Phoma
Phoma spp.
Velvety olive-to-brown colonies that frequently colonize and stain paint and caulk
Phoma at a Glance
Phoma (Phoma spp.) is a moderate-risk, allergenic mold with moderate allergenic potential. It most often grows in painted walls, caulking, drywall, and its primary health concerns are allergen, asthma triggers, surface staining. Confirmation requires laboratory analysis of collected samples — visual identification alone is not conclusive.
- Risk level
- Moderate
- Category
- Allergenic
- Common growth locations
- Painted walls, Caulking, Drywall, Damp wood
- Primary health concerns
- Allergen, Asthma triggers, Surface staining
InspectaMold provides independent inspection and laboratory testing for Phoma 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
Velvety, sometimes with pinkish pigment
Olive-brown colonies, often staining painted surfaces
Hydrophilic; common on damp painted surfaces, caulk, and cellulose
Growth Conditions
85-95%
0.85-0.90 aw
65-90°F (18-32°C)
Common Growth Locations
Health Considerations
Allergic rhinitis, Asthma aggravation
moderate
Rare opportunistic infection (phaeohyphomycosis)
How Our Inspectors Detect It
Moderate in affected materials
- •Paint
- •Caulk
- •Drywall
- •Wood
- •Damp zones behind painted surfaces
Remediation Considerations
Remove colonized porous materials; repaint after cleaning
HEPA vacuum and disinfect non-porous surfaces
Moderate — control bathroom humidity and condensation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoma (Phoma spp.) dangerous?
Phoma is classified as a moderate-risk, allergenic mold with moderate allergenic potential. Primary health concerns include allergen, asthma triggers, surface staining. Rare opportunistic infection (phaeohyphomycosis) A professional assessment determines the extent and the right response for your property.
Where does Phoma grow in Gulf Coast homes?
Phoma commonly appears in painted walls, caulking, drywall, damp wood. It thrives at 85-95% 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 Phoma?
Velvety olive-to-brown colonies that frequently colonize and stain paint and caulk Colonies are typically olive, brown, pink with a velvety, sometimes with pinkish pigment texture. Mild musty odor Confirmation requires professional sampling and laboratory analysis rather than visual identification alone.
What does remediation of Phoma involve?
Phoma typically calls for standard containment. Remove colonized porous materials; repaint after cleaning Moderate — control bathroom humidity and condensation InspectaMold documents the conditions and provides an independent protocol so the underlying moisture source is corrected, not just the visible growth.
Concerned about Phoma 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.