It’s not always easy to get rid of mold in your home, and it can quickly spread. This is why it’s important to identify the type of mold that’s causing the issue and where it’s hiding. Most of the time, it’s found in moist areas such as under a sink or inside a wall.
While the article discusses various types of house mold, it’s essential to remember that identifying the exact strain in your home can be challenging. If you suspect a mold infestation, rather than attempting to categorize it yourself, seek professional help. For residents in the Los Angeles area, consider services like mold testing in LA, which can provide a comprehensive examination and ensure you’re dealing with the mold appropriately.
Here are the 12 types of mold that you should be aware of and ways to identify them in your home. If you’re worried about the health effects of mold, call a professional immediately.
1. Stachybotrys (Black Mold)
This type of mold is toxic and is commonly found after water damage happens to your home. It can be black or dark green with a slimy texture. It grows in areas that have been humid and damp for weeks. If you live in Denver and have water damage from a broken pipe or a natural disaster, it’s important to call the best professional remediation company for water damage restoration in Denver, Restoration Logistics .
2. Acremonium
This mold usually starts small and moist, but it can then turn into a white or pink powder. It can grow in various moist areas in your home, such as window sealants, cooling coils, and drain pans. The toxicity can lead to various health issues, such as immune system diseases and bone marrow disorders. If you’re worried about the effects of this toxic mold on your health, be sure to call a professional to help. It can also grow alongside other strains of black mold.
3. Alternaria
This mold is known to trigger allergic reactions if it’s in your home, and it can grow in various moist areas, such as bathtubs and showers. It can spread quickly and can cause asthma symptoms. It’s important to get rid of this type of mold as soon as possible to prevent it from affecting your health.
4. Aspergillus
Commonly found in American homes, Aspergillus is a type of mold that can develop thick layers of mold on the walls. It can also produce respiratory infections and allergic reactions. It has over 180 species and can grow in various moist areas.
5. Aureobasidium
This mold, which is known to cause allergic reactions, can grow on wooden surfaces. It can appear as dark brown or pink, but it eventually becomes darker and can cause skin infections. It’s important to avoid touching the mold to prevent it from infecting your skin.
6. Chaetomium
Chaetomium is usually found in areas with severe water damage. Although it can start as a white or gray mold, it can turn into a black mold over time and produce a musty odor.
7. Cladosporium
Another type of mold that can cause allergic reactions, this type of mold can look like suede. It can also cause respiratory issues and other health issues. It can be found in various fabrics, such as carpets.
8. Fusarium
This toxic and allergenic mold can appear in various colors and forms, and it can spread quickly on food. Just make sure that you thoroughly inspect your food to prevent it from wreaking further damage.
9. Mucor
This type of mold, which can look white and has thick patches, can be found in damp areas, such as near air conditioning units. Mucor mold exposure can cause various health issues.
10. Penicillium
This allergenic mold can appear in various colors and forms, and it can spread quickly on food. It can also cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions if it’s in your home. This type of mold can be found in areas with water damage, such as in mattresses and wallpaper.
11. Trichoderma
This mold, which has thick green wooly patches, can be found in damp areas, such as near air conditioning units. It can also appear under clothes and other textiles. Although most of the species are non-pathogenic, some can produce mycotoxins that can cause health problems.
12. Ulocladium
This mold tends to appear black in appearance in rooms with high moisture levels following water damage. If you suspect that this mold might be a problem, call a professional immediately. It can cause severe health issues, such as hay fever.
If left untreated, mold can have detrimental effects on your health. It can take weeks, months, or even years for certain mold species to develop and become established. The spores of these fungi can pollute indoor air quality and are often more dangerous than other airborne pollutants.
