Mold can be a scary intruder. Once it gets in your home, you could be living in a toxic, dangerous place. We’ve got a list of the most common types of mold you may find in your home.
Effects on Health
It’s important to be able to identify this furry substance as soon as possible so you can rid of it. This fungus can have a long-lasting effect on your health. Those with pre-existing health conditions, children, elderly and/or pregnant women are most vulnerable to the negative effects of it. Many people develop a special sensitivity. Some of the symptoms include a sore throat, congestion, coughing, dry eyes, and/or skin irritation. Some people even get infections in their lungs due to exposure. Some people experience wheezing, shortness or breath and/or upper respiratory tract problems. Many types of the fungus may produce a dangerous toxic by-product called mycotoxins, which leads to severe conditions. These include cancer, pulmonary bleeding and liver conditions. Knowing the different types could save your life.
Classifications
There are a few different types of classifications of molds. The common types of mold include:
-> Allergenic – These may produce allergic reactions as well as asthma attacks.
-> Pathogenic – This type of fungus might cause health issues in people that have pre-existing conditions.
-> Toxigenic – This is the most dangerous classification. These might cause severe, even deadly health issues.
Specific Types of Mold
Acremonium
Acremonium is a toxigenic type that begins as a small, moist spot. It then turns into a powdery spot. This type is often colorful. It usually grows in humidifiers, drain pans and windows. This type can be lethal as it can lead to many different diseases. It can even impair brain function.
Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys, or as most people call it, black mold, is found in many homes. It’s dark green or black. It has a slimy texture. Stachybotrys loves levels with high humidity levels. It often grows on wood in your home, paper, hay, and cardboard. This type is toxic because it produces the mycotoxins that may cause deadly health issues.
Trichoderma
Trichoderma is a little different in that it is usually found in clusters. During a mold inspection you’ll find this type on wet surfaces like wallpaper or even carpeting. Sometimes it’s found in AC filters and HVAC system ducts. It’s usually white with little green patches. You’ll notice as it’s often furry. This type is allergenic, and it has five different subspecies. It’s generally white in color with green patches. The bad thing about trichoderma is that it contains an enzyme that can rot wood, paper and textile products. An infestation might lead to the destruction of a home or building.
Mucor
This white fur called mucor usually grows in thick patches. It’s usually found in HVAC ducts because it thrives in moisture. The biggest issue with mucor is that anyone with prolonged exposure may develop mucormycosis. This is a fungal infection which may damage the lungs, sinus cavities and even the brain. It can even become systemic in the rental, digestion and blood systems.
Penicillin
Penicillin is what most people know as the antibiotic helping sickness go away. The problem with penicillin is that when it grows indoors, it can create severe respiratory issues. It’s usually blue or green with a furry, velvety texture. It can be found in carpets, ducts, wallpaper, and mattresses. It loves to grow in homes that have been damaged by water. It grows quickly in places with leaks so it’s important to find the problem as soon as possible.
Fusarium
Fusarium is a type that actually doesn’t thrive in warm temperatures. It can grow and spread in cooler temperatures. It’s allergenic and toxigenic making it a double threat. Fusarium grows in many fabrics and even wallpaper. It’s usually white, red or pink. You also see it many times in your refrigerator food that’s gone bad. One crazy thing about fusarium is that it quickly spreads throughout the home.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus creates long chains of spores. These can form in thick layers in your walls. There are over 185 species of aspergillus, so it is often seen in many different colors. It can become toxic depending on its species. It is also known to produce aflatoxins which are a deadly carcinogen.
Aureobasidium
Aureobasidium is usually found on wooden surfaces or growing in wallpaper. It is usually black, brown or pink. It can also turn a dark brown color as it ages. The main concern of aureobasidium is that it is allergenic and may cause infections in your nails, eyes and/or skin.
Chaetomium
Chaetomium looks a little bit like cotton. It actually changes colors from white to gray to brown. It eventually turns black. This type is often found in water-damaged areas like the leaking roof or back of the sink. Most people recognize it by the musty odor. It has been known to produce the toxic mycotoxins that cause severe health issues in some people.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is special because it grows in both cool and warm conditions. It lives in upholstery, carpets and fabrics as well. It also grows along the baseboards and even in your cupboard. It’s usually green with brown mixed in. This type has a suede type of texture. Most people have allergic reactions to this type. It is not usually toxic but can cause skin and lung irritation.
Ulocladium
Ulocladium loves to grow in areas with extreme water damage. It’s usually black in color. It also usually grows along with other different types of molds. There are two subspecies of this type, both can cause major health issues. This type is often confused with different types so it’s important to have a professional diagnose it.
Alternaria
Alternaria is the fur you most see in allergenic form in homes. It’s the type in showers, leaking sinks and even the bathtub. Alternaria is usually brown with a bit of green at times. This allergenic type might cause ashtma symptoms. It spreads quickly so it’s important to alleviate it before it takes over your home.
Professional Removal
Getting rid of any of these types can be a tough task. It’s difficult to identify each different type, and it’s difficult for anyone to be around risking their health. Professionals use special equipment designed to eliminate each different type. It’s always best to contact a professional to do a mold inspection of your home. Once you know the different types, you’ll be able to identify them so you understand their health hazards a little better. Professionals know how to attack the problem and rid of it in your home.
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