What are Ascospores classified as?

Ascospores are classified as outdoor mould. They are a type of fungal spore produced by Ascomycetes, one of the largest groups of fungi. Ascospores are typically released into the environment, often from natural substrates like soil, decaying plant matter, and various types of organic debris found outdoors. Because of their connection to environmental conditions and their common presence in outdoor habitats, they are primarily associated with outdoor mould rather than indoor settings.

Indoor mould is generally more related to the conditions found within buildings, often involving fungi that thrive on damp materials like drywall or wood. Invasive mould refers to fungi that have significant effects on health, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, while free-standing mould is not a conventional classification used in mycology or occupational hygiene. Consequently, classifying ascospores as outdoor mould reflects their ecological role and typical habitat.