Mold information

Mold can be a very sneaky substance. As it thrives in moist, dark areas, many wouldn't think it would be a major problem for humans. However, once excess moisture has settled into any kind of porous material, such as drywall, it becomes a problem for everyone. It then has the ability to disperse its spores and spread throughout the entire property. Here are a few reasons why you want to get this problem taken care of as soon as possible.

Dangers of Mold Sneaking Into the Home

As mold can be classified as a fungi, it grows and responds the same as the others within its kingdom. In other words, it develops, eats, and spread its spores the same as other molds, mushrooms, and bacteria. The home provides the perfect resources to allow for its development and growth. The CDC, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warns about the dangers of living with mold in the home: Respiratory tract symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, and swelling of the throat. Those who have asthma and allergy problems are especially at risk. Those with hypersensitivity pneumonitis are prone to the immune-mediated condition Although not the most common, black mold is classified to be one of the most dangerous types of molds. As it is most frequently found in the dark, undisturbed areas, these places can include rarely-used shower stalls, behind the walls, in the attic, crawlspaces, and underneath staircases. In order to avoid these uninvited, dangerous inhabitants, be sure to check these areas every now and then in addition to keeping moisture levels to a minimum.

Air Travelers

Mold will thrive anywhere there is an optimal amount of moisture and porous materials to feast on. These conditions can include a leaking roof, leaking pipes, wet or damp areas of the basement and crawlspaces, flooding, or any path of moisture from the kitchen pipes to the basement. Even leaving damp towels on the floor is sufficient for mold growth. As soon as it has found a proper location to grow and develop, mold will easily be able to travel through the air, finding other susceptible spots. This is where the negative health effects start to occur. Keep in mind that mold canbe the cause for the following symptoms: Allergies have suddenly grown worse Sudden itching, sneezing, and rashes Feeling irritable and lethargic Difficulty breathing and/or sleeping Although mold prefers to remain in undisturbed areas, it will release its spores when feeling the slightest disturbance. These can include vibrations within the walls and floors when people are walking around on the above floor. When these spores are dispersed into the air, they can then enter the ventilation systems, such as the air ducts and air conditioning unit. Once they are inhaled, this is where the symptoms of coughing, wheezing, sneezing, etc. will start to take effect.

Damage of Building Materials

Once the source of the mold has developed in a certain area, it has the ability to eat away at its host; this can cause severe damage to the structural integrity of your property. Potential signs can include damaged hardwood floors, discoloration of the walls and ceilings, or condensation on the windows and walls. It can also be associated with a strong, musty odor. Those who are most sensitive to strong smells will notice this right away.

The Most Common Household Mold Types

Hopefully you will never encounter a mold problem in your home, but sometimes mold is unavoidable. Here are some of the more common kinds of mold that can present serious health risks for people if left untreated.

Alternaria

One of the more common molds found indoors and outdoors is alternaria. Alternaria usually appears in areas that are damp like the sink, shower, or dark and dimly lit areas outside the home. Health problems associated with alternaria include asthma attacks and allergic reactions.

Aspergillus

Another common indoor mold is aspergilus. This mold incredibly common and does minor damage to those that inhale it. Severe reactions include respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and inflamed lungs.

Aureobasidium

The aureobasidium mold is most often found on wooden furniture, surfaces, painted walls and wallpaper as well as around windows and in caulk. If you notice a spotty substance that is pink and black in color in those areas, it's probably this type of mold. Since aureobasidum is so common, most people do develop allergic reactions to it and it has been known to cause more severe reactions than other molds.

Chaetomium

Chaetomium mold is found in drywall that has experienced water damage. People typically identify its presence when they smell a musty or old odor in their home.

Cladosporium

Homeowners often find the cladosporium mold inside both cool and warm areas like carpet, wood floorboards, wooden cabinet and older fabrics. Being around the cladosporium mold can leave homeowners with breathing problems and respiratory issues.

Fusarium

Fusarium is a mold that tends to grow in colder, wetter areas. The typical homes for the fusarium mold are carpeted areas and similar fabrics. Fusarium can cause the standard allergic reaction as well as respiratory infections and inflammation.

Penicillium

Penicillium is a mold that can found indoors inside insulation, furnishings, water damaged furniture, carpeting and more. Penicillium is known for spreading quickly throughout the home and can cause homeowners to have sinus infections, lung inflammation, as well as allergic reactions.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

Black mold or stachysbotrys chartarum is also called toxic mold. This is due to the fact that this type of mold creates toxic compounds known as mycotoxins. The compounds cause those that breathe the mold in to develop breathing issues, sinus infections, depression, fatigue, asthma attacks and more. This type of mold can be identified by its musty smell and is found in areas that stay damp, like air conditioning pipes and ducts.

Serpula Lacrymans

The serpula lacrymans mold is commonly found outside but can also grow inside on wooden surfaces. This mold leads to dry rot within wood as it feeds solely on wooden surfaces. It's most noticeable by its yellow appearance.

Trichoderma

Trichoderma is another damp area mold. Homeowners often find the trichoderma mold within damp carpeting, wallpaper and similar surfaces. The harm with trichoderma comes from the production of mycotoxins that can cause sinus infection, allergic reactions, and more.

Ulocladium

The Ulocladium mold is found both outside and inside. Ulocladium is typically found in areas that have been severely damaged by water like in the floors and walls of homes that have experienced a flood. This kind of mold causes many homeowners to develop allergic reactions and infections.