Although mold and fungus are related – the former is actually a subset of the latter – the terms cannot be used interchangeably. Each has its own distinct characteristics, features, and functions.

Fungus is a microscopic substance that exists in the air around us all the time. It is neither plant nor animal, nor a type of bacteria – it’s a separate type of living organism that occupies its own kingdom of classification. Mold is a type of fungus. It can measure from two to 10 microns in diameter, making it virtually invisible to the naked eye. When multiple mold spores grow close together, they become visible as they spread rapidly across a surface.

Fungus spores may look like plants,

but they cannot produce their own food by performing photosynthesis. Instead, they absorb moisture and nutrients from other sources to survive and reproduce. Fungi can grow and thrive in a wide range of temperatures, light levels, and humidity levels.

Mold growth begins when a single spore of fungus lands on an organic surface. This includes all biodegradable materials, ranging from paper to leather. As the mold absorbs moisture in the air, it swells in size to form a thin thread known as hyphae.

The hyphae quickly spread and extend across the surface, assuming conditions are sufficient for growth. Mold grows best in dark, damp conditions.

Mold can be a problem in South Florida. The climate and dense humidity of Florida make homes in this state particularly vulnerable to mold accumulation. When it comes to Florida mold, and especially the mold in South Florida homes, it is vital to make prevention a top priority. In the damp South Florida environment, fighting mold can be a challenge.

Florida is not only of a generally humid climate. It is also susceptible to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, that can occasionally result in flooding. These severe storms can bring water damage, leading to mold infestations.

Mold and mildew thrive in warmer, damp areas. As such, the best temperature to prevent mold is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything warmer is an appropriate climate for mildew to thrive.

If you are going on vacation or leaving your house unoccupied for extended periods, you want to check the thermostat before leaving. It is crucial to know what temperature to leave a vacant house in Florida to ensure you don’t come home to an infestation.

Flooding is a massive contributor to mildew growth. However, it is not always a preventable situation. Once mildew has found its footing, you must get rid of it thoroughly and effectively. Even a few remnant spores can mean a swift recurrence of the mold you thought you left eliminated.

Fungus

There are several types of fungus that are found in Florida. One of them is Candida auris which is a rare and deadly fungus that has been spreading rapidly across U.S. health care facilities, and Florida is among the top states with the most alarming number of cases.

The fungus, a type of yeast called Candida auris, or C. auris, can cause severe illness in people with weakened immune systems. The number of people diagnosed with infections and those who were found through screening to be carrying C. auris has been rising at an alarming rate since it was first reported in the U.S.

Symptoms of a C. auris infection depend on where in your body the fungus infects. Some symptoms could include fever, chills, lethargy (extreme tiredness), low blood pressure, high heart rate (tachycardia), low body temperature (hypothermia), and pain, pressure or feeling of fullness in your ear (C. auris ear infection)1. Since many people who get C. auris infections are already seriously ill, symptoms of C. auris may not be noticeable. Many people carrying C. auris don’t have symptoms but can still pass it to someone else

Another fungus that has been detected in Florida is Aspergillus fumigatus which is a common mold that can cause serious lung infections.

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a type of mold (fungus) called Aspergillus. The illnesses resulting from aspergillosis infection usually affect the respiratory system, but their signs and severity vary greatly. The signs and symptoms of aspergillosis vary with the type of illness you develop. Here are some of the symptoms based on the type of aspergillosis:

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): Some people with asthma or cystic fibrosis have an allergic reaction to Aspergillus mold. Signs and symptoms of this condition include fever, a cough that may bring up blood or plugs of mucus, and worsening asthma1.

Aspergilloma:

Certain chronic lung conditions, such as emphysema, tuberculosis, or advanced sarcoidosis, can cause air spaces (cavities) to form in the lungs. When people with lung cavities are also infected with Aspergillus, fungus fibers may find their way into the cavities and grow into tangled masses (fungus balls) known as aspergillomas. Aspergillomas may produce no symptoms or cause only a mild cough at first. Over time and without treatment, however, aspergillomas can worsen the underlying chronic lung condition and possibly cause a cough that often brings up blood (hemoptysis), wheezing, shortness of breath, unintentional weight loss, and fatigue1.

Invasive aspergillosis:

This is the most severe form of aspergillosis. It occurs when the infection spreads rapidly from the lungs to the brain, heart, kidneys or skin. Invasive aspergillosis occurs only in people whose immune systems are weakened as a result of cancer chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation or a disease of the immune system. Untreated, this form of aspergillosis may be fatal. Signs and symptoms depend on which organs are affected, but in general, invasive aspergillosis can cause fever and chills, a cough that brings up blood (hemoptysis), shortness of breath, chest or joint pain, headaches or eye symptoms, and skin lesions

Fumigatus and other Aspergillus species are present throughout the environment. For this reason, it can be difficult to prevent exposure. However, if you’re in an at-risk group, there are some steps that you can take to make infection less likely.

Avoid activities that are more likely to bring you into contact with Aspergillus species.

Examples include gardening, yard work, or visiting construction sites. If you must be in these environments, be sure to wear long pants and sleeves. Wear gloves if you’re handling soil or manure. An N95 respirator may help if you’re going to be exposed to very dusty areas.