What is mold?
Did you ever leave a loaf of bread out to later discover fuzzy, colored spots growing on it? Have you noticed a dark substance on your shower walls or around your toilet? If so, then you’ve already witnessed what mold is.
Mold is a cluster of fungi grown together in multi-cellular thread-like structures.
There are several types of mold – some that cause illnesses and disease and others that are important in the production of enzymes found in foods, drinks, and even antibiotics. It’s important that you learn how to distinguish between them all in order to know when to buy a home mold test and protect your family from harm.
Common Types of Mold
There’s approximately tens of thousands of mold species that exist to date. As mentioned previously, some molds are dangerous to human health while others are not. Being able to identify the types of mold will help you prevent the spread of harmful contaminants and air pollutants. Here are some of the most common types of mold that you may encounter in your home or office:
1) ASPERGILLUS
Appearance: over 185 species appearing in many different colors, forms thick layers on home surfaces
Typically found: on food and in home air vents and air conditioning systems
Toxicity level: allergenic mold (causes and produces allergies and allergic reactions)
Potential symptoms: asthma attacks, lung infections, and other respiratory issues
2) CLADOSPORIUM
Appearance: greenish-brown or black spots
Typically found: on indoor home materials such as, fabrics, upholsteries, carpets, inside cabinets, and under floorboards, can thrive in warm and cold conditions
Toxicity level: allergenic mold (causes and produces allergies and allergic reactions)
Potential symptoms: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, skin rashes or lesions, itchy or watery eyes, lung infections, asthma attacks, or sinusitis
3) STACHYBOTRYS (“Black Mold”)
Appearance: greenish-black, gelatinous mold, usually appears wet or slimy
Typically found: on indoor home materials such as, wood, cardboard, paper, hay, or wicker, in wet or damp areas with high humidity levels
Toxicity level: toxigenic mold (produces toxic substances that can lead to dangerous or deadly health conditions)
Potential symptoms: difficulty breathing, chest tightness, depression, coughing, headaches, sinusitis, and other pulmonary issues.
4) MUCOR
Appearance: white or grayish in color and grows in thick patches
Typically found: near home air conditioning units and HVAC systems and ducts due to high levels of moisture from condensation
Toxicity level: allergenic mold (causes and produces allergies and allergic reactions)
Potential symptoms: fungal infections, asthma attacks, and flu-like symptoms
5) ULOCLADIUM
Appearance: usually black in color
Typically found: in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and any indoor areas that have experienced severe water damage
Toxicity level: allergenic mold (causes and produces allergies and allergic reactions)
Potential symptoms: asthma attacks, skin reactions, hay fever, and other immune disorders
If you believe that you could have any of these types of mold in your home, confirm your suspicions with a simple home mold detection kit first. Once you’ve received the results, learn how remediate your mold problem immediately in order to protect you and your family from any potential health conditions or illnesses.
