TYPES OF MOLDS
ALTERNARIA
This type of spore is very common in the air from late spring into fall, especially from noon until 3 P.M. daily. The fungus grows on organic debris in the soil and also parasitized leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, and many vegetables, cereal grains, and ornamental plants (such as tomato, bean chrysanthemum and cabbage).
ASPERGILLUS
This is a common soil fungus, and also grows on stored food products under damp conditions. One species is common on wet surfaces in bathrooms and in drip pans of refrigerators and other appliances.
CURVULARIA
This fungus is a common parasite of grasses, and the spores are easily dispersed into the air by lawn mowing activity. In nature, the highest concentration of spores in the air occurs in the early afternoon.
HELMINTHOSPORIUM
These spores are fairly common in the air, especially those produced by leaf parasites of grasses and cereal grains. Grain threshing operations release large quantities of these spores into the air. These daily peak of spore production in nature is around 2 P.M.
HORMODENDRUM
This type of spore is very common in the air, sometimes making up half of the total spore count. The highest levels occur from mid-summer through December, and the daily peak of spore counts is between 11 A.M. and 3 P.M. The fungus grows on organic debris in the soil and on dead leaves; it may also parasitize living leaves of some plants.
PENICILLIUM
Colonies of this fungus are often blue or green in color, and may be seen of food or other organic materials (citrus fruits, jams, bread, apples, leather) in the home. The spores are plentiful inside home during the winter, and show up at the highest levels around 2 P.M.
EPICOCCUM
Epicoccum is normally a soil organism and can often be found on decaying vegetative material, plant leaves and uncooked fruit. Allergic importance: Epicoccum elicits an allergenic response in a moderate number of mold-sensitive plants. Epicoccum sensitive patients appear to have increased symptoms in the late summer and fall.
FUSARIUM
Fusarium spores are often produced in a slimy mass, and require water-splashing for their dispersal, thus they may be especially common in the air after a rain. Many Fusarium species are parasitic on vegetable and field crops, and spores may be released from infected grasses and cereals and from stored fruits and vegetables such as cucumber, tomatoes, and potatoes.
MUCOR
Mucor is a normal soil inhabitant. It is frequently found around barns and barnyards where it grows on animal waste. It is widespread in nature.
SPONDYLOCLADIUM
Found on decaying wood, potatoes and other plant material.
PHOMA
Phoma grows readily on paper products such as books and magazines. It also grows on certain paints and green plants. Allergic importance: Extracts of Phoma frequently produce skin reactions in mold-sensitive patients. It is widespread in nature and isolated frequently from air samples.
PULLULARIA
The fungus is common on wet, decaying wood, and produces large numbers of spores during the summer months.
RHIZOPUS
This fungus is a common saprophyte growing on organic debris in soil and on sugary food products in storage (bakery goods, fruits, and sweet potatoes).