According to a peer reviewed research paper featured in the American Society for Microbiology publication, the most common type of mold infection worldwide is invasive Aspergillosis (Latge, 1999). Invasive Aspergillosis is usually more prevalent in those with compromised immune systems. This type of infection generally attacks the lungs (molds are lipid soluble, meaning that they attach to the lungs). 

Mold is prevalent throughout our environments (both indoor and outdoor), so we are exposed to mold spores on a daily basis. A world without mold would be a dangerous one, especially due to the way in which mold naturally degrades and feeds upon dead organisms; decomposing areas and keeping our environment clean. The Aspergillus genus mold(s), which is central to the cause of invasive Aspergillosis, is also a ubiquitous mold; it can be found throughout the outdoor environment, as well as the indoor. Areas become of concern once the indoor levels are considerably higher than outdoor levels, which would suggest a water related incident in the property and heavy exposure to a particular species of the Aspergillus genus. 


Some common symptoms of this particular type of infection include: 

• Some form of a fever 
• Varying severities of chest pain
• Coughing
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Other symptoms can manifest if the infection spreads to other parts of the body

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and feel that you may have a type of Aspergillus infection, consult with your healthcare professional. If you feel that the source may be coming from inside your property, consider having a mold inspection conducted. 

More information on Aspergillosis can be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website, including how to get diagnosed by your healthcare provider, as well as treatment options.

References:
Latgé, J. (1999) Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillosis. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. April 1999 ; 12(2): 310-350

*All of the information included in this article is solely meant for educational purposes and is an amalgamation of content from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website and Aspergillus Fumigatus and Aspergillosis research paper featured in the American Society for Microbiology publication. None of the information in this article should supercede medical advise from a healthcare professional. 

Mold growth on clothing isn't uncommon when dealing with a pervasive mold issue in a closet or bedroom. In terms of knowing what steps to take, as well as what clothing is salvageable, it depends on the level of growth. The following is a list of useful tools that every homeowner can implement when discovering mold growth on their clothing: 
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• If the garment in question hasn't deteriorated or experienced any permanent discoloration, then the item is 100% salvageable. Wash the item in the washing machine at a hot temperature (around 130 degree Fahrenheit), for approximately 10 minutes. If there is any excess mold on the item, then brush it off outside to ensure that you aren't spreading mold spores around the property. 
• Alternatively, if there is no permanent discoloration or physical compromise of the garment, then dry cleaning is also an effective remediation technique (dry clean the items twice). 
• If there is mold on shoes, which haven't deteriorated the shoe, then Benefect botanical spray can be used to clean off the mold (ensure this is done outside in the sunshine, and not indoors). 

Moldy clothing can generally be salvageable as long as there isn't physical damage to the item of clothing. Alternatively, it may be worth having an inspector conduct a surface test on the item(s) in question to also determine the type of mold that is on the clothing.