Mold Library

General Information

2 families, 50+ genera, 950+ species. Ubiquitous, Cosmopolitan.

What are some of this molds characteristics?
This mold will only grow on a living plant during the airborne phase, but will grow on general cellulose surfaces in the yeast phase.   

Where does it grow outside?
Often found growing on grasses, cereal crops, weeds, other fungi and flowering plants. 

Where does it grow inside?
Rarely found growing indoors, but will grow on host plants if present inside. 

Is this "black mold"?
The term black mold (also "toxic black mold") is not scientific but is widely used by the media to usually reference Stachybotrys molds. 

Is it a potential allergen?
May cause hay fever and asthma. 

Does it present any unique human risks? (as pathogen, opportunist or contaminant)* 
Unknown.

Can it produce toxins?**
Unknown.

Can it be identified via Air Sampling? 
Hard to distinguish from periconia and myxomycetes.  May be reported as "smuts, periconia, myxomycetes"

Can it be identified via Direct Sampling? 
May be found in conjunction with dust.

OTHER:

What are some of its industrial uses?
Unknown.

*Other types of disease not listed in this description may also result from exposure. 

**Indicates potential toxin production by given species of this genus. Not all toxins are produced by all species and the extent is highly dependent on environmental conditions. List may not be all inclusive due to new discoveries in research.

MOLD

ALLERGEN