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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.

AllergenicPathogenicToxigenic

Aureobasidium

Common in soils; A. pullulans often found indoors with damp materials in kitchens, bathrooms, and on wet frames.

SaprophyticParasiticAllergenicPathogenic

Basidiomycetes

Spore-forming fungi (rusts, smuts, mushrooms); elevated indoor levels can indicate water damage or high humidity.

Allergenic

Ceratocystis / Ophiostoma Group

Commonly called "lumber molds" — prevalent on freshly cut lumber used in construction.

Allergenic

Chaetomium

Cellulose decomposer found on paper, plant compost, and water-damaged building materials.

Allergenic

Cladosporium

Aw 0.84 – 0.88

The most common outdoor airborne fungus in temperate climates and a major airway allergen.

AllergenicPathogenic

Curvularia

Reported to be allergenic; can cause corneal infections, mycetoma, and infections in immunocompromised hosts.

AllergenicPathogenicSaprophyticParasitic

Epicoccum

Common secondary invader in plants, soil, grains, textiles, and paper products.

AllergenicSaprophytic

Fusarium

Common soil fungus and mycotoxin producer; affects circulatory, alimentary, skin and nervous systems.

AllergenicToxigenicPathogenic

Memnoniella

Closely related to Stachybotrys; produces trichothecene mycotoxins on cellulosic materials.

ToxigenicAllergenic

Mucor

Common in soils and decaying organic matter; can cause mucormycosis in immunocompromised individuals.

AllergenicPathogenicSaprophytic

Rhizopus

Found throughout the environment; reported to be allergenic and linked to occupational allergy.

AllergenicPathogenicSaprophytic

Penicillium

Aw 0.78

Wide genus, commonly found in soil samples, carpets, wallpaper, and interior fiberglass duct insulation.

AllergenicPathogenicToxigenic

Pithomyces

Found in soil and decaying plants. Reported as an allergen; not pathogenic.

AllergenicSaprophytic

Stachybotrys

Toxigenic mold linked to infant deaths in Cleveland from pulmonary hemosiderosis associated with extensive water-damaged residences.

ToxigenicAllergenicPathogenic

Stemphylium

Reported to be allergenic. Isolated from dead plants and cellulose materials.

AllergenicSaprophyticParasitic

Ulocladium

Aw 0.89

Cosmopolitan fungus commonly found on plant materials and water-damaged building materials such as gypsum board.

AllergenicSaprophytic

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 →