Penicillium chrysogenum

This species is found worldwide but has earned most notoriety from its production of penicillin. In addition to soil distributions, it can be isolated from foods, plants, floor dust, mattress dust, wood, wall paper, paint, gypsum (as in wall board) artwork and occasionally optical lenses. It is considered a good indicator of water intrusion. Although this species is highly allergenic and can produce mycotoxins, P. chrysogenum is not considered a common health risk. Nonetheless, infections of the ears, eyes, heart tissue, skin and cerebrospinal fluid have been documented.