With very few exceptions (notably in the case of some special types of cheeses), mold is not a welcome guest in anyone’s home. It can damage property and threaten the health of those who encounter it. Not all molds are created equal though, and there are multiple different types of mold that can be found in a home.
Stachybotrys
You’ve probably heard people refer to some mold as being “toxic mold” or “black mold”. While many molds can appear black, Stachybotrys mold is one that is often referred to by those terms. This type of mold tends to grow well on cardboard, paper, wood, and hay. It’s not an especially fast growing mold, requiring several days to weeks and very damp conditions to really grow. It tends to look greenish-black, slimy, and somewhat gelatinous. It can be harmful to health, especially for those who deal with mold allergies.
Aspergillus
As dangerous as Stachybotrys mold can be, the good news is that it’s not the most common mold found in homes. That dubious honor goes to Aspergillus mold, of which there are 185 different subspecies. Of those, 22 are known to cause health problems in humans. As those numbers suggest, most people aren’t going to be affected very much by most exposures. Those with mold allergies may be, however, and could develop allergic aspergillosis.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is another common mold. It can be brown, green, or black, making it tough to identify. You might find it on your walls, carpet, window sills, wallpaper and painted surfaces, cabinets, floors, paper, or even your HVAC vent covers and grills. While most species aren’t dangerous to humans, some can cause some pretty significant health problems. This mold, like most others, can trigger mold allergies. This can be especially dangerous for people who have mold allergies and asthma, as you can experience attacks from both simultaneously. Cladosporium could also cause problems like skin lesions, nail fungus, and lung infections.
The specifics as to what exact type of mold you’re dealing with may be a little tough for your average layman to discern. The fact remains that there isn’t really any sort of mold you ever want to find growing in your home. Professional testing can shed some more light on the situation and help you determine what you’re dealing with.
Mold must first be found in order to be tested. If you’re concerned about the possible presence of mold, have a mold inspection done to get the problem identified and resolved ASAP.
Comments