Wondering what those black spots on your wall are? And what about that brown, hairy stuff growing under your sink?
The bad news is, these are common signs of mold. Depending on what type you’re dealing with, it could cause allergy flareups and other health problems. On the other hand, there are many types of mold that are mostly harmless.
It’s important to know which kinds of mold are growing in your house. To that point, we’ve written you this handy guide that explains the 9 most common household mold types. Read on to learn more.
The 3 Classifications of Mold
Household molds fall into 3 categories based on how they affect our health. These are allergenic, pathogenic, and toxigenic.
Allergenic molds cause allergic reactions. Typically, though, only those who are prone to allergies and asthma experience any symptoms. Pathogenic molds cause symptoms in people who have weakened immune systems.
Toxogenic molds are the most dangerous. These may cause anyone at all to have serious health problems, regardless of any other health issues they have.
- Stachybotrys Chartarum
Stachybotrys is toxigenic and very dangerous. It’s better known as black mold.
That’s not to say that any black-colored mold is Stachybotrys. This mold is slimy, dark green or black, and results from longstanding dampness. If you suspect that your house has Stachybotrys, call a mold remediation service immediately.
- Aspergillus
Aspergillus is an allergenic mold that also results from constant dampness. There are over 180 species/various colors of aspergillus so you’ll need an expert to identify it.
- Alternia
Alternia is allergenic, brown, and feels soft like felt. It’s usually found in moist bathroom areas like sinks and bathtubs.
- Mucormycetes
Mucormycetes are the white, fuzzy mold colonies that grow on rotting fruit. It’s highly allergenic. As such, it can pose a problem if it starts growing in the condensation dripping from your air conditioner.
- Acremonium
Acremonium is a toxigenic mold that also likes to thrive in air conditioner condensation. It can be grey, white, pink, or orange.
- Aureobasidium Pullulans
Aureobasidium pullulans are allergenic and grow underneath your wallpaper or on bare wood. It starts out grey or pink but becomes dark brown/black as it matures.
- Cladosporium
Cladosporium is allergenic, olive-green/brown in color, and causes noticeable respiratory symptoms. It grows upon fabric, including upholstery and carpeting.
- Chaetomium
Chaetomium looks like greyish cotton and results after heavy water damage. It’s both allergenic and pathogenic.
- Fusarium
Fusarium is normally allergenic but, in rare cases, causes extreme neurological symptoms. It usually comes from food but can live almost anywhere, even in very harsh conditions.
But it prefers soft areas, such as fabric. It appears as red or pink spots.
Which Types of Mold Are Infesting Your Home?
After reading this guide, have you determined which types of mold are growing in your home? If you suspect you have a harmful mold infestation in your home, please call a mold removal service right away.
Next, learn about household pest control options, how to minimize e-waste, and more. Find these great posts and other helpful tips on our Homes blog.
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