Certain individuals will develop asthma and nasal symptoms if they breathe in these spores and thus have a Mould Allergy. Moulds are typically found in higher concentrations in coastal areas and especially in the subtropical parts of the country. The mould spores tend to be released all year around and are found in both damp indoor and outdoor environments.
Moulds thrive in warm humid places and spore counts tend to peak in spring and autumn.
Moulds play an important role in decomposing vegetable matter and can be found in all parts of the country e.g. the natural grass lands during the winter months or where crops such as grapes, maize or wheat are grown in abundance. Found on rotting vegetation and in damp indoor areas, appears to be an important allergenic mould in most parts of the country. Found in both indoor and outdoor environments, especially in weeded areas. This is the commonest allergy provoking mould in all parts of South Africa. Found on decaying vegetation and especially seaweed, is highly allergenic.