In our many years of performing professional mold inspection and testing services, we’ve come across hundreds (even thousands) of mold species. Read on to learn which are the most hazardous so you can better protect yourself! There are many types of mold, and some are more harmful than others.
Hazard Class A – Toxic Molds These are the molds that produce mycotoxins which in short are poisonous chemicals that are highly dangerous to humans and animals. Toxic molds intentionally harm other living things as a means of survival or when they feel threatened.
One of the reasons why so many people are confused about mold is that mold affects every person differently. Some people are naturally allergic to mold, while others feel nothing upon exposure. Also, the health effects of mold exposure present themselves in a number of different ways. Some can be mild, while others severe and toxic.
Molds are organisms that may be found indoors and outdoors. They are part of the natural environment and play an important role in the environment by breaking down and digesting organic material, such as dead leaves.
No one really knows how many species of mold exist. Scientists know of over 100,000 types of mold but guess that there are possibly over 300,000 types of mold. Molds are typically categorized by color or by one of three hazard classes based on associated health risks.
As noted in the specific mold species descriptions above, some common indoor molds are also found outdoors. Arthrinium. Chrysosporium.
There are 40+ species of Cladosporium and it is one of the most common molds found worldwide. Cladosporium grows in both cold and hot conditions, so it’s one of the most resilient kinds of mold out there.
It depends on the species. Aspergillus species produce toxic compounds, the most well known being aflatoxins. Aflatoxin is a class 1 carcinogen. Specific Aspergillus species produce the following mycotoxins and biotoxin: Aspergillus flavus: aflatoxin B1 & B2, cyclopiazonic acid, and kojic acid.
Phialophora species are commonly isolated from wood and wood products, plant debris, soil and animal feces. Species of Phialophora have caused problems clogging plastic water pipes and tanks. Some species cause blue staining of wood.
Gliocladium species are saprobes and commonly strongly cellulolytic. They have a world-wide distribution and are commonly isolated from a wide range of plant debris and soil. Gliocladium is also commonly isolated from moldy fabrics.
Bipolaris. Bipolaris is a widespread fungus that is most frequently associated with grasses, plant material, decaying food, and soil. It is found both in indoor and outdoor environments. Various species of this fungus can produce the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin.
Partially decomposed beech leaf. Molds are organisms that may be found indoors and outdoors. They are part of the natural environment and play an important role in the environment by breaking down and digesting organic material, such as dead leaves.
More than 200 mycotoxins from common molds have been identified, and many more remain to be identified. The amount and types of mycotoxins produced by a particular mold depends on many environmental and genetic factors. No one can tell whether a mold is producing mycotoxins just by looking at it.
Sometimes the news media use the terms "toxic mold" and "black mold" to refer to molds that may produce mycotoxins or for a specific mold, Stachybotrys chartarum. Molds that produce mycotoxins are often referred to as toxigenic fungi. Top of Page.
Magnified mold and mold spores. Molds can multiply by producing microscopic spores (2 - 100 microns [µm] in diameter), similar to the seeds produced by plants. Many spores are so small they easily float through the air and can be carried for great distances by even the gentlest breezes. The number of mold spores suspended in indoor ...
Because mVOCs often have strong or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of the "moldy odor" or musty smell frequently associated with mold growth. A moldy odor suggests that mold is growing in the building and should be investigated.
No one can tell whether a mold is producing mycotoxins just by looking at it. Some mycotoxins are known to affect people, but for many mycotoxins little health information is available. Research on mycotoxins is ongoing. Exposure to mycotoxins can occur from inhalation, ingestion and skin contact.
Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a biocide or a chemical that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment indicates their use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present).