Epicoccum
Epicoccum nigrum
Also known as: Epicoccum purpurascens
Fast-growing colonies showing striking yellow-orange-to-brown pigmentation with felty texture
Epicoccum at a Glance
Epicoccum (Epicoccum nigrum) is a moderate-risk, allergenic mold with high allergenic potential. It most often grows in damp drywall, textiles, paper, and its primary health concerns are common airborne allergen, hay fever, asthma triggers. Confirmation requires laboratory analysis of collected samples — visual identification alone is not conclusive.
- Risk level
- Moderate
- Category
- Allergenic
- Common growth locations
- Damp drywall, Textiles, Paper, Window frames
- Primary health concerns
- Common airborne allergen, Hay fever, Asthma triggers
InspectaMold provides independent inspection and laboratory testing for Epicoccum across Southeast Louisiana — assessment and documentation only. We do not perform remediation, so findings stay unbiased.
Gulf Coast Relevance: High
Frequently found in Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast homes.
Appearance & Identification
Woolly to cottony, often with vivid pigment diffusing into substrate
Colorful colonies that bleed pigment outward in concentric rings
Moderately hydrophilic; common on damp materials and decaying plant matter
Growth Conditions
85-95%
0.86-0.90 aw
60-90°F (15-32°C)
Common Growth Locations
Health Considerations
Allergic rhinitis, Sneezing, Watery eyes
high
Low; rarely associated with opportunistic infection
How Our Inspectors Detect It
Moderate to elevated in affected materials
- •Drywall paper
- •Fabrics
- •Cellulose insulation
- •Wood trim
- •Damp zones near windows and intakes
- •Cooler evaporative areas
Remediation Considerations
Remove visibly colonized porous materials; clean lightly affected items
HEPA vacuum and damp-wipe non-porous surfaces
High — reduce humidity and correct condensation sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epicoccum (Epicoccum nigrum) dangerous?
Epicoccum is classified as a moderate-risk, allergenic mold with high allergenic potential. Primary health concerns include common airborne allergen, hay fever, asthma triggers. Low; rarely associated with opportunistic infection A professional assessment determines the extent and the right response for your property.
Where does Epicoccum grow in Gulf Coast homes?
Epicoccum commonly appears in damp drywall, textiles, paper, window frames. It thrives at 85-95% relative humidity with a water activity of 0.86-0.90 aw, conditions that are common across humid Southeast Louisiana properties.
How do you identify Epicoccum?
Fast-growing colonies showing striking yellow-orange-to-brown pigmentation with felty texture Colonies are typically yellow, orange, red with a woolly to cottony, often with vivid pigment diffusing into substrate texture. Mild musty odor Confirmation requires professional sampling and laboratory analysis rather than visual identification alone.
What does remediation of Epicoccum involve?
Epicoccum typically calls for standard containment. Remove visibly colonized porous materials; clean lightly affected items High — reduce humidity and correct condensation sources InspectaMold documents the conditions and provides an independent protocol so the underlying moisture source is corrected, not just the visible growth.
Concerned about Epicoccum 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.