03/11/2025
The three most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.
Today we will focus on Aspergillus.
What does it look like: It begins white, then becomes green, brown, black or yellow as it grows,
Where: "Many Aspergillus species grow fastest in carbon-rich environments, such as compost piles, rotting leaves and decomposing vegetables. High-starch foods such as bread and potatoes are also common growth areas. Other species can spread rapidly in relatively low-nutrient areas like damp walls, carpets, doors, windows and pillows."(Maxwell, What to Know About Aspergillus Mold)
Health Risk: "As with many molds, healthy people are at far lower risk of infection from breathing in Aspergillus spores than the immune-compromised. This group of molds can cause development of a group of diseases called Aspergillosis. It commonly shows up as respiratory infections that can sometimes spread throughout the body, or form “fungal balls” inside bodily cavities such as lungs. Many of these mold-related infections cause fevers, shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain, and require treatment with anti-fungal medications. Some Aspergillus species also produce natural toxic compounds called mycotoxins. "(Maxwell, What to Know About Aspergillus Mold)
There are many well-published medical journals discussing Aspergillus, and its effects on immune-compromised individuals: https://loom.ly/4g1xVos
