Common Indoor Fungi

For a more comprehensive list and description please go to EMLab P & K Fungi Library

Alternaria Alternaria is a genus comprising approximately 50 species of which most are plant pathogens. It is cosmopolitan in distribution [grows worldwide]. It occurs in outdoor air at modest levels peaking in July or August depending on the location (reaching perhaps 500 spores/m3). The allergens can induce reactions at very low concentrations in sensitized individuals.
Aspergillus Aspergillus is the asexual stage of a number of species of Aspergillus. These are distributed worldwide although they are somewhat more common in warmer climates. These species grow on a vast array of organic materials. Many species are cosmopolitan. Species of Aspergillus include several of considerable economic importance: A. flavus is the main producer of the potent carcinogen aflatoxin & A. fumigatus is an important cause of the invasive disease aspergillosis.
Cladosporium Cladosporium is a genus comprising approximately 500 species most of which are saprophytes or plant pathogens of which perhaps 20 are common. All are found on plants, wood, wood pulp, textiles and food. Cladosporium produces a wide variety of allergens and approximately 10% of the population is sensitized to Cladosporium.
Penicillium Penicillium is the asexual stage of a number of species of Penicillium that are distributed worldwide although they are somewhat more common in temperate climates. These species grow on a vast array of organic materials. Many species are cosmopolitan. Species of Penicillium include several of considerable economic importance: P. chrysogenum produces penicillin. Many Penicillium species cause damage in damp building materials including the production of a toxigenic species.
Stachybotrys (Commonly referred to as Toxic or Black Mold) Stachybotrys is a genus that includes approximately 10 species. These species occur mainly on dead plant materials. Of these, Stachybotrys chartarum is the most common. In the indoor environment, it is commonly found on cellulose materials including paper, canvas and jute which are wetted to a water activity > 0.98. This is a toxigenic mold.

For a more comprehensive list and description please go to EMLab P & K Fungi Library