Cladosporium in your home: a safety profile

(Your Household-specific data is limited; this page draws from human adult context.) Cladosporium is the most common airborne mold genus globally, with C. cladosporioides, C. herbarum, and C. sphaerospermum being the dominant species. Outdoor concentrations peak in summer/autumn at 10,000-50,000 spores/m3 in temperate climates. Dark olive-green to brown colonies with velvety texture; spores are characteristically shield-shaped (scutuloconidium) and pigmented (melanized). Primary health significance is allergenic rather than infectious or toxicogenic. Cladosporium allergens (Cla h 1-12) are among the most common aeroallergen sensitizers: 10-60% of allergic individuals show positive skin prick tests to Cladosporium extracts. Strong epidemiological association with allergic rhinitis and asthma exacerbation. IgE cross-reactivity with Alternaria allergens is documented. Cladosporium is an uncommon cause of infection (chromoblastomycosis, keratitis, brain abscess) primarily in immunocompromised patients — extremely rare in immunocompetent hosts. Indoor presence: commonly found on window frames, shower curtains, HVAC coils, and any damp surface. Does not require as much water as Stachybotrys — can grow at water activity as low as 0.85.