Cladosporium
Cladosporium spp.
Also known as: C. cladosporioides, C. herbarum, C. sphaerospermum
Olive-green to brown velvety colonies; often develops powdery surface as spores mature; may show concentric rings
Cladosporium at a Glance
Cladosporium (Cladosporium spp.) is a low-risk, allergenic mold with high allergenic potential. It most often grows in window sills and frames, bathroom surfaces, hvac system components, and its primary health concerns are allergic reactions, hay fever symptoms, asthma triggering, eye and skin irritation. Confirmation requires laboratory analysis of collected samples — visual identification alone is not conclusive.
- Risk level
- Low
- Category
- Allergenic
- Common growth locations
- Window sills and frames, Bathroom surfaces, HVAC system components, Textiles and fabrics
- Primary health concerns
- Allergic reactions, Hay fever symptoms, Asthma triggering, Eye and skin irritation
InspectaMold provides independent inspection and laboratory testing for Cladosporium across Southeast Louisiana — assessment and documentation only. We do not perform remediation, so findings stay unbiased.
Gulf Coast Relevance: Critical
One of the most common and consequential molds in Gulf Coast structures.
Appearance & Identification
Suede-like to powdery; velvety surface
Branching colonies with characteristic tree-like microscopic structure
Moderate moisture requirement; one of the first molds to colonize damp materials
Growth Conditions
60-85%
0.85-0.90 aw
32-95°F (0-35°C)
Common Growth Locations
Health Considerations
Allergic rhinitis, Asthma exacerbation, Sinus irritation, Sneezing and congestion
high
Low - rarely causes infections; occasional reports of skin and nail infections
How Our Inspectors Detect It
Often found where moisture content is 14-20%
- •Window frames (wood and vinyl)
- •Bathroom surfaces
- •Textiles and carpet
- •HVAC components
- •Paint films
- •Condensation at windows
- •Cool spots indicating moisture
- •HVAC moisture signatures
Remediation Considerations
Light growth can be HEPA vacuumed; heavy growth may require removal
Standard cleaning with detergent and antimicrobial
Address condensation and humidity; typically straightforward correction
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cladosporium (Cladosporium spp.) dangerous?
Cladosporium is classified as a low-risk, allergenic mold with high allergenic potential. Primary health concerns include allergic reactions, hay fever symptoms, asthma triggering, eye and skin irritation. Low - rarely causes infections; occasional reports of skin and nail infections A professional assessment determines the extent and the right response for your property.
Where does Cladosporium grow in Gulf Coast homes?
Cladosporium commonly appears in window sills and frames, bathroom surfaces, hvac system components, textiles and fabrics. It thrives at 60-85% relative humidity with a water activity of 0.85-0.90 aw, conditions that are common across humid Southeast Louisiana properties.
How do you identify Cladosporium?
Olive-green to brown velvety colonies; often develops powdery surface as spores mature; may show concentric rings Colonies are typically olive green, brown, dark green with a suede-like to powdery; velvety surface texture. Mild musty odor; often not detectable at low concentrations Confirmation requires professional sampling and laboratory analysis rather than visual identification alone.
What does remediation of Cladosporium involve?
Cladosporium typically calls for standard containment. Light growth can be HEPA vacuumed; heavy growth may require removal Address condensation and humidity; typically straightforward correction InspectaMold documents the conditions and provides an independent protocol so the underlying moisture source is corrected, not just the visible growth.
Concerned about Cladosporium in your property?
InspectaMold provides independent, lab-backed mold inspection and air quality testing across Southeast Louisiana. Get an accurate identification and a clear plan.