Mold is a common issue everywhere.
Mold can thrive in areas with a lot of moisture on building materials near leaks from window and roof leaks, pipes, or areas affected by flooding.
Home tests that offer a pass/fail result will not identify the type of mold that can be present in your home. An Industrial Hygienist can properly test for mold spores in a home or building and identify the specific mold present.
Here’s an overview of the types of mold you should be concerned about.
Stachybotrys
(Pronounced Sta·kee·baa·trees) also known as “Black Mold”
Stachybotrys is one of the most dangerous types of mold. It can cause flu-like symptoms, including diarrhea, headaches, memory loss, and severe respiratory damage. Children are at an even greater risk for health problems associated with exposure to black mold.
Typically described as ‘black mold,’ it can also appear grey or dark green. It tends to have a very musty or mildewy odor and is found in very damp areas of homes and buildings.
Chaetomium
(Pronounced Ke-to-mi-um)
Chaetomium is most commonly found in homes that have experienced water damage. It will grow in wet, dark environments such as drywall, wallpaper, baseboards, and carpets. This type of mold is similar to black mold and can sometimes share the same environment.
Along with general signs of allergies, including red, watery eyes, and trouble breathing, chaetomium spores can also cause neurological damage and certain autoimmune diseases.
Aspergillus
(Pronounced A·spr·gi·luhs)
Aspergillus spores are commonly found in the soil, decaying vegetation, seeds, and grain and are often present in the air that many of us breathe daily.
This mold can be dangerous to people with compromised immune systems. Exposure to aspergillus may cause allergic reactions, lung infections, and a specific type of infection known as aspergillosis.
Penicillium
(Pronounced Peh·nuh·si·lee·uhm)
Much like aspergillus, penicillium is abundant in many everyday environments. If it is found inside your home, it can cause asthmatic symptoms, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.
Fusarium
(Pronounced Fyoo·zaa·ree·uhm)
Fusarium is a type of mold that is most commonly found in plant debris and soil. However, it can also be found in very damp areas of your home, underneath carpeting, inside drywall or foam insulation, and in humidifier pans and HVAC systems.
Although rare, a severe eye infection called fusarium keratitis can result from exposure.
Low mold levels rarely cause problems, but if left untreated, mold can cause structural damage and health issues for you and your family.
Hiring an experienced mold remediation contractor with a solid reputation, like ALM Abatements, is crucial to address your mold concerns. Testing is highly recommended by a third party to determine which type of mold you are dealing with.
Call ALM Abatements if you need a referral for a mold testing company, and always look in the dark, damp spaces in your home for potential water issues before they become a problem.
MOLD FAQ
What causes mold growth?
There are up to 300,000 different types of mold worldwide and each of them require a unique environment to thrive. Generally, mold grows best in warm, damp areas that lack ventilation. After mold has been safely removed, the conditions causing the mold should be addressed. Read more about mold: https://www.epa.gov/mold
What kind of damage can mold do to your home?
Mold can eat away at the surfaces it lives on and damage can be extensive. In severe cases, mold can cause structural damage and make the home uninhabitable due to health risks. In smaller amounts it can ruin ventilation systems, carpeting, furniture, drywall and household items.
