a troublemaker. It's behind things like ringworm, athlete's foot, and some skin and scalp issues. You can find it in soil and sometimes on skin. And yes, it can also cause allergies.
• Trichothecium: living its best life in decaying plants, soil, and even in some grains and flour, this fungus has spores of a certain size. One type, Trichothecium roseum, makes a toxin that can be bad for both humans and animals. Oh, and it might cause allergic reactions for some.
• Ulocladium: this fungus is usually found on dead plants and materials made from plants, and sometimes on fabrics.
• Verticillium: with pretty small spores, you'll typically find it in decaying plants, straw, soil, and on some tiny critters. Fun fact (or maybe not so fun): it's been known to cause eye infections, but that's pretty rare.
• Wallemia: loves sugary and salty foods. So, if you're into sugary treats, salted meats, dairy, or even certain textiles, soil, hay, and fruits, this fungus might be around. Its spores are fairly small.
• Yeast: these are pretty common in the air. While many are harmless, some can cause allergies, especially if you've been exposed to them before and your body isn't a fan. In high amounts, they might bother those who are sensitive to them.

 
 
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