Common Types of Household Mold

Mold is a type of fungi found virtually anywhere oxygen and moisture is present. Outdoors, mold can perform important functions such as the decomposition of organic materials to maintain the cycle of life. Indoor mold, however, may cause problems because the tiny spores it releases can trigger asthma, allergies and other health issues. There are tens to hundreds of thousands of species of mold, but only a few are common to households.

Aspergillus

• Found in household dust as well as compost piles, aspergillus often grows in warm, extremely damp conditions.

Penicillium

• Penicillium can grow in duct insulation and carpets, in addition to wallpaper and rotting fabrics in water-damaged homes.

Cladosporium

• Found both as an indoor and outdoor species, cladosporium thrives on moist, porous areas, including wood and fabrics, and most often enters the home through open entryways as well as the HVAC system.

Alternaria

• Indoors, alternaria most often grows in damp places such as showers, windows and carpets--anyplace where moisture accumulates with regularity.

Stachybotrys

• A slimy, black mold, stachybotrys can produce toxins and thrives in areas with excessive dampness often caused by continuously running water, such as a slow leak in the wall or condensation in the air conditioning system.