Mold Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, April 16, 2025

Alternaria is a common type of mold made up of hundreds of species. Many are ubiquitous in the natural environment, where they play an important role in decomposing materials outdoors. Unfortunately, Alternaria also causes a tremendous amount of agricultural spoilage each year.

The spores from Alternaria can make their way inside homes and buildings and have an impact on the indoor air quality. Properties that have suffered from water damage or elevated humidity levels resulting in mold contamination may also find Alternaria among the types of mold growing inside.

Whether exposed to Alternaria indoors or outdoors, it is a common cause of allergies for many people. For some asthmatics, breathing elevated concentrations of these spores could trigger an asthma attack. Alternaria, like many other types of fungi, could even act as a respiratory irritant or be a concern for those who already suffer from various respiratory diseases. 

Alternaria is also recognized as a human pathogen, although serious infections are not common. While these infections could occur in anyone, they typically impact those with weakened immune systems. The production of mycotoxins has also been linked to Alternaria. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by some types of fungi. The effects on humans due to inhalation exposure to mycotoxins are not well known at this time.

“For those concerned about potential exposure risks to mold or other microbial contaminants in the places they live, work, go to school, or receive medical care, EMSL Analytical offers environmental, industrial hygiene, infection control, and material testing services,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “We also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, building inspection tools, and personal protective equipment to safeguard workers, patients, students, and building occupants.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about Alternaria as a common indoor air quality contaminant that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/yPC7mrDpMso 

To learn more about mold or other microbial testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com, or call (800) 220-3675. To access mold and other test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.