Different Types of Mold

When mold is going to be removed from your home it’s important that the Environmental Hygienist knows the type of mold that is being removed so that it is remediated properly. Your Environmental Hygienist will determine this by performing different types of mold testing in your home. By taking the proper procedures during the mold testing process it will determine the most effective way to remove the fungi and help to prevent them from coming back. The mold testing will also provide precautionary procedures in order to avoid and posed health risks that the mold growth may cause.

Areas of the home where mold growth could be more prevalent would be the bathroom, kitchen, basement and swimming pool. This is due to the fact that there is a higher moisture content in those areas. Please keep in mind though that mold  can grow anywhere in the home. Fungi can also grow rapidly in areas after a flood or if you’re home has endured storm damage.

Mold can be many different colors such as; black, orange, green or white. There are many different types and over one million known types throughout the world. To date, only 100,000 of them have been properly studied and named. With pathogens, allergens or toxins typically being the ones seen in homes. All 3 can pose a danger to families with kids who have respiratory conditions or asthma. They can also cause allergy type symptoms to occur such as; watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, coughing and nasal congestion.

Types of Mold and possible exposure symptoms:

Alternaria: This type loves to live on the inside of your nose, mouth, throat and your upper respiratory tract. Don’t underestimate the power of this guy.

Aspergillus: They love being in damp, warm places, but choose to use dust to reside on. There they are able to produce the toxic, mycotoxins.

Cladosporium: Typically this mold is commonly found outdoors but can make it’s way inside of your home by attaching to your clothing. Normally they target porous materials such as wooden walls and textiles.

Penicillium: This mold has to be checked out by experts because they like to live on fabrics and carpets. They can cause allergy and asthma.

Stachbotrys: This is the most lethal type of mold that also known as “Black Mold” and can in some cases result in death. It likes to live on paper and wooden materials and can cause breathing difficulties and bleeding lungs.

Be sure to check out our Mold testing and Mold removal page for more information and in depth mold removal steps.