Identifying Five Common House Molds

Identifying if your home is plagued with mold is ideal, but understanding the different types of house molds will help you take the next critical step. Most people assume that only older homes are subject to mold infestation, which is not true. Mold-infested property or structures can cause considerable deterioration and danger to your health.

This article intends to help you consider when to hire professional specialists since you will be able to identify some of the most common molds found in homes that need to be dealt with by specialists.

Understanding Mold Types

Mold is a broad term referring to various microorganisms that develop in the presence of a food supply and usually require a sufficient amount of moisture. A mold is a form of fungus, and growths are often referred to as “mildew.” Mold is identified into three primary groups.

• Allergenic – molds in this classification are not dangerous yet can trigger allergic responses such as asthma. Examples: Chaetomium, Alternaria, Ulocladium, Serpula, Penicillium, and Aureobasidium.
• Pathogenic – this category of molds can trigger sickness in those currently vulnerable due to other factors. Example: Aspergillus.
• Toxigenic – these mold families are the most deadly because they generate toxins that can cause serious health problems, even death. Examples: Stachybotrys (Black mold) and Trichoderma.

It is difficult for someone with little experience with mold to recognize each mold kind and its dangers. Mold may rapidly become a considerable health risk in your home if left uncontrolled. Take into consideration doing early water damage and mold evaluations by high-quality restoration services like PuroClean on your property.

Most Common Molds Found in Homes

Alternaria

Alternaria is a fast-growing mold that develops in about five days at temperatures varying from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. It generates allergic responses in humans and promotes hypersensitive illnesses such as hay fever and asthma. This bacteria can infect people whose immune systems are weakened.

Aspergillus Fumigatus

Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent and hazardous mold variety. Spores have a cotton feel and might be blue-green or gray in shade. Other Aspergilli species are toxigenic and can produce aflatoxins. These are compounds that can stimulate cancer growth.

Aureobasidium

This fast-growing, allergenic yeast-like organism flourishes in both outdoor and indoor circumstances with enough moisture. This mold is typically found on wooden furniture, walls, and surfaces. People frequently acquire allergic reactions since they are widely noticed in families, and if left untreated, they might progress to more severe reactions.

Chaetomium

Watch out for grayish-green mold growth on any cellulose-containing product. Chaetomium is an allergic mold that commonly begins as a fluffy white growth. It darkens with time and may look like the feared black mold; it needs adequate moisture to flourish. Always check your property after a flood or any water damage issues; check this water removal in Sarnia services for best results. 

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is usually found in carpets and hardwood flooring. This mold can grow in cold and warm environments, making it more harmful. Cladosporium is a black or green “peppery” mold that develops on the back of toilets, painted surfaces, and fiberglass air ducts. While this mold is not dangerous to people, it can trigger common allergy symptoms such as red and watery eyes, rashes, sore throat, and bronchial asthma. Employ a professional mold cleaning company for an efficient approach to mold concerns. Click here for more info regarding mold mitigation.

Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

• Resolve any roof or plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Guarantee the soil bordering your house’s foundation slopes away from the home so that your basement does not flood.
• Dry clothes outside on a clothesline or with a dryer that vents air outside. Use kitchen, bathroom, or window fans that vent moist air outdoors. If you don’t have fans, open a window when cooking or showering.
• If your basement is wet, invest in a dehumidifier. Running an air conditioner will eliminate some moisture from the air as it cools it in the summer. If it’s humid outdoors, don’t keep your windows open when using an air-conditioning appliance.