Aspergillus

Types of Toxic Mold- Aspergillus

Aspergillus Mold

Aspergillus is a large and widespread genus of mold consisting of approximately 200 known species, found throughout nature worldwide. These molds are commonly detected indoors and outdoors, particularly in warm, humid climates like Florida, where moisture conditions allow them to thrive.

Aspergillus was first cataloged in 1729 by Italian priest and biologist Pier Antonio Micheli. When viewed under a microscope, Micheli noted that the mold’s structure resembled an aspergillum—a tool used for sprinkling holy water—leading to the genus name Aspergillus.

While many Aspergillus species are relatively harmless, some species are considered toxic, pathogenic, or allergenic, making them a significant concern when discovered indoors.

Where Aspergillus Is Commonly Found

Aspergillus molds are extremely adaptable and may be found:

In soil and decaying vegetation
On food products and stored grains
Inside HVAC systems
On drywall, insulation, and ceiling materials
In bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics
In buildings affected by water damage or chronic humidity

Because Aspergillus spores are lightweight and easily airborne, they can spread quickly throughout a home or building—especially through ventilation systems.

Pathogenic & Toxic Aspergillus Species

Some species of Aspergillus are capable of causing serious disease in humans and animals and are classified as pathogenic molds.

The most commonly associated disease-causing species include:

Aspergillus fumigatus
Aspergillus flavus
Aspergillus clavatus

Aspergillus flavus & Aflatoxins

Aspergillus flavus is particularly concerning because it produces aflatoxins, which are:

Highly toxic
Carcinogenic (cancer-causing)
Known to contaminate food sources such as nuts, grains, and corn

Long-term exposure to aflatoxins has been linked to liver damage, immune suppression, and increased cancer risk.

Health Effects of Toxic Aspergillus Mold

Exposure to Aspergillus can affect individuals differently depending on:

Immune system strength
Existing respiratory conditions
Duration and level of exposure

Common Symptoms May Include:

Chronic coughing
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Chest pain
Sinus congestion or infections
Fever and flu-like symptoms
Skin lesions or ulcers
Ear infections (external ear involvement)

In many cases, symptoms may mimic other illnesses, making proper diagnosis difficult without environmental testing.

Aspergillosis: Diseases Caused by Aspergillus

Aspergillosis refers to a group of diseases caused by Aspergillus molds. These conditions range from mild allergic reactions to life-threatening systemic infections.

Major Forms of Aspergillosis in Humans

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)

Common in individuals with asthma, cystic fibrosis, or chronic sinusitis
Can cause significant respiratory morbidity
Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and lung inflammation

Acute Invasive Aspergillosis

Occurs primarily in people with weakened immune systems
Higher risk among:
- Chemotherapy patients
- Organ transplant recipients
- Advanced AIDS patients

Disseminated Invasive Aspergillosis

A severe form where infection spreads throughout the body
Potentially life-threatening without rapid medical intervention

Aspergillosis most commonly affects the lungs and paranasal sinuses, but may also spread to the brain, kidneys, or other organs in severe cases.

Aspergillus in Animals & Birds

Aspergillus infections are also well-documented in animals.

Birds are especially susceptible to aspergillosis of the air passages
Certain Aspergillus species are known to infect insects and livestock
Some animal-specific Aspergillus strains have been identified during disease investigations

Why Aspergillus Mold Is a Serious Indoor Concern

When Aspergillus is found indoors, it often indicates:

Excess moisture or humidity
Hidden water damage
HVAC contamination
Poor ventilation

In Florida, any mold growth exceeding 10 square feet is recommended to be handled by a state-certified mold remediation company, as mold is considered a hazardous indoor contaminant.

Professional Mold Inspection & Remediation in Florida

Because Aspergillus includes toxic, allergenic, and pathogenic species, it should never be ignored or treated as a simple cosmetic issue.

A qualified Florida mold professional can:

Perform accurate mold testing and identification
Assess health and exposure risks
Locate moisture sources fueling mold growth
Implement proper containment and remediation protocols

Concerned about toxic Aspergillus mold in your home or building?

Early detection and professional remediation are critical for protecting both health and property.

We can help connect you with experienced, reputable, state-certified Florida mold inspectors and mold remediation professionals who specialize in identifying and safely removing Aspergillus mold.

👉 In need of a state-certified mold assessor or Florida mold remediation services?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and restore healthy indoor air quality.

Aspergillus and Aspergillus Niger Mold-

Aspergillus is a genus of around 200 molds found throughout much of nature worldwide. Aspergillus was first catalogued in 1729 by the Italian priest and biologist Pier Antonio Micheli. Viewing the fungi under a microscope, Micheli was reminded of the shape of an aspergillum (holy water sprinkler), and named the genus accordingly.

Many species can cause infection in humans and other animals. Some infections found in animals have been studied for years. Some species found in animals have been described as new and specific to the investigated disease and others have been known as names already in use for organisms such as saprophytes. For humans there is a range of diseases such as infection to the external ear, skin lesions, and ulcers classed as mycetomas.

Pathogens
Some of this species of mold can cause serious disease in humans and animals, and can be pathogenic. The most common causing mold types are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Aspergillus flavus produces aflatoxin which is both a toxin and a carcinogen, and which can potentially contaminate foods such as nuts. The most common causing allergic disease are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus clavatus.

Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is the group of diseases caused by Aspergillus. The most common subtype among paranasal sinus infections associated with aspergillosis is aspergillus fumigatus. The symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain or breathlessness, which also occur in many other illnesses so diagnosis can be difficult. Usually, only patients with already weakened immune systems or who suffer other lung conditions are susceptible.
In humans, the major forms of disease are:

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or ABPA (affects patients with symptoms that produce significant respiratory morbidity such as asthma, cystic fibrosis and sinusitis).
Acute invasive aspergillosis (risk increases if patient has weakened immunity such as some AIDS patients and those undergoing chemotherapy).
Disseminated invasive aspergillosis (widespread through body).
Aspergillosis of the air passages is also frequently reported in birds, and certain species of Aspergillus have been known to infect insects.