Mold spores are everywhere: in our air and in the wind that comes into our homes. In their natural habitat, mold spores decompose organic matter, but when they invade human homes, they become inconvenient and even harmful.
Most people want to know what mold is toxic if found in a home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, all molds pose health risks. Thus, mold treatment should be done immediately. Although it is rarely fatal, it can cause serious health complications.
We have a basic understanding of what mold is; the next step is to learn how many types of molds can be lingering in your home (yes, it has types).
Let’s continue with the different types of mold present in your home in Maryland:
Allergenic Mold
Common in houses, allergenic molds aren’t poisonous per se, but they may set off asthma attacks and allergic responses. Your level of sensitivity to mold spores determines the severity of the symptoms. A range of responses, from mild to severe, may occur. While often innocuous in low doses, they may trigger serious responses in those with asthma or mold sensitivities when inhaled in high numbers.
DIY cleaning procedures may often remove allergenic mold; nevertheless, it is still important to wear protective clothing.
Here are the symptoms you need to look out for for this type of mold:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Skin irritation, including dry skin
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Sore throat
- Asthma symptoms
Alternaria
There are more than 250 species of Alternaria, making it one of the most widespread types of mold in homes.
Carpets, wallpaper, fabrics, window frames, and HVAC systems are common places for outdoor-born Alternaria spores to grow when brought inside.
In only five days, it develops to maturity, exactly like any mold. It thrives in moist and humid environments.
The velvety texture and dark green or brown hair of this variety are easily recognizable.
This mold is especially dangerous for those who already have respiratory illnesses, asthma, compromised immune systems, or allergies.
Asthma in children has been associated with long-term exposure to Alternaria, and spring and summer are peak allergy seasons due to its spores.
On dry, windy days, this mold often remains in the air and, when inside, may develop beneath carpets and even walls.
Acremonium
You can get sick from this toxic mold. It starts out as a small, wet mold and turns into a powdery material that is usually pink, gray, orange, or white.
It usually grows in home systems like humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and window seals. It can be found with other molds, like Stachybotrys (black mold).
Being close to this kind of mold can be harmful, causing diseases of the bone marrow and immune system as well as brain damage.
Aureobasidium
This mold grows inside damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, window frames, tile grout, wallpaper, caulking, fabrics, HVAC units, and on painted and unpainted wood.
Aureobasidium is flat and smooth, turning silky over time, usually in pink, brown, or black color.
The biggest health risk from this mold is that it can give you infections in your eyes, skin, and nails, so you should never touch it with your bare skin.
Not everyone who comes into contact with it will get sick. People with weak immune systems, babies, and the old are more likely to get sick.
Chaetomium
This mold usually grows outside on decomposing organic matter like soil and plants, but it’s also the most frequent kind of mold found in homes that have had floods or major water leaks.
A fuzzy white growth is the typical beginning stage for Chaetomium, an allergenic mold. It becomes darker with time and might resemble the unsightly black mold at times.
In fact, you may find both kinds growing side by side. Both need enough moisture for growth.
Ulocladium
This mold is often found in homes, mostly in tools like cleaning machines and clothes cleaners. It can also be found in damp places like showers, toilets, and windows that let water in.
Also, freezers that give out water and have hose connections that leak often may be vulnerable to this mold.
The growth of Ulocladium, a black mold, is not as dangerous as the well-known “black mold,” but the appearance of any mold is cause for concern and action.
It is possible to see Ulocladium growing on rugs and walls, and it needs a lot of water to help it grow.
Cladosporium
This type of mold, Cladosporium, is found most commonly in homes because it has about 220 kinds.
Some of these mold colonies are toxic and look black, brown, or dark green. They can grow in both warm and cold temperatures.
Cladosporium grows well in rugs, furniture, fabrics, under floorboards, and inside cabinets.
It makes people allergic and can even cause asthma due to prolonged exposure.
Symptoms include rashes and sores on the skin, asthma, lung infections, and sinuses.
It’s not dangerous to touch, but you should never touch it without safety gear.
How Getting a Mold Inspection Can Help
These are just a few of the scary types of mold lingering in your homes. These should be enough to keep you on your toes so you consider getting a mold inspection when buying a home.
Considering the nature of these different types of molds, you can’t really afford to play fast and loose with your and your family’s health.
It’s best to choose a reliable home inspection company that has years of experience and tons of reviews so you know you are in trusted hands.
That’s where we, Top To Bottom Services, come in.
Schedule your mold inspection today. (let’s not let the molds win)
