The Most Common Types of Mold Found in Homes

Most Common Types of Mold Found in Homes

Mold is a common type of fungus that thrives in moist and warm areas. Apparently, it is one of the most common home problems. Mold in homes can occur in basements, showers, carpets, ventilation ducts, crawlspaces and areas around heating and cooling appliances.

Not only can molds cause damage to walls and floors and unpleasant odors, it can also cause health problems which include skin irritation, sneezing, headaches, itching skin, watery and itchy eyes. This is why preventing and getting rid of molds in homes has been a paramount concern. The best way to prevent mold in your house is to ensure there are no active leaks or areas where moisture is collecting regularly. Upon discovery of mold growing at home, you should take immediate steps to remove the mold. The first step to eliminating mold in homes is to know and understand the different types of mold growing in your house.

Stachybotrys Chartarum

Here are the most common types of mold found in homes:

Stachybotrys Chartarum

This type of mold often referred to as “black mold” or “toxic mold” is commonly found in homes. It is called “black mold” because of its slimy black appearance. It produces toxic compounds called mycotoxins. These toxic compounds can cause health problems when people come in contact with them such as chronic sinus infections, nosebleeds, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, breathing problems, cough, fever, and headache. The Stachybotrys mold requires very wet or high humid conditions for days or weeks in order to grow. This type of mold is often found in wood, wicker, hay, paper, and cardboard

Alternaria

This type of mold is often found outdoors, but it also grows in damp places indoors. It can easily spread from one area to another. It can be found in showers or under sinks with leaky pipes. Alternaria can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Chaetomium

Chaetomium often grows on wet drywall, carpets and window frames, wallpapers, plywood and baseboards that have sustained water damage. It is a major cause of biodeterioration of paper and other cellulose containing materials. It is also a known agent of skin and nail infections in humans and is more rarely a cause of cerebral and systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. This type of mold produces a characteristic musty odor.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is one of the most common types of mold found in homes Aspergillus are associated with numerous respiratory disorders as well as infections of the ear and eye. Contact with this type of mold can lead to Aspergillus sinusitis. It can also cause allergic reactions and respiratory infections. Lastly, it can cause a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which causes inflammation of the lungs.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is one of the most common types of mold found in homes.It often grows on fabrics, like carpets, and on wood surfaces, like cabinets and floorboards. It is also found in wallpapers, windows, damp shower, or any area in the house with excessive moisture. Cladosporium can grow in cool areas and may appear black, brown or green in color. There are over 30 species of Cladosporium. Cladosporium species have the ability to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms of allergic reactions may include sneezing, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, sinus congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and headache.

Fusarium

Fusarium is common soil fungus but it is also found in homes. Fusarium can grow and spread at lower temperatures. It’s often found growing on carpets and other fabrics which has been damaged by water. This type of mold can produce trichothecene toxins which are known to affect the circulatory and nervous system. It causes allergic reactions, asthma, and respiratory infections. People with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to infections due to fusarium exposure.

Penicillium

Penicillium is often found growing on materials that have been damaged by water, including carpets, wallpaper, and furnishings like mattresses. Penicillium causes food spoilage, colonizes leather objects and is an indicator organism for dampness indoors. It usually appears as a blue mold and/or a green mold. It’s one of the mold types that spread quickly and easily from one part of the home to another. It is actually the mold that saved millions of lives by producing the first ever known modern antibiotic, the penicillin.

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