Stachybotrys chartarum
Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly called black mould, is a slow-growing mould that develops in buildings affected by long-term water damage. It grows on cellulose-based materials such as plasterboard, timber, paper backing and insulation, and is most often linked to unresolved leaks, flooding or chronic dampness.
Are There Safe Levels?
Under Australasian guidelines, there are no safe levels of mould indoors. Any visible mould indicates a moisture problem and should be addressed. This position is supported by leading Australasian mould and indoor air quality expert Dr Nicole Bijlsma.
Health Effects
Exposure to mould can affect both people and pets, particularly when spores become airborne.
Common symptoms may include:
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Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat or skin
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Coughing, wheezing or breathing difficulties
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Worsening of asthma or allergies
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Headaches, fatigue and brain fog
Children, the elderly, people with respiratory conditions and pets are often more sensitive and may show symptoms earlier.
Why Professional Remediation Matters
Black mould is a moisture problem, not a cleaning problem. Surface cleaning alone does not resolve the cause or prevent regrowth. Effective remediation requires identifying and fixing the water source and safely removing contaminated materials.
At Healthy Property, we focus on restoring buildings to a safe, healthy condition using evidence-based mould remediation practices.
Black Mould
Aspergillus Mould
Aspergillus fumigatus is a very common mould species found both indoors and outdoors. In buildings, it grows in areas affected by moisture, condensation or poor ventilation, such as bathrooms, ceilings, wall cavities, HVAC systems and damp building materials.
Unlike black mould, Aspergillus can grow more quickly and may appear even with moderate moisture, not just severe water damage.
Are There Safe Levels?
Under Australasian guidelines, there are no safe levels of mould indoors. Any visible mould growth indicates an underlying moisture or ventilation issue and should be addressed. This health-first approach is supported by leading Australasian indoor air quality experts, including Dr Nicole Bijlsma.
Health Effects
Aspergillus produces large numbers of airborne spores, which can easily spread throughout a building when disturbed.
Potential health effects include:
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Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin
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Sneezing, coughing and sinus congestion
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Asthma flare-ups and breathing difficulties
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Headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating
People with asthma, allergies, weakened immune systems, children, the elderly and pets are often more sensitive and may experience symptoms at lower exposure levels.
Why Professional Remediation Matters
Because Aspergillus spreads easily through the air, improper cleaning can make contamination worse. Effective remediation requires controlling moisture, preventing spore spread, and safely removing contaminated materials.
Penicillium Chrysogenum
Penicillium chrysogenum is a common indoor mould found in buildings affected by dampness, condensation and water damage. It frequently grows on painted surfaces, plasterboard, wallpaper, carpets, insulation and furnishings, and is often seen in homes with poor ventilation or hidden moisture issues.
It typically appears as blue-green or greenish mould with a soft, fuzzy or powdery texture and can spread quickly under the right conditions.
Are There Safe Levels?
Under Australasian best practice, there are no safe levels of mould indoors. Any visible Penicillium growth indicates an underlying moisture or ventilation issue and should be properly addressed, regardless of species.
Health Effects
Penicillium produces large numbers of airborne spores, which are easily inhaled and can affect both people and pets.
Common health effects may include:
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Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin
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Sneezing, coughing and sinus congestion
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Headaches and fatigue
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Worsening of asthma or allergy symptoms
Some species of Penicillium, including P. chrysogenum, can also produce mycotoxins, which may contribute to symptoms in sensitive individuals with ongoing exposure.
Children, the elderly, people with asthma or allergies, immunocompromised individuals and pets are often more vulnerable and may react at lower exposure levels.
Why Professional Remediation Matters
Penicillium spreads easily through the air and can quickly contaminate other areas if disturbed or improperly cleaned. Surface wiping alone does not address hidden growth or the moisture source.
Effective remediation requires identifying and correcting the underlying moisture issue and safely removing contaminated materials.
Cladosporium Mould
Cladosporium is one of the most common mould species found both indoors and outdoors. It often appears as dark green, brown or black staining and is commonly seen on window frames, walls, ceilings, painted surfaces, timber, garages, sheds and exterior building materials.
Cladosporium can grow with intermittent moisture, condensation or high humidity, and does not require saturated materials like some other mould species. Because of this, it is frequently found around windows, poorly ventilated areas and building exteriors.
Are There Safe Levels?
Under Australasian best practice, there are no safe levels of mould indoors. The presence of Cladosporium indicates a moisture or ventilation issue that should be addressed, regardless of how minor it may appear.
Health Effects
Cladosporium produces large quantities of airborne spores, which are easily inhaled and can impact both people and pets.
Potential health effects include:
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Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin
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Sneezing, coughing and nasal congestion
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Asthma flare-ups and breathing difficulties
-
Headaches, fatigue and brain fog
Cladosporium is a well-known allergenic mould and is commonly associated with allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms, particularly in people with asthma, allergies or sensitivities.
Children, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and pets may be more affected, and symptoms can occur even when mould growth appears minimal.
Why Professional Remediation Matters
Because Cladosporium spreads easily through the air, surface cleaning alone can release spores and worsen indoor air quality. Effective remediation requires controlling moisture, preventing spore spread and addressing contaminated materials properly.
