Alternaria
Dark brown spores. Species commonly associated with decaying plant material and very common outdoors.

· Not generally a concern to human health and because of their larger particle size tend to deposit in the nose, mouth ad upper respiratory tract.

Aspergillus
Several colours depending on species. Species commonly found in soil, plant debris and building/house dust. Generally accumulate and survive for a long period of time. There are more than 160 species identified, 16 of which have been linked to adverse health effects.

· Some species can cause lung diseases from asthma to emphysema.
· Other effects include symptoms of upset stomach and diarrhea and adverse effects on the liver and kidney. e.g. aspergillus versicolor, aspergillus fumigatus aspergillus ochraceus, aspergillus flavus.
· All these examples produce very toxic mycotoxins. The latter example is known to release aflotoxin, a known human carcinogen.

Chaetomium
Dark brown spores. Strong cellulose decomposers. Abundant in soil, dung and rotting plants. Drywall is a common location indoors.

Cladosporium
Dark greenish to black. One of the most common airborne fungi and found in decaying plants.

· Not generally a concern to human health but may be allergenic to some.
· A mycotoxin produced by these species is a possible suppressant to the immune system.

Epicoccum
Some shade of red, orange or yellow. Very common in dead or dying plants and frequently found in air.

· Not generally a concern to human health.

Eurotium
Whitish to bright yellow. Grow best in dry conditions. Feed on sugar and glycerine. Common in homes, stored grains and rodent dwellings.

· Not generally a concern to human health but may be allergenic to some.

Exophiala
Black and yeast-like. Appear in many locations including decaying plant material, wood, sewage sludge, soil, and tree extrusions. Require surgical removal.

Fusarium
Colourless with pasty look. Common in soil and in dead or living plants. Indoors quite often found in humidifiers.

· Many species release mycotoxins causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and skin, nail and eye infections.

Penicillium
Mostly green in colour. Can be encountered almost anywhere and is the most abundant fungi in soils. There are 150 recognized species, 100 of which are known to produce mycotoxins.

· Two major impacts are affects on liver and kidney function and neurological effects.
· Can also cause lung infections and other effects from irritation to asthma to emphysema.

Phoma
Colourless to yellow and pink in colour. Common indoors and often shows up as pink spots on painted walls.

· Health effects not generally known but may be allergenic.

Rhizopus
Coarse and dark in appearance. Fast growing and common on decaying fruits, soil and house dust.

Stachybotrys
Dark brown in colour. Strongly decomposes cellulose common in many building materials and decaying plants. Slow growing and does not compete well with rapidly growing fungi.

· Produce potent mycotoxins some of which have been attributed to infant deaths in mouldy buildings.
· Individuals may display cold and flu-like symptoms, sore throats, fatigue or generalized malaise.
· Serious liver and kidney effects are also reported

Ulocladium
Dark brown in colour. Can be found in soil and dead or dying plants.

· Not generally a concern to human health.

Verticillium
Can be colourless or brightly coloured. Common in soil and decaying plant matter.

· A rare cause of corneal infections.