The Common Types of Mold Found Inside Homes

As we all know, all molds are not the same. It is estimated that there are more than 100,000 types of molds. Some of them are beneficial for humans, others are harmful, while a few are toxic.

No matter what type of mold it is, they are unwelcoming for every home. It is one of the common causes of allergies in people. Moreover, it can cause serious damages to the structure of your house, if left unnoticed for long.

Therefore, it is best to learn about identifying the type of mold. So, in this blog, we are going to discuss the common types of mold.

Common Types of Mold:

1. Acremonium Mold

It is actually a genus of fungus which consists of more than 100 species. This type of mold evolves in its appearance over time. It is found inside homes, especially near humidifiers, cooling colds, window sealants, etc.

Acremonium mold can grow well if the humidity levels are high inside the room. It can even develop in food and starts as a small moist mold which will turn into a fine powdery substance over time. Most often it is seen in shades of pink, grey, orange or even off-white.

It is a slow-growing mold that is prolific and must be removed. It causes a stench smell, which is one way to identify its presence. Acremonium is toxic mold and exposure to this species of fungus is very dangerous.

Being a carcinogen, it has the ability to destroy the immune system, internal organs, bone marrow, and brain. If you doubt the presence of acremonium inside your house, the next step is to hire professional mold removal specialists.

Do not try to remove it yourself as it can put your health at risk.

2. Aureobasidium 

If you find a pink, brown or black color behind the wallpaper or wooden surfaces, it could be this type of mold. Aureobasidium is another common allergenic mold found inside homes. It can grow in soil, forest soils, plants, fruit, wood, etc.

Inside the homes, this type of mold grows on surfaces that are mostly damp; such as bathrooms, kitchens, shower curtains, window sills, etc. This type of mold can get dark with time. Hence, it is sometimes referred to as black mold by media. However, it is not scientifically called black mold.

Exposure to Aureobasidium causes various health issues in people. Infection of eyes, throat, skin, nails, etc. are common in people after exposure to this type of molds. In fact, some people experience hay fever or asthma with continuous exposure to Aureobasidium.

It can also cause dermatitis or skin rashes. Therefore, you should never touch this type of mold with bare hands.

3. Alternaria Mold

It is a kind of mold that is often found outdoors. It can grow inside in case of water damage. Surprisingly, there are more than 40 species that come under the Alternaria category. And this type of mold is responsible for degenerative diseases on trees and bushes.

Although a plant-based pathogen, it is the most common form of allergenic mold in the world. It can grow anywhere, there is moisture. This kind of fungi can be identified with its velvety texture. It has a minute hair-like structure which is mostly in dark grey, brown or black.

Since it is airborne, it can linger in the air during dry, windy days and can enter into your house through the breeze. If the space is warm or humid, it will quickly start to build a mold colony. If your home has higher than normal humidity, it is susceptible to this type of mold growth.

It can settle anywhere inside the house – houseplants, furniture, clothing, carpets, etc. It can cause numerous allergies for people inside the house hence you should clear it off and take the necessary mold remediation steps to further prevent its growth.

3. Cladosporium

Another common allergenic mold type is Cladosporium. However, most types of Cladosporium are not harmful to humans and will not cause any serious allergic symptoms.

But there are a few species that can turn to be harmful, so, you should not take it lightly. Some people have reported allergic reactions to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin with exposure to Cladosporium.

A unique factor about Cladosporium is that it can grow in warm and humid conditions. It is commonly found in green or brown shades. The favorite spots of Cladosporium are indoor materials such as fabrics, upholsteries, carpets, cupboards, floorboards, etc. It forms in a suede-like structure which is one way to identify it.

4. Chaetomium

If your home suffers from chronic moisture problems, it will be more susceptible to this type of mold. Chaetomium is one of the commonly found molds in water-damaged homes. It can grow in the foundation if basement waterproofing is not properly done.

If the surface is damp or leakage of water occurs, Chaetomium can start growing. It grows in a colony and takes a cotton-like texture. It can be found on various types of materials inside homes – wallpaper, drywall, door and window trim, paper, baseboards, carpets, cardboard, and furniture containing cotton. In fact, it can also grow inside books or paper.

The color of Chaetomium changes from white to grey to brown and even black sometimes. It often produces a musty odor and can be easily identified with its smell. If left unnoticed, this type of mold can cause health issues in people. It is often related to skin, throat and nail infections for the residents of the house, especially if they have a weak immune system.

If your home is affected by Chartomium molds, you need to find the source of moisture that leads to the formation of mold. Take the support of a house mold inspection company to ensure proper remediation.

5. Aspergillus

Another common type of household mold in the US is Aspergillus. It is estimated that there are around 200 species of aspergillus mold found in the world. Since the color of this mold varies with the species, it can take many colors. It forms thick layers of molds on the walls.

