Mycological Reference
Mold Library
Reference information on 17 fungal genera commonly identified in laboratory analysis. Definitions are drawn from public-domain mycological sources and furnished as a courtesy. Information is provided at the genus level — qualified health professionals should be consulted for related health effects.
Lab Specialist
Jenine Bliss · Lead Mold Consultant
Mold consulting at AdamLabs is led by Jenine Bliss, B.S. Biology (BYU–Idaho, 2019). She handles sample interpretation and client guidance for indoor mold and air-quality projects.
Aspergillus
One of the most common fungal genera in our environment; over 160 species, 16 documented as agents of human disease.
Aureobasidium
Common in soils; A. pullulans often found indoors with damp materials in kitchens, bathrooms, and on wet frames.
Basidiomycetes
Spore-forming fungi (rusts, smuts, mushrooms); elevated indoor levels can indicate water damage or high humidity.
Ceratocystis / Ophiostoma Group
Commonly called "lumber molds" — prevalent on freshly cut lumber used in construction.
Chaetomium
Cellulose decomposer found on paper, plant compost, and water-damaged building materials.
Cladosporium
Aw 0.84 – 0.88The most common outdoor airborne fungus in temperate climates and a major airway allergen.
Curvularia
Reported to be allergenic; can cause corneal infections, mycetoma, and infections in immunocompromised hosts.
Epicoccum
Common secondary invader in plants, soil, grains, textiles, and paper products.
Fusarium
Common soil fungus and mycotoxin producer; affects circulatory, alimentary, skin and nervous systems.
Memnoniella
Closely related to Stachybotrys; produces trichothecene mycotoxins on cellulosic materials.
Mucor
Common in soils and decaying organic matter; can cause mucormycosis in immunocompromised individuals.
Rhizopus
Found throughout the environment; reported to be allergenic and linked to occupational allergy.
Penicillium
Aw 0.78Wide genus, commonly found in soil samples, carpets, wallpaper, and interior fiberglass duct insulation.
Pithomyces
Found in soil and decaying plants. Reported as an allergen; not pathogenic.
Stachybotrys
Toxigenic mold linked to infant deaths in Cleveland from pulmonary hemosiderosis associated with extensive water-damaged residences.
Stemphylium
Reported to be allergenic. Isolated from dead plants and cellulose materials.
Ulocladium
Aw 0.89Cosmopolitan fungus commonly found on plant materials and water-damaged building materials such as gypsum board.
Source & Attribution
Information presented here is excerpted from public-domain mycological sources and is furnished as a courtesy.
Reference: Baxter, D.M. "Airborne Mold Spore Concentrations in Commercial & Residential Buildings". Environmental Testing Associates, San Diego, CA, 1995.
Approved by Adam Jahnsen, Lab Director, AdamLabs, Inc.
For interpretive guidelines and spore-count reference tables, see IAQ Guidelines →