House mold is a common concern for homeowners, as it can cause health problems and damage your home. There are 12 common types of mold found in houses, classified into three categories: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic. Mold thrives in damp, dark environments and is often caused by water damage. In this article, we discuss the various types of mold, their effects on health, and the importance of professional mold removal services. Protect your home and your health by identifying and eliminating mold with the help of Spaulding Decon's expertise in biohazard cleanup and remediation.
As a homeowner, there’s no doubt that the thought of house mold can make your teeth chatter. After all, with so many different types of mold out there and with all of them capable of making your house a miserable place to live, the last thing you want to discover is a fair share of uninvited guests invading your humble abode. Luckily, learning about the different types of mold and understanding how to eliminate them can drastically reduce your risk of respiratory problems.
If you’re here to discover the twelve common types of mold in homes, then you’re in the right place.
From this article, you will find out:
Common household mold can be classified into three categories: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic.
Mold is caused by many underlying problems. The most common is by far water damage. Mold thrives in dark, damp areas, and when you allow water or precipitation to build up in your basement/crawlspace/bathroom cabinets, it will settle and flourish.
Mold can have detrimental health effects on adults, children, and pets living near it.
Let’s get into the list of mold found in homes:
The first type of mold in homes on our list is Acremonium. Acremonium is not only a common mold, but it also happens to be a smart one. This mold can change its appearance over time, constantly evolving to fit the current climate conditions. First, the mold starts as a moist-like substance, but it soon changes to a powdery one as time progresses. Acremonium can also take up various colors, ranging from pink to grey, orange, and even white, which may help it blend into the surroundings depending on the background. It tends to appear in areas of heavy condensation, such as around humidifiers and window seals.
Exposure to Acremonium is extremely dangerous, as the poisonous substance can cause bone marrow disease, breathing problems, and even immune deficiencies. If you think you might have this mold around your home, it’s best to call a professional immediately.
The next up is Cladosporium. This mold is tricky, as it can grow in many places and climates. Cladosporium is a hearty mold that can grow and thrive in warm and cold conditions, so there’s a good chance that you’ll see it no matter where your house may be located. Furthermore, the mold doesn’t grow in plain sight along the walls; instead, it takes the sneaky route and hides within indoor materials such as carpets, upholstery, and other fabric-based materials. Since Cladosporium is an allergenic mold, it tends to cause many of the reactions that we’d see in an individual exposed to allergies, including skin rashes, asthma, lung infections, and sinusitis.
Whereas Cladosporium tries to be discreet about its presence, the mucor mold ensures that you know it’s present. Mucor is another allergenic mold that grows in thick patches and tends to grow very fast, taking over large portions of your home in a matter of days.
Mucor is commonly seen around air conditioners, but there are some occasions where it may grow on the carpet. Thankfully, in short exposures, this mold doesn’t do much to harm the body; however, in greater exposures, it can cause asthma, worsen your asthmatic condition, and even cause flu-like symptoms. In extreme cases, it can even cause an uncommon but serious disease called mucormycosis. Mucor is another allergenic mold type that’s white or gray. It thrives in areas where there’s condensation-like moisture. This makes air ducts and HVAC systems a prime location where this mold can thrive.
Some people exposed to Mucor for a long time will also develop a sinus-affecting fungal infection called ‘Mucormycosis.’ This can cause blood and digestive problems in addition to respiratory ones. You must have it removed immediately to protect your lungs, heart, and brain.
Do you like the idea of a home with water damage? Mold types like Fusarium enjoy plenty of water damage and thrive best in these locations. Fusarium is a mold that’s commonly seen growing and spreading in cold temperatures and is allergenic and toxigenic, making for a very dangerous and even life-threatening combination that can affect your lungs, your bones, your nervous system, and even your brain.
Fusarium is commonly seen growing on wallpaper, carpets, and other fabrics, and it can spread very quickly from room to room. It also often tends to be pink, white, or red, so if you’ve seen this mold around your home, you’ll want to get rid of it immediately.
Even if you’ve never seen penicillin in action, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the name before. Penicillin is one of the most well-known of the common mold types, partly because of its trademark blue or green color and velvet-like texture and because it’s also responsible for several antibiotic advancements and food processing capabilities.
