The Different Types of Mold to Look Out For

Many homeowners might not realize this, but there are actually many different types of mold out there. In fact, scientists believe there are anywhere between tens of thousands of mold species to over a few hundred thousand.

Of course, not all of these species grow in our area or even in homes. Keep reading to learn a few types of household mold that you should be on the lookout for:

• Acremonium: Often found in humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans and window sealants, acremonium is a toxic mold to watch for. Prolonged exposure can lead to bone marrow or immune system diseases and can even impair brain function. This mold starts small and white but eventually turns into a powdery substance that’s pink, gray or orange in color.
• Alternaria: The most prevalent allergenic mold is alternaria. This common household mold grows wherever there’s dampness, like in showers or bathtubs or under leaking sinks. As an allergen, it causes asthma-like symptoms in the nose, upper respiratory tract and mouth. The mold is velvet-textured and has dark green or brown hairs.
• Aspergillus: There are over 185 species of aspergillus mold that come in a variety of different colors. This is another allergenic mold that can become toxic as it grows. Certain species are even capable of producing deadly carcinogens called aflatoxins.
• Aureobasidium: Pink, brown or black in color, aureobasidium often grows behind wallpaper or on painted surfaces. Direct contact with this mold can cause skin, eye or nail infections. Because it can also cause a skin rash, it should never be handled with bare skin.
• Chaetomium: Another one of the types of household mold that can cause skin and nail infections is chaetomium. This species is typically found in damp or leaking areas and is characterized by its musty odor. Along with skin and nail infections, this cotton-like mold can produce harmful mycotoxins.
• Cladosporium: This is a unique mold because it can grow in both warm and cold conditions. You’ll often find this olive-green or brown mold growing on fabrics, upholstery or carpeting. It’s not toxic, but exposure to cladosporium can cause skin rashes, lesions, lung infections or sinusitis.
• Fusarium: Similar to cladosporium, fusarium can thrive in cold temperatures. But unlike cladosporium, fusarium is both an allergenic and toxigenic type of mold. It’s often pink, white or red and grows in homes with extensive water damage. Exposure causes skin infections, sore throats, running noses, sneezing and itchy eyes. Over time, it may even cause bone infections, brain abscesses, nervous system damage and internal bleeding.
• Stachybotrys: We’ve all heard of the dangers of black mold, known scientifically as stachybotrys. This mold thrives in damp, wet areas with high humidity levels. Its mycotoxins cause severe health issues like difficulty breathing, bloody noses, sinusitis, fatigue or depression. It can even cause neurological problems in children.

Professional mold removal is the answer

Hiring a professional mold removal team is the best way to combat common household mold. Give our team at HealthSafe Inspections, Inc. a call today to schedule a mold inspection and get started on the removal process.

Categorised in: Mold

This post was written by Writer