Understanding the Common Molds in Homes

Mold is a broad term for different microorganisms that grow in the presence of a food source and frequently require sufficient moisture. Mold is a fungus, and growths are generally called “mildew.”

The regular property owner can not regulate and eliminate mold by themselves effectively. It is always advisable to contact a mold removal specialist if you see any one of the following in your house to avoid future health issues.

Kinds of Molds Found in Homes

These are the typical kinds that you may identify in homes.

Alternaria

• Type of Mold: Allergenic
• Appearance: Have dark green or brown hairs and velvety feel.
• Location: Normally, you may find this mold in sinks, showers, and bathtubs. It spreads out quickly and frequently when there’s water damage.
• Hazard: If you have allergies, breathing in Alternaria spores can cause signs and symptoms comparable to asthma and upper respiratory ailments. The mold may not harm you if you don’t have a respiratory issue. Find a good restoration company in Boulder, CO, for any mold issues in your home.

Aureobasidium

• Type of Mold: Allergenic
• Appearance: Generally pink, brown, or black, but as it grows, it usually turns a darker shade of brown.
• Location: On painted or wooden surfaces or frequently found under wallpaper.
• Hazard: Aureobasidium, a “sooty mold,” can harm the skin when contacted. It begins as a light pink or gray color, but as it ages, it develops a deep brownish-black color. It is possible to spread the toxic irritants and develop an infection by contacting Aureobasidium mold and touching your face or eyes.

Chaetomium

• Type of Mold: Allergenic
• Appearance: Usually starting white, the tone of this cotton-like textured mold progressively darkens with time, going from gray to brown to black.
• Location: Normally, a severely water-damaged structure such as the roof, cellar, pipelines, and drywall. You should avoid areas with a musty odor.
• Hazard: Chaetomium spores can trigger allergic reactions such as watery eyes, sneezing, and itchy throats in healthy people and more respiratory severe symptoms in those with weakened immune systems.

Penicillium

• Type of Mold: Allergenic
• Appearance: With a velvet-like feel, it is bluish or greenish in hue.
• Location: Buildings with water damage, notably to beds, ducting, wallpaper, and carpets. Moreover, it spreads quickly.
• Hazard: It releases spores that have the potential to cause allergy-like symptoms like sinusitis, breathing troubles, and asthma attacks. The symptoms might intensify in those with immune system conditions, resulting in long-term health problems. Don’t hesitate to call experienced and trained technicians for mold removal.

Stachybotrys (Black mold)

• Type of Mold: Toxigenic
• Appearance: Slimy in texture, dark green or black.
• Location: Materials that can get moist, humid, and damp for weeks like wood, cardboard, and wicker.
• Hazard: Severe headaches, inexplicable nosebleeds, upper-respiratory irritability, and fatigue are just a few physical signs and symptoms that Stachybotrys can create. Infants’ lungs may potentially hemorrhage as a result.

Trichoderma

• Type of Mold: Toxigenic
• Appearance: There are five distinct subspecies, although they usually have fuzzy white and green spots.
• Location: A/C filters, HVAC ducts, and other moist areas like wet wallpaper and carpet.
• Hazard: Coughing, sneezing, and bronchial infections can be induced by Trichoderma in your home. Mycotoxins are volatile organic chemicals that may create serious problems, including lung infections, liver and kidney diseases, nervous system difficulties, and even some forms of cancer. Some strains are capable of producing these mycotoxins.

Conclusion

All indoor surroundings include some mold spores. The majority of people are unaffected by this. However, those with compromised immune systems might be more at risk of disease, particularly lung problems, if mold spores are present in the surrounding. Some people can have allergic reactions.

The best method to stop mold from flourishing inside a building is to maintain it dry, clean and ventilated. Ask your healthcare practitioner or the state health agency for help if you have worries regarding mold in your home, place of employment, academic facility, or any other environment.