Updated on 18-Apr-2025
Despite the fact that there are thousands of types of mold, some of them are more prevalent than others. These types of mold thrive in moist environments or in places that have previously been flooded.
As a result of exposure to airborne fungal spores, allergies are most common, ranging from hay fever and asthma to very specific reactions and diseases. A common health effect of mold in indoor environments is hay fever-like symptoms.
In addition to this layman mold glossary, professional mold inspection and mold testing is the best way to determine exactly what kind of mold is growing in your home. You can learn more about our Toronto mold removal .
Below is a non-exhaustive list of fungi and mold terms which a layman must know about – NO BS/TECHNICAL STUFF.
Table of Contents
Mold Glossary
Mold‑related talk can get technical fast, so here’s a simple guide. Each entry gives you the gist in one or two easy sentences.
A–C
| Term | Plain‑English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Allergen | Anything that makes some people sneeze, itch, or wheeze. Mold spores are common allergens. |
| Biocide | A chemical cleaner that kills living things—used by pros to wipe out mold colonies. |
| Black Mold | Nickname for Stachybotrys chartarum. Produces toxins and can trigger headaches, coughing, or worse if you breathe it in. |
| Contamination | When unwanted mold (or other bad stuff) is present in your home. |
| Decontamination | The cleanup job that removes mold and leaves the area safe again. |
| Fungi | The big family that includes mold, mushrooms, and yeast. They like damp spots and can eat away at wood, drywall, or food. |
F–M
| Term | Plain‑English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fungicide | A product—spray, fog, or liquid—that stops mold and other fungi from growing back after cleanup. |
| Hyphae | Tiny, hair‑like strands that make up the body of a mold colony; think of them as the roots and branches of the fungus. |
| HVAC | Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning system. Poor airflow or moisture inside the ducts can spread mold around the house. |
| Mycotoxins | Natural poisons some molds release; high levels can irritate lungs, skin, or even affect the nervous system. |
| Mold Remediation | The full process of finding, removing, and preventing mold—usually done by trained pros with special gear. |
| Mycology | The science of studying fungi, including mold and mildew. |
M–Y
| erm | Plain‑English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mycosis | Any infection caused by a fungus—including mold—inside or on the body. |
| Pathogenic | Able to cause illness. Certain molds fall into this “can‑make‑you‑sick” category. |
| Remediate | A fancy word for “fix the problem.” In mold talk, it means remove the growth and stop it from returning. |
| Spore | A mold “seed” so small it floats in the air; if it lands on something damp, it can start a new colony. |
| Stachybotrys | The scientific group that black mold belongs to—best known for S. chartarum. |
| Toxicity | How harmful something is to people or pets; molds that produce mycotoxins have higher toxicity. |
| Viable | Still alive and able to grow. A viable spore just needs moisture and food to turn into mold. |
| Yeast | A type of single‑celled fungus used in bread and beer. Some yeasts can also infect skin or nails. |
Mold Terms that often pop up when discussing mold cleanup.
| Term | Plain‑English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mildew | A surface‑level mold that shows up as white or gray powdery patches—often on bathroom tiles or shower curtains. |
| HEPA Filter | A high‑efficiency air filter that traps tiny particles, including mold spores; used in vacuums and air purifiers. |
| Dehumidifier | A machine that pulls excess moisture out of the air, making rooms less friendly to mold. |
| Moisture Meter | A handheld gadget inspectors use to spot hidden dampness inside walls, floors, or ceilings. |
| Bleach (in Mold Cleanup) | Strong disinfectant that can lighten stains but doesn’t always penetrate porous surfaces—so it might miss deeper mold roots. |
| Biofilm | A slimy layer of mixed microbes (mold, bacteria) that sticks to surfaces and can be harder to clean than loose spores. |
| Fomite | Any object—like a dirty rag or shoe—that carries mold spores from one spot to another. |
| Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) | A measure of how clean or polluted the air is inside a building; high mold spore counts mean poor IAQ. |