Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on virtually any surface. Mold spores are present in the air and often enter your home through open doors, vents, or windows. Even if you’re not noticing a mold problem, it could be growing behind walls or under floors where you can’t see it. There are many types of molds that may occur in your home, and some can produce allergens and irritants. In this post, we will explore seven common types of molds found within homes.
1. Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a common genus of mold that can be found in homes. Most species are not harmful, but some strains produce mycotoxins – toxic substances that may cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems. Aspergillus must have abundant moisture to grow and normally cannot survive on surfaces for long periods of time due to desiccation.
2. Cladosporium
Cladosporium is another common mold genus that can be found in homes. This type of mold often appears as dark spots or stains on porous surfaces, like drywall or ceiling tiles, but it will also grow on non-porous materials like glass and metal if moisture is present. Cladosporium is sometimes associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis – an inflammatory lung disease that can develop in some individuals who are exposed to large amounts of the spores over time.
3. Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys, also known as black mold, is one of the most infamous types of mold due to its toxicity and potential to cause severe health problems in humans. This mold is capable of growing on nearly any surface, but it especially favors cellulose-rich building materials like fiberboard, which can be found in some home furnishings such as upholstered furniture and bookcases.
Stachybotrys has the ability to produce concentrations of mycotoxins at levels that can be harmful if inhaled, so it is important to remove the mold as soon as possible.
4. Fusarium
Fusarium grows poorly unless the water is present, so it usually does not exist in homes without a moisture problem. This type of mold often appears on grains and other food items with high starch content, but it is also a common contaminant of houses and other buildings with water intrusion.
Learn more: Top 10 Reasons You Need To Be Aware Of Mold!
5. Aureobasidium
Aureobasidium species are usually found in homes on damp surfaces that have been exposed to water or high humidity for extended periods of time, such as along the baseboards near bathroom sinks and showers. The mold can also grow on wallpaper and carpets if they are not properly cleaned and dried.
Aureobasidium can produce allergens, irritants, and other potentially harmful toxins that cause a variety of health problems in humans, including fatigue, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal disorders.
6. Cladosporium Resinae
Cladosporium resinae is a highly aggressive mold that requires the presence of resin to grow. Cladosporium resinae can sometimes grow on wood, textiles, and other surfaces as well if they contain resin such as pitch or sap from trees.
This type of mold often appears in homes where there has been a roof leak or other water intrusion, causing damage to furnishings and other porous materials.
7. Chaetomium
Chaetomium is a common genus of mold that can be found in homes on cheese, leather goods, paintbrush bristles, plaster, wallpaper paste, coffee beans, spices – especially those containing licorice – as well as in homes on cellulose-rich building materials.
Chaetomium can produce a variety of mycotoxins and allergens that may cause respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal issues in humans.
We hope you’ve learned something new about the world of molds in your home. Maintaining a healthy indoor environment with proper ventilation and humidity control is important for protecting not only your family but anyone who visits too! Hire a Mold Specialist in Atlanta to inspect if your house is infested with either of these molds.
