Mold Inspection Specialist Clears the Air on All Things Cladosporium

Interstitial lung diseases, phaeohyphomycosis, chromoblastomycosis, allergies, hair loss and scalp infections are all known to be caused by exposure to cladosporium. It is a genus of fungi that our mold inspection specialists have encountered during examinations of water damaged homes. So we are encouraging all people in our service area that suspect that their buildings may be harboring colonies of cladosporium to read today’s blog and reach out to us right away.

Upon visual inspection, patches of cladosporium will appear either black, dark brown or olive-green in color. In sufficient number, they are known to give off odorous, volatile organic compounds. Consequently, that’s why the colonies are typically associated with interstitial lung diseases and airborne allergies. It can also transfer from one area to another by physical contact with an affected surface. As such, it could find an opening and make contact with dermis and subcutaneous layers of tissue or irritate the epidermis. In those instances, contact dermatitis, hair loss, scalp infections, chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis may occur.

The list of place where cladosporium may show up in a building may be fairly long depending on whether or not the interior environment has a relative humidity level greater than 50% and lots of cellulose surfaces. The list of surfaces and locations includes, but isn’t confined to the following:

• Variety of Window Sill Materials (e.g. Oakwood and Bamboo)
• Drapery and Other Window Treatments
• Bathroom and Kitchen Tile Grout
• Upholstered Furniture
• Carpeting and Area Rugs
• Sheetrock and Plywood
• OSB furniture and Shelving
• Subfloors and Tile Floors

To learn more about cladosporium and other genus of fungi best handled by a mold removal specialist, please contact us at Disaster Response Team. We are certified, licensed and recognized by some of the best mold inspection/removal industry entities, including the IICRC.