Mold is a very toxic and hazardous organic substance that can seriously threaten human health. It loves to grow and reproduce in damp, dark places. Mold can develop almost anywhere if those conditions exist, such as in your home and your car. It is important that you can identify mold and know what to do if you see it. Sometimes mold spreads so quickly that only a professional can manage it, and it may have already affected the health of those in the home. Here are some of the most common types of mold that you should look out for.
Acremonium Mold
Acremonium is a common mold found in the dark spots of houses. When it first appears as a small spot, it is moist, but it will then develop into a pink, grey, or orange powder. It loves to attach itself to window sealants, humidifiers, and drain pans. Exposure can cause problems with your bone marrow, immune system and your organs. It has also been known to affect brain function.
Alternaria Mold
Alternaria mold is the most commonly found form of mold in the world. Wherever it is damp, there is a good chance you will find the velvety dark green or brown substance. It is mostly found in bathtubs, showers, and under sinks that leak. When a home suffers water damage, this mold is what is usually left behind. Symptoms of exposure to alternaria include asthma symptoms and irritation in the respiratory system. It can spread very quickly and put your whole family in danger.
Aspergillus Mold
Aspergillus has long spores that create a thick mold. There are 185 species of aspergillus, so it can appear in almost any color. It is very allergenic, and it can also be toxic. It can cause asthma attacks, infections in the lungs, and inflammation.
Aureobasidium Mold
Aureobasidium mold can often be found lurking behind wallpaper and other dark spaces, but it also loves wooden surfaces. It is more often pink or brown, and gets darker as it ages. The main hazard with aureobasidium is that it can cause infections in your skin, nails, and eyes. You should never try to interact with this mold with bare hands. Always wear gloves.
Chaetomium Mold
This mold also likes to make an appearance when a home suffers water damage. It feels like cotton, but is black. It is most commonly associated with its musty smell that strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners. It can also cause infections of the skin and nails, and can produce toxins that can be deadly for those who are immunocompromised. It spreads quickly, so it must be dealt with quickly after discovery.
Cladosporium Mold
Cladosporium has the unique distinction of being a mold that can grow in the warmth and cold. Unlike many other molds, this type likes to latch on to fabrics, like carpets and upholsteries. It may still show up under floorboards and other dark wooden spots, however. Being exposed to cladosporium can result in skin rashes, lung infections, and lesions.
Fusarium Mold
This mold also can develop in cold temperatures. It is toxic and allergenic, and will cause serious skin and lung infections. It is often a pink color, but it may appear white or reddish. You can often find it growing on food that has been left to compost. If you are exposed to fusarium for too long, then you may be at risk of bone infections and even brain abscesses.
Mucor Mold
This white or grey mold grows quickly and in large patches. It loves to spend its time around air conditioners and their ducting. It likes the condensation that it can often find. It can seriously affect the respiratory system by causing asthma or making an asthma condition even worse.
Now you have an idea of what some molds to which you might be exposed can do. Take care and be safe when dealing with mold, and contact a professional if the job gets too big.