The colors are so exquisite and the names are so fancy that it’s hard to believe that mold is so harmful. And while you might think that mold cleanup is as easy as scrubbing the surface with bleach, the truth is that things are far more complicated than that. First of all, not all mold types are the same. Second, the extent of the problem is different too. Now, these two factors determine how severe the effects will be and highlight which mold remediation methods are needed.
Main household mold classifications
Let’s start with a fact. The number of mold species is so large, no one really knows whether there are thousands or more. You see, mold is a fungus and found everywhere around us. It’s part of nature but only harmful when it grows indoors. Why is this so? For starters, it doesn’t belong there. Mold grows when the environment is humid and warm and the mold spores multiply quickly when there’s an organic matter to feed on. Indoors, this happens when there is water damage.
Mold types can be classified to allergenic, pathogenic and toxigenic. They become the reason for sudden allergies, worsen an already existing condition, or even produce toxic substances that will lead to serious health problems. The widely known toxic mold is the black mold, but that doesn’t mean that other mold species are less harmful. They come in all sorts of yellowish, greenish, pinkish, or brownish colors and bear fancy names but all hide potential risks.
Acremonium:
Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This is a toxigenic mold which grows fast and usually around window seals, drain pans, and where there’s condensation. It’s dangerous and might cause diseases to the immune system and brain.
Aspergillus:
It’s allergenic and forms thick layers in different colors. The colors vary because there are over 185 species in this category. They can cause lung problems, respiratory issues, and allergic reactions.
Alternaria:
This is one of the most common allergenic home molds with a velvety texture and usually brownish or greenish. It grows under sinks, in the bathtubs, and in showers. It spreads quickly and is a clear indication of water damage.
Aureobasidium:
This allergenic mold is pink, black, or brown when it is small and then turns dark brown. It is often found behind wooden structures and wallpapers and causes eye and skin irritations.
Cladosporium:
The suede-like texture of this allergenic mold and the olive green color might not scream danger, but this mold type can cause severe respiratory problems.
Penicillium:
Remember how your oranges decay? Well, that’s the Penicillium allergenic mold. It grows in ducts, carpets, and all areas that have suffered water damage. If the mold spores are inhaled, there’s a high possibility for asthma and respiratory problems.
Chaetomium:
If something smells very bad (musty odor), there’s likely presence of this mold which is light gray at first and then it becomes brown/black. It’s found after water damage in pipes, basements, roofs, and drywall. It can cause nail and skin infections.
Mucor:
Increased moisture and condensation bring this allergenic mold to life. Check the area around the ac, damp carpets, and ducts and have it removed quickly since apart from some flu-like symptoms and asthma attacks, it can infect the brain and lungs.
Fusarium:
Although an allergenic mold, it can turn to a toxigenic. Fast fusarium mold removal from carpets, fabrics, or wallpaper is a must because it spreads very fast. If you are exposed to this mold for long, you might face life-threatening problems. It can also cause damage to the nervous system.
Stachybotrys:
That’s black mold. It’s toxigenic and not always black, but often green too. You’ll find it wherever it’s damp and might have trouble breathing, feel fatigue, or later deal with serious neurological issues.
These are the main mold types found in homes and they usually grow when the environment is wet, damp, or moist. If you can prevent water damage, even better. If not, hurry to have it restored. In any case, you should pay attention and call for a mold removal service the minute you see a green, yellow, or black spot on any surface.
