The Most Common Mold Types Found in Homes

Although only about 300,000 types of mold have been classified, it is believed that there could be up to one million unidentified species in existence overall. Several of these mold species could find their way into your home, but with the help of a provider of mold testing in Basalt, CO, you will know what to be on the lookout for.

Aspergillus

This type of mold can be found on yeast-based foods, such as bread, but is most commonly found residing in HVAC systems. Because it is located in the ventilation system, it is particularly mobile because it can very easily be spread throughout your entire home every time you turn on your heating or air conditioning. This location also makes removal much more difficult. Although aspergillus is not inherently hazardous, you could experience ear and sinus problems, and it could be some time before the symptoms clear up. In the most serious cases, more life-threatening symptoms can develop and infection could occur in your major organs, so making sure that the infestation is taken care of right away is imperative.

Cladosporium

This type of mold is characterized by its black or dark green color, and grows in areas that are particularly damp or moist. Areas such as bathroom or shower walls and carpets that (for one reason or another) retain moisture are prime real estate for this species. If this type of mold grows on nonporous surfaces, such as the tile on your bathroom wall, vigorous cleaning can usually help to start clearing it up.

However, cladosporium can attach itself to other surfaces in which the cleaning process is not as straightforward. Items such as carpeting or wallpaper would have to be removed and replaced entirely to reduce the chances of the same infestation causing problems in the future. Exposure to this mold typically doesn’t cause major health issues, although it can lead to mild allergic reactions or exacerbating already existing allergies. Continued exposure, though, could potentially lead to more serious respiratory infections.

Stachybotrys chartarum

Because of its greenish-black appearance, this type of mold is commonly referred to as black mold. Although the mold itself is not toxic, it does have the ability to produce toxic substances, which makes it one of the more dangerous types of mold when it comes to the health of those that might be exposed to it in their home or at work. Exposure can create some very serious health complications, including pneumonia, joint pain and even bleeding in the lungs in some more extreme cases. Because of the health issues that can be caused by this type of mold, you will want to contact a professional as soon as you spot any signs of its presence.

Even if you have one of the more common types of mold in your home, it can be difficult to determine the exact species you are dealing with. Here at HealthSafe Inspections Inc., we perform mold testing in Basalt, CO to determine the specific type of mold you have in your home so that you can begin planning the best way to get rid of it. Give us a call today to take the first step in getting your mold problem under control!

Categorised in: Mold

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