Molds or Fungi commonly associated with "Sick Building Syndrome" are as follows:

Aspergillus represents many related fungi, which can cause aspergillosis, which represents a group of similar infections.  This disease most often affects the external ear and the lungs.  Aspergillus is common in soil and the spores will become airborne in dry windy weather.  Spores can enter and grow in  building and ventilation systems and the lungs, ears and eyes.  Growth leads to release of more spores.  

Cryptococcus neoformans causes crytococcosis and can result in Crytococcus meningitis.  It is a pathogen that can fatally infect those with impaired immune systems.  

Hystoplasma capsulatum causes hystoplasmosis, an infection estimated to have affected millions of Americans.  It most often causes mild fever and malaise, but can become progressive in a small number of cases.  The infection is airborne and enters through the lungs and can be fatal in some cases, especially for those with immunodeficiency.

Penicillium notatum and some closely related species of Penicillium are occasional causes of infection to man.  Pulmonary or lung infections are rare, but it can infect the ear and cornea.  It has been identified as a contributing cause in some cases of Sick Building Syndrome.  Penicillium can produce penicillin and some people are highly allergic to this antibiotic.

Alternaria is considered a nonpathogenic fungi but it can cause considerable distress to allergic people.  It is a common airborne contaminant.

Cladosporium is considered a nonpathogenic fungi, but it can cause considerable distress in allergic patients.  As a fungal allergen, it can be a contributing factor in Sick Building Syndrome.  It is a common airborne contaminant.

Helminthasporium is considered a nonpathogenic fungi, but it can cause considerable distress in allergic patients.  As a fungal allergen, it can be a contributing factor in Sick Building Syndrome.  It is a common airborne contaminant.

Stachybotrys Chartarum (atra) is a greenish-black fungus found worldwide that colonizes particularly well in high-cellulose material, such as straw, hay, wet leaves, dry wall, carpet, wall paper, fiber-board, ceiling tiles, thermal insulation, etc.  The fungus/mold, before drying, is wet and slightly slimy to the touch.  There are about 15 species of Stachybotrys, with a world-wide distribution.  The toxic mold grows in areas where the relative humidity is above 55%.  This type of fungus does not generally grow on plastic, vinyl, concrete products, or ceramic tiles, unless there is standing water.  Stachybotrys produces a mycotoxin that causes human mycotoxicosis.  This type of mold is thought to be a possible cause of the "Sick Building Syndrome."

Chaetomium sp.  This is large ascomycetous fungus producing perithecia.  It is found on a variety of substrates containing cellulose, including paper and plant compost.  It has been found on paper in sheetrock and has been reported to be allergenic.

Copyright © 1999-2006 Sandra Maida
Last modified: June 25, 2007