There are certain types of Aspergillus that are capable of producing aflatoxins. It is a known carcinogenic which can put your health at risk. Exposure to Aspergillus can cause allergic reactions in people.

It is one of the most common allergenic molds. Depending on the species and the environment, Aspergillus can turn toxic sometimes. When exposed to Aspergillus, people can get asthma attacks, lung infections, respiratory inflammation, etc.

Related Post – Things You Need to Know Before Hiring Mold Removal Professional

With the help of a mold treatment company, you can keep your home free of aspergillus type of mold.

6. Mucor

The fastest-growing kind of mold, mucor grows in thick patches in white or grayish color. It has a fluffy or cottony structure. It is commonly found near HVAC systems due to moisture from condensation and leads to damage to the property as well as causes various health issues to the people.

Mucor normally causes respiratory issues in people. You may experience coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, itchy eyes, sinus headaches, rashes, etc.

If you are someone with asthma, the symptoms may worsen with exposure to mucor. Difficulty in breathing and fever are also associated with exposure to mucor in rare cases. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused due to prolonged exposure to mucor. It is a very rare condition.

This fungal infection affects the sinuses, lungs, and brain. Make sure you take the necessary safety gear to avoid the inhalation of mucor molds.

7. Fusarium

Fusarium is a toxic and allergenic mold that grows in homes mostly after water damage. It can spread super-quick inside homes in cold and humid conditions. It can spread from room to room as well. Therefore, if you notice its presence, conduct a complete house mold inspection.

Fusarium grows commonly under the carpet, wallpaper, upholstery materials, etc. It can grow in food as well. The color of Fusarium is often pink, white & reddish.

As mentioned above, continuous exposure to Fusarium can be dangerous as it can sometimes affect the nervous system. Skin allergies and infections are common after exposure to Fusarium. People may experience sore throat, running nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, etc. when Fusarium grows inside the home.

Since it produces toxic spores, do not attempt mold removal by yourself instead get it done professional experts.

8. Penicillium

We all have heard of penicillin, which is one of the frequently-used antibiotics to cure illnesses. Penicillin is taken from penicillium mold. While penicillin has various benefits on health, exposure to penicillium can turn harmful. And therefore you should avoid it at any cost.

It is capable of producing mycotoxins, which are toxic substances. When exposed to penicillium, people may experience respiratory problems and show symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing, sinusitis, and more. In some cases, mycotoxins can cause damage to internal organs.

The mold is blue or green in color and grows commonly inside buildings and homes. It is estimated that there are more than 200 species of penicillium molds in the world. It can quickly grow and spread from one place to another.

The common accumulation points of penicillium are fabrics, old mattresses, couch cushions, carpet, plywood, behind insulation walls, etc.

9. Stachybotrys

It is nothing but the scientific name for the most infamous black mold and has a dark greenish or black color. It normally grows when space is exposed to wet environmental conditions for many days. Woods, cardboard, paper, etc. are common spaces where black mold grows in plenty.

Stachybotrys produces toxic substances called mycotoxins which lead to severe health problems in people when exposed. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, burning sensation in the airways, tightening of the chest, sinusitis, depression, etc.

Severe symptoms of black mold exposure include nose bleeding, headaches, fever, etc. It is also associated with neurological problems in children. Children are more susceptible to health issues related to black mold. Make sure you keep children away from the affected area and hire a professional black mold removal company to keep your home mold-free.

10. Trichoderma

Trichoderma is a white-colored mold type when it starts growing. Over time, the mold takes a grey or dark green color. This type of mold can cause extensive damage to the structure if left unnoticed for long.

It produces an enzyme that can destroy wood, paper products, etc. and grows rapidly in woolen fabrics, wallpaper, carpet, etc. when there is moisture present. Trichoderma can grow anywhere if there is a presence of moisture or high humidity.

This type of mold can come along with floodwaters as well and easily grows around HVAC ducts, air conditioning filters, and other damp areas.

There are different species of Trichoderma molds. While some are non-toxic, other types can produce mycotoxins and become harmful for human beings. This type of mold is associated with pulmonary and liver infections. Similar to other toxic molds, it can cause respiratory problems in people after prolonged exposure.

Get in Touch with Us Now!

Worried about mold growth inside your home? Get expert help from the Dry Effect! We are one of the most recommended mold removal specialists in Cincinnati.

We have the right equipment and knowledgeable technicians to do mold removal tasks efficiently. Also, we help you understand the reasons for mold formation. With our effective mold remediation activities, we help you take preventive measures to make your home mold-free.

Being a client-focused company, you can expect excellent mold inspection and mold removal services at affordable rates from the Dry Effect! To talk about our mold inspection and testing services, get in touch with us now!