Do you have mold lurking in your home? If you do, don’t panic just yet. There are different types of mold that aren’t necessarily harmful to you and your family. However, especially if you have water damage in your home, mold growth can be harmful and should be remediated immediately. Let’s talk about a few of the most common harmful molds that can grow in your home.
Stachybotrys (Black Mold)
Stachybotrys, more commonly referred to as black mold, is one of the most dangerous forms of mold that you can have in your home or business. It is called black mold because it is dark in color. The color ranges from dark gray to dark green. It usually smells musty or like mildew. You’ll find it growing in damp areas. If your family is exposed to this mold, they may experience a range of symptoms, from flu-like symptoms like diarrhea to symptoms as severe as memory loss or respiratory damage.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is an especially important mold to pay attention to right now during the pandemic, as it can have a negative effect on those with compromised immune systems. It can lead to an infection called aspergillosis, in addition to lung infections or allergic reactions. There are nearly 200 different species of aspergillus, so it can be different colors. However, it is categorized by flask-shaped spores. They’re common in American homes and can be seen forming thick layers of mold.
Alternaria
Categorized as an allergenic mold that causes allergic reactions, Alternaria is the most common type of allergenic mold. It’s dark green or brown in color and can be found in damp areas of the home (think: showers, bathtubs, etc.). If you have water damage in your home, this mold is most likely to show up and it spreads quickly. Because it’s an allergenic mold, if you are exposed to this you may notice symptoms similar to those experienced by asthma-sufferers.
Acremonium
Acremonium is a tricky mold, because its appearance can evolve. The color of acremonium is either white, grey, orange, or pink, but it starts as a moist mold and turns into a fine powder. It can also grow along with black mold. You’ll find it in moist household systems like humidifiers, window seals, and cooling coils. Acremonium is a carcinogen. It can lead to diseases in various parts of the body, from the brain to the immune system and bone marrow.
This just touches the surface of the harmful types of mold you can find in your home. If you do find mold in your home, give us a call. Especially if you have young children, pregnant women, elderly adults, or individuals with preexisting conditions in your home, the mold will need to be removed as soon as possible. And remember: this is not a project you should do yourself. Call in the experts at Royal Renovations.