REV SANITATION SERVICES - Mold and water damage inspection, testing, removal, demolition, and remediation
Mold & Fungus Glossary
At REV Sanitation Services, we understand that laboratory reports from mold inspections can include unfamiliar scientific names and technical terms. This glossary was created to help our customers better understand the types of mold and fungus that may be identified during indoor air quality (IAQ), surface, or bulk sample analysis.
Each entry includes information about the species’ typical outdoor and indoor habitats, allergy and health risks, toxin potential, and any other relevant details. Whether you're reviewing your inspection report or researching potential indoor contamination, this glossary is a helpful tool for understanding what was found and why it matters.
🔎 Category Definitions :
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Allergenic : Species that primarily trigger allergic responses such as sneezing, coughing, asthma attacks, or skin rashes. Typically a concern for sensitive individuals or those with existing respiratory conditions.
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Toxigenic : Species that produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can lead to more serious health effects including neurological symptoms, immune suppression, and chronic fatigue when exposure is high or prolonged.
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Opportunistic : Species that may not affect healthy individuals but can cause infections or systemic illness in people with compromised immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, or those with underlying medical conditions.
⚠️ Molds marked with a warning icon are especially dangerous due to toxigenic compounds or invasive infections.
Click HERE to download a PDF version of our Mold & Fungus Glossary : 📄 REV_mold_fungus_glossary.pdf
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ACREMONIUM STRICTUM ( uh-KREE-moh-nee-um STRIK-tum )
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Outdoor Habitat :
Found in soil, decaying plant matter, and dead insects.
Indoor Habitat :
Frequently isolated from HVAC systems, humidifiers, foam insulation, damp drywall, and carpeting. Prefers chronically moist indoor conditions with low air circulation.
Allergy Potential :
Moderate. Can cause mild respiratory irritation or hypersensitivity pneumonitis in sensitized individuals. Not typically airborne unless disturbed.
Disease Potential :
Opportunistic. Rare infections in immunocompromised individuals, including mycetoma, keratitis, and endocarditis.
Toxin Potential :
Comments :
Some species produce mycotoxins; research is limited.
Slow-growing; produces white, pink, or gray colonies. May indicate long-term water intrusion. Often confused with other hyaline molds during lab analysis.
ALTERNARIA ALTERNATA ( al-ter-NAY-ree-uh al-ter-NAY-tuh ) ⚠️
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Outdoor Habitat :
Common in soil, decaying vegetation, and on plant surfaces. Airborne spores prevalent outdoors, especially in dry climates.
Indoor Habitat :
Grows on damp window frames, shower stalls, textiles, carpeting, and wallpaper. Frequently detected in settled dust and indoor air samples.
Allergy Potential :
Disease Potential :
Toxin Potential :
Comments :
Very high. One of the most common airborne allergens; strongly associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Low for healthy individuals, but may cause skin and sinus infections in immunocompromised hosts.
Produces alternariol and tenuazonic acid, with cytotoxic and potential carcinogenic effects.
Dark green or black colonies; often found alongside Cladosporium or Ulocladium. Easily aerosolized, making it important to address both surface and air contamination.
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