What do you think of when you think of mold? A moldy piece of bread, mold growing on the walls, or a lingering odor you can’t quite locate?
No one wants to see or smell signs of mold in their home, but sometimes it just happens. And the best way to get rid of existing mold and prevent more from growing is to learn about types of mold, causes of mold, and what to do when you see it.
Ready to read a comprehensive guide on different types of mold? Here we go!
Types of Mold
There are thousands of different kinds of mold. Mold is a living organism which means in certain conditions it can grow larger and even reproduce! Below is a list of the most common kinds of mold found in the home.
Acremonium
Acremonium is a toxic form of mold that is usually pink, orange, grey, or white in color. You might find this type of mold in damp areas of your home. The moisture near a humidifier or cooling coil is where acremonium likes to grow.
You might also find acremonium alongside different types of mold including black mold – which is why it’s so dangerous. Exposure to acremonium could lead to health problems.
Alternaria
Alternaria is an allergenic mold meaning it can cause symptoms of an allergic reaction. When exposed to this type of mold, a person might experience coughing, itchy eyes, or difficulty breathing.
You can usually find this type of mold in showers or bathtubs. Alternaria is a unique type of mold due to its fuzzy texture featuring green or brown colors. It’s easy to spot and should be removed quickly to prevent spreading.
Chaetominium
Chaetominium is a less common type of mold that’s seen in areas with heavy water damage. The color can change from white to grey or black but you may notice the smell before you see anything.
If you notice a musty smell coming from an area with water damage you could be dealing with chaetominium. Be very careful and do not touch the area without proper protection as it could cause an infection.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium can grow on fabric or carpet in the home. It is an allergenic mold so it may cause allergy symptoms. This type of mold is usually green or brown and has a smooth texture.
If you believe your home has any one of these molds or you are experiencing issues with asbestos, visit http://www.hcienv.com/services/asbestos-lead-mold.asp for a reliable removal service.
Fusarium
Fusarium is toxic and allergenic. It is usually white, red, or pink and it can grow on food items. Fusarium spreads quickly, so it’s important to check your food and throw away anything that shows signs of mold.
Mild reactions to fusarium include sore throat or sneezing but more serious reactions could lead to nervous system damage.
Mucor
You might find mucor mold near your air conditioning unit or HVAC ducts because it grows in moist areas. It is white or gray and it grows in large areas.
Mucor can cause flu-like symptoms or in serious cases can cause a fungal infection. If you suspect that you have mucor mold, do not attempt to remove it without a professional.
Penicillium
You’ve heard of penicillin, but what about penicillium mold? It’s a blue or green mold usually found in areas with water damage. It can grow on mattresses, in ducts, or on wallpaper. It spreads quickly making it one of the more dangerous kinds of mold.
Mold spores from penicillium can spread through the air. When inhaled it can cause respiratory problems and asthma.
Stachybotrys (Black Mold)
Black mold is toxic. It can be wet or slimy and usually is a dark green or black color. Black mold grows in wet, humid areas. Black mold can grow on different surfaces like wood or cardboard.
Black mold will usually appear after several weeks of wet, humid conditions which is why it’s important to keep the humidity in your home under control.
The health risks of black mold include trouble breathing, fatigue, and even depression. In children, black mold can cause pulmonary bleeding. If you believe you have black mold in your home, call a professional right away for proper removal.
Signs of Mold
If you can detect mold growth early, it’s easier to get rid of. If you notice discoloration on any surface of your home that you suspect is mold, call a professional service to take a look. It’s best not to handle mold if you are unsure what type it is or what the potential health risks are.
Mold usually grows in wet or humid areas. Cleaning the surfaces of your kitchen and bathroom regularly will help prevent signs of mold from showing up.
You may also be able to detect mold by its smell. If you smell something musty or earthy inside your home it could be coming from the mold. Even if you can’t see the mold, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t there.
Preventing Mold
You can prevent mold in your home by making it inhospitable for mold to live. Keep surfaces dry and clean. Regulate the humidity of your home to prevent mold from growing and spreading.
If you experience water damage in your home, remove furniture to dry and clean the areas quickly. Fix any leaks or cracks in your ceiling or walls as soon as possible.
If you are concerned about preventing mold, talk to an expert about other precautions you can take to protect your home and your family.
Don’t Let These Types of Mold In Your Home
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of mold, you know what to look for in your own home. Keeping your home clean and dry is the best way to prevent mold from growing or spreading.
If you suspect mold but don’t know what type it is, contact a professional. handling certain types of mold can cause serious health problems.
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