However, even though this mold has its fair share of good deeds, it can be catastrophic within a household. Penicillin spores can easily become an airborne mold and enter your respiratory system, causing pulmonary inflammation and asthma. Extensive exposure can lead to a severe condition known as chronic sinusitis. If this mold is found, make sure you remove it quickly and deal with any water leakage around your home to keep it from returning a second time.
Alternaria is the most common type of household mold out there. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘bathroom mold’ since it grows in damp areas. The most common areas include bathtubs and showers and below leaking sinks. This mold is fuzzy-looking and brown or dark green. It causes few long-term impacts but can cause asthma-like symptoms like coughing and wheezing. The main issue with Alternaria is that it spreads quickly and can take over your entire home when left unchecked.
Black mold, also called Stachybotrys, is one of the most infamous house mold varieties. It’s either black or extremely dark green and has a slimy texture. Because it grows in damp areas that have been humid for weeks, it’s often found in basements and crawl spaces. It also commonly grows on wood, cardboard, and paper in dark areas around the home. Black mold is also called ‘toxic mold’ because it releases mycotoxins, leading to severe health risks for those inhaling it. Those exposed will feel burning sensations in their airways, chest tightening, severe cough, fever, nosebleeds, neurological issues, mental illness, pulmonary bleeding, and fatigue.
Found indoors and outdoors, Aspergillus is another type of common mold that most people come in contact with. This mold won’t be a big issue for healthy people with strong immune systems, but for those with compromised immune systems, the symptoms can be dangerous. Commonly found on decaying debris such as leaves, stored grain, compost piles, and pretty much all types of decaying plant materials, these mold spores, once breathed in, can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. Of the approximate 180 species of this household mold, only around 40 are considered hazardous to humans.
This yeast-type fungus can be mistaken for another more sinister and dangerous mold but is far less likely to make you sick. Aureobasidium can start as a slimy pink color, but it will turn brown or black and can look like black mold. The only way to tell the difference is to have it tested; either way you don’t want it in your home. Feeling safe that this mold isn’t the dreaded black mold can be a relief, but when it comes to mold, even though it may not present a clear danger, it can still cause health issues and should be completely removed.
If you find a white, cottony looking mold growing in your home, you may have found mold called Chaetomium. Harmful to the house and health, this strain of mold can be linked to several health issues and should be cleaned up immediately. It is commonly found on decaying wood and on water-damaged drywall and wallpaper. Needless to say, this type of mold is not to be taken lightly. Immune-compromised people can have severe reactions to this household mold; exposure can even lead to death for those with weakened immune systems.
Although some molds have beneficial attributes, such as it is with Penicillin and Trichoderma, you really don’t want either of these common household molds, or any molds for that matter growing in your home. Trichoderma is found outdoors as well as indoors. Indoors you can find it on drywall, wallpaper or other paper products, and in textiles such as carpet and upholstery. It is extremely fond of places where moisture is high, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and places where condensation can occur, like HVAC ducting. Highly damaging to everything it grows on, so getting rid of this household mold is a high priority.
Fast growing, water-loving, and potentially costly, Ulocladium is one type of mold you can find in your home that you will want to eradicate immediately once you have discovered it. Because of its water-loving attribute, you will most likely find this type of mold in areas that have been flooded or have increased amounts of moisture. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are all prime areas to grow Ulocladium. It can grow on wallpaper, like painted walls and other painted surfaces. Another disturbing fact about Ulocladium is it will generally be found among other hazardous molds, including black mold.
Now, you know the different types of mold that lurk in your house and how to eliminate them. That means it’s time to start eliminating harmful mold.
Contact us to discuss the professional mold removal services that we offer. We’re happy to answer any questions and schedule a time to remediate your problem ASAP. We’re committed to ensuring that your heart and lungs are safe, so we look forward to cleaning up your home.
No matter what types of mold your home could potentially have, it goes without saying that you don’t want it in your house – period. To ensure your residence is free of any problems, you’ll want to make sure you call in professionals to take care of your needs. Luckily for you, you won’t have to look any further.
At Spaulding Decon, We specialize in fighting back against harmful biohazards that can affect homes, commercial areas, and other places of residence. We handle various specialties, including mold removal, rodent dropping cleanup, residential & commercial cleanup, coronavirus decontamination, drug cleanups, and much more.
Ready to get started? So are we. Make sure to look around our site to learn more about what we do, and visit any of our locations whenever you need our services. Let’s make sure you and your family stay safe!
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