There is a fungus among us!  Specifically, mold.  Yes, mold is a type of fungus.

Mold reproduces via spores that are released into the air.  It requires moisture to survive, which can be found anywhere from bathrooms to your family’s carpet.  Additionally, mold is also found outside in places such as dead leaves, grass and mulch. 

While some molds are toxic, many are not.  But this does not mean you will not react when exposed to mold.  Molds often cause both asthmatic and allergic symptoms in people. 

Molds considered toxic are referred to as “mycotoxic.”  These can cause anything from general physical irritations to cancer and death.  Mycotoxic molds should only be removed by professionals, and should never be touched by you or your family. 

Pathogenic molds can cause serious health problems in those who suffer from suppressed immune systems, who are undergoing chemotherapy or have HIV/AIDS.  As with the mycotoxic mold, pathogenic molds should only be removed by professionals.

Alternaria is known as the most common mold to cause hayfever in people.  It is known as a dry weather spore.  You will find this mold outside in areas with dried leaves and grass.  It is also found in your home, with the greatest count found before noon, slowly reducing as evening grows closer.  Another mold found in your home is called aspergillus.  This mold is also airborne, but is also contained in mildew, food, dairy and soil too.

Another common allergy mold is cephalosporium, found in soil, dying organic matter, food and indoor environments.  Interestingly, the most prevalent spore found outdoors is hormodendrum, also seen in organic matter, but found airborne in homes as well.

Helminthosporium is primarily found in soil and plant debris (often grasses).  Another soil fungus, fusarium, is found in soil and on plants.  This mold is found in humidifiers and is also involved in skin, eye and nail infections.

Upholstery, insulation, wallpaper, carpet and mildew contain the mold penicillium.  Penicillium can also be found in dirt, grains, food, compost and paint.

If your home has had water damage, there is a potential threat for the fast growing stachybotrys mold.  This mold can be poisonous, causing bleeding in the lungs of young children.  The stachybotrys mold is usually the mold referred to as “toxic mold” or “black mold.”

Finally, two molds often outside are stemphylium and mucor.  These are commonly found on organic matter.