Mold is an organism that presents itself in a variety of colors, ranging from black, white, orange, green or purple. Although mold is not always harmful, some types pose a dangerous risk and should be taken seriously. If an individual happens to notice the growth of mold in their home, they should quickly come up with a strategy for destroying it.
Common Types of Mold:
Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Stachbotrys Atra are the three most common types of mold.
The kind of mold that doesn’t come with much of a threat is Aspergillus. This fungus is present in the air we breathe, our air conditioning systems, and the food we eat. Generally, it doesn’t initiate an allergic reaction. However, in some cases, such as individuals with weakened immune systems, it can cause issues.
Cladosporium is the second type of mold and it evokes allergy symptoms. Although most of the time it is not toxic to humans, it can cause irritation to an individual in the presence of it. Symptoms include watery eyes, sore throat, and rashes. You typically find this mold behind toilets, in fiber glass air ducts, in the carpet, on painted surfaces, and more. It appears as a pepper, suede like texture in olive-green and black.
Stachbotrys Atra is known as the nefarious “black mold.” This mold appears dark in color, also ranging from black to green, but is slimy in texture. Growth occurs in areas where moisture is present. Unfortunately, Stachbotrys mold is rather dangerous to humans and can cause severe health problems for those exposed.
Other types of mold that are orange or red are harmless. Individuals sometimes make the decision to remove it, but only for aesthetic purposes. It appears slimy and thrives on decaying plants or wood, which may not be the most attractive addition to a home. Additionally, mold that appears white in color is not technically considered “mold” just yet. However, it reveals the fungus is in a very early stage and has the potential to continue growing. Its beneficial to catch mold in this stage of development for easy removal.
Common places for mold to grow
- Damp, humid areas
- Basements
- Showers
- Areas around heating and cooling appliances
- Carpets
- Ventilation ducts
- Crawl spaces
- Walls
- Attic
- Bathrooms
It is a good idea to regularly check your home in areas that have the potential to grow mold. Doing so could save you and your family from costly expenses as well as health issues. If you suspect mold in areas that you cannot easily access or have a large amount of mold, contact OneRestore for mold testing and professional mold removal.
