Last Updated on January 5, 2015
There are different types of mold that found in homes that many homeowners do not know about. They can pose different health problems to the individuals. The experts are of the view that there are almost hundred different kinds of mold that can be present in a home. Some of the most common ones are discussed below:
• Alternaria
This type of mold is usually found outdoors. However, it can also grow in the indoor damp areas. For instance, they can be seen under skins with leaky pipes, in showers etc. the buildings that get flooded or have suffered from water damage tend to become the victim of this type of mold. Alternaria can easily spread from one place to another. Exposure to this type of mold can lead asthmatic problems and allergic reactions.
• Aspergillus
This type of mold is usually found indoors. It can cause severe respiratory infections, allergic reactions and can lead to a condition known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
• Aureobasidium
This type of mold is found outdoors. However, you can still them indoors if you have painted surfaces, wallpaper or wooden surfaces. Sometimes it is found on the damp window frames and caulking. Generally it is black and pink in color. There are many people who have reported to be allergic to aureobasidium.
• Botrytis
This type mold infests in those area where the humidity level is quite high. For instance, bathrooms where there is poor ventilation are an ideal place for this mold to infest. It tends to cause asthma and allergic reactions.
• Chaetomium
This type of mold tends to grow on drywalls that have sustained water damage. Its presence can easily be recognized from the musty odor it produces.
• Cladosporium
Cladosporium is a special type of mold that grows inside homes. Although most of the mold types prefer warm climates, cladosporium has a tendency to grow in cooler regions as well. It is seen to be grown on wood surfaces and carpets, floorboards and cabinets. On the whole, its presence leads to respiratory issues.
• Fusarium
This is more like clasdosporium as it can easily grow in low temperatures as well. Usually it is seen on water-damaged carpets and on some other fabrics. It can lead to respiratory infection and asthma. People who have compromised immune system are known to be vulnerable to infections due to fusarium exposure.
• Pencillium
Penciillium tends to grow in areas that have been damaged by water. It can be mattresses, insulation, wallpaper and carpeting etc. The most important thing about this type of mold is that it spreads easily and very quickly from one part of the home to another. Individuals who get exposed to penciillium complain about chronic sinus infections, allergic reactions and sometimes inflammation of the lungs. It is found in green or blue in color.
• Stachybotrys chartarum
This type of mold is known as black mold. It has a slimy black appearance from where it has gotten its name. Sometimes, it is also referred as toxic mold. Although the mold itself is not toxic, it produces toxic compounds known as mycotoxins. This compound causes serious health problems in people once they are exposed to it.
The most common ones are breathing problems, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, chronic sinus infections, depression and at times fatigue. It can easily be recognized from its musty odor and is usually grown in those places that stay damp most of the time. The air conditioning ducts and the leaky pipes are their favorite spots.
• Serpula lacrymans
It is a yellow mold and results in ‘dry rot’ because it feeds on wood.
• Trichoderma
Wallpapers, damp carpets and other wet areas are its favorite spots. It also produces mycotoxins just like stachybotrys chatarum and lead to severe health issues as well. There are many people who have reported to be allergic to this type of mold.
• Ulocladium
Since this type of mold needs a lot of water, it only grows in those areas where there is extensive water damage. It can be the homes that are flooded or the wet walls. Just like other types, many people are also allergic to ulocladium.
• Efflorescence
Generally, people confuse the salt deposits with the white mold found in basements. You can see the images online and will get to know the exact difference in their appearance.
What kind of mold is present in your home?
At anytime you feel that there is mold infestation in your home, you must seek professional help instantly. If you manage to encounter this problem at an early stage, you can keep yourself protected from a bigger mess in the long run. An expert will be in a better position to test your home for mold and then identify what kind of mold is present in your home. Furthermore, he will also tell you the severity of the problem and can even locate mold in those areas where you have never expected. Once the presence of mold is identified, the mold remediation specialist will come up with a proper solution for the best results.