Types of Mold That Affect Your Health

Understanding Different Types of Mold

Did you know that mold is an umbrella term that refers to a broad range of fungi? Most anyone knows about Stachybotrys, the black mold. It is famous for causing severe allergic reactions. Its black color and growth pattern on cellulose-containing building materials have made it famous. However, other types of mold can be just as dangerous.

What Makes Mold Thrive?

Fungi need moisture to thrive. That said, mold spores can survive on dry surfaces for long periods. In homes, molds grow most commonly in bathrooms and other areas where high humidity recurs. Case in point is the area around potted plants that sit in trays to catch excess water, window corners where condensation forms, and ceilings that are subject to roof leakage.

Common Molds That Might Be Growing in Your Home Right Now

• Penicillin. As an antibiotic, it has saved countless lives. As a spore-producing mold inside your home, it can worsen asthma symptoms and other health problems. Look for the telltale blue or green discoloration on wallpaper and mattresses.
• Cladosporium. You can see its brown-green spotting on upholstery and underneath floor tiles or boards. Disturbing the spores leads to watery eyes and skin rashes.
• Ulocladium. Do you see black patches growing along tile grout lines or windowsill caulking? This mold thrives in areas where there is a lot of recurring moisture or standing water. It often does not grow alone but may keep company with Stachybotrys and other types of fungi.
• Aureobasidium. Are you removing old wallpaper? Look for brown spots that cluster close together. If you see them, do not touch these spots with bare hands. This mold can lead to the development of nail problems and skin rashes.

Why You Need to Know What Grows in Your Home Right Now

Some molds trigger allergic reactions. Your eyes water, you feel like you continuously sneeze, and you have a stuffy nose. In people with pre-existing asthma, they can trigger attacks. However, other molds affect people with compromised immune systems. In these instances, they could cause severe health issues. Finally, there is the toxigenic mold that might result in skin infections and worse.

Knowing what mold you might be exposed to on a daily basis can help you receive the medical care you and your family need. Maybe you are not all suffering from a seasonal allergy that never troubled you before. Instead, the culprit could be lurking in your shower, under the wallpaper, or even in the carpeting.

Taking Steps to Eradicate All Types of Mold

If areas of your home smell damp, use a dehumidifier. Of course, remember to clean the components of the appliance frequently. Next, fix any water leaks that might be causing moisture to enter the home. Finally, work with a home mold testing company. Running a test of current spore activity in the house tells you precisely what you are dealing with in your home. Most importantly, it allows you to plan for proper cleanup and remediation for all types of mold. Contact Healthy Air USA with your mold identification questions.