Mold Characteristics

• There are hundreds of species of Cladosporium, which is the most common mold in the world. Cladosporium is identified by its black pigmentation. This pigmentation allows it to be protected from ultra-violet light. This mold is slow-growing and is sometimes grey or brown in color. Cladosporium often appears powdery in texture and typically forms branches and chains.
  
  Cladosporium spores are easily dispersed in the air due to their microscopic size, which is why this mold is so abundant and easily causes health complications. However, only about 0.6% of Cladosporium spores, according to Mold and Bacteria Consulting Laboratories (moldbacteria.com), are able to successfully travel into human lungs. These spores are typically oval in shape and tan in color. They appear in branches or chains.
  
  

Where Cladosporium is Found

• Cladosporium spores are found both indoors and outdoors. This mold is most commonly found in plants and decaying plant material, where it easily grows in cellulose, although it thrives in locations such as refrigerators, hot tubs, bathrooms, carpets, Sheetrock, window frames and roofs. Cladosporium spores prefer to grow in humid, damp locations.
  
  

Cladosporium Prevention

• It is possible to slow the growth and spread of common molds and mold spores such as Cladosporium. Although there are always small amounts of Cladosporium spores floating around in the air, excessive amounts of spores in the air leads to health problems. To prevent extreme Cladosporium mold growth in your home, especially during the more active spring and summer months, frequently bleach all surfaces that easily accumulate mold spores (especially those in dark, damp places) and wipe dry.
  
  

Cladosporium Spore Symptoms and Treatment

• Although Cladosporium spores are non-toxic to humans, in large amounts they cause allergic reactions and other irritations to those with allergies or asthma, especially in infants, the elderly and pregnant women. This is because the spores are very tiny and easily pass through your respiratory tract to your lungs.
  
  Symptoms of Cladosporium spore exposure include congested or runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, skin irritation, fatigue and cough. More serious symptoms can occur over time, such as nose bleeds, joint pain and ear inflammations.
  
  Treatment of these symptoms typically includes allergy medications, eye drops and cough medicine.