Studies show that around 17% of US homes have some mold and it isn’t going anywhere soon. Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp, warm conditions. It can grow on any surface and spreads rapidly if left unchecked.
Mold reproduces by means of airborne spores that are responsible for a wide range of respiratory problems. Take action against these home invaders, before they take over your home.
These are the three most common types of mold that could be lurking around your home.
1. Allergenic Types of Mold
Allergenic molds cause problems like allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. They can also colonize your lungs and cause serious complications like hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Alternaria is the most common type of mold worldwide. It has a velvet texture with dark green or brown hairs and is often found in showers.
Aspergillus is the mold which most frequently thrives in US households, usually on damp walls. There are 185 different types of Aspergillus and they occur in a huge range of colors.
A glance behind the wallpaper of a damp wall could reveal pink, brown and black Aureobasidium. Carpets and upholstery are the favorite habitats of Cladosporium.
Mucor is a mold that grows in thick whispy whitish-grey patches near air conditioners. Penicillin is the best-known type of allergenic mold and has a bluish-green appearance.
2. Pathogenic Molds
These molds cause infections in humans, especially those with compromised immune systems.
Athletes’ foot and ringworm are both caused by pathogenic molds like Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. Some types of Aspergillus molds can be pathogenic and cause Aspergillosis in people with lung conditions.
Stachybotrys is also called black mold or toxic mold. This kind of fungus usually found in permanently moist areas and is most recognizable by its musty smell.
3. Molds That are Toxigenic
Toxigenic molds can be extremely dangerous and cause serious medical problems.
Fusarium is a slimy pinkish-colored mold that thrives in damp, cool conditions. It is often found on spoiled food, in compost, and on fabrics. Prolonged exposure to fusarium can cause hemorrhages and internal bleeding.
Some species of Stachybotrys are also toxigenic and can cause sinusitis and difficulty breathing. It is also linked to pulmonary bleeding in infants and neurological problems in children.
Keeping Mold in Check
It is important to try and keep your house mold free. Dry your shower thoroughly after use and clean it regularly with a mold-inhibiting detergent.
In small quantities, mold is harmless and easily removed, but it will spread rapidly if you aren’t meticulous about removing it at first sight.
If you experience flooding in your home, hire an expert to deal with the water damage and prevent mold from growing.
Getting Rid of Mold for Good
It can be difficult to get rid of molds for good using store-bought cleaners and home remedies. No matter what types of mold have popped up in your home, it pays to get them professionally removed.
Contact us for expert, fast and efficient mold removal services wherever you are.