Thursday, October 4, 2018

Most Common Types of Household Mold

10 Common Types of Mold in Your House

Written by: Dorcus

Mold has slowly started finding their way into people’s houses. Usually, they take advantage of areas occupied by a lot of dampness. Unfortunately, there are several areas in your house that are highly susceptible to dampness. These are areas include under leaking sinks, bathtubs and showers. If you do find these call a reputable Mold Remediation Company right away.

Mold is not only dangerous but also toxic. Usually, it is found in dark and damp areas. A temperature range of 60-80 degrees is enough to sustain these house invaders. Apart from your house, mold can also attack your office, car and other areas occupied by human beings.

Therefore, it recommended identifying mold as early as possible. This ensures prevention of impending health dysfunctions that might emanate from these unwanted plants. Getting rid of them early enough will help save many lives.

 

Effects of Mold on Human Beings’ Health

Mold ought to be eliminated as soon as possible. These plants are very toxic and hence can cause several negative effects on your body.

Below are some of the health effects emanating from mold exposure:

 

Mold-Induced Infections

People with weaker body immunity are at risk of contracting the mold-related infection. Also, those with pre-existing lung health conditions for instance COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder) are likely to suffer from diseases caused by mold. The infections usually attack the lungs due to prolonged exposure to mold.

 

Severe and Chronic Condition

Some types of mold are known for producing mycotoxins. This is a hazardous byproduct that can easily get into the skin, intestinal lining and airways. Increased exposure to this byproduct can culminate into deadly and severe health dysfunctions. Some of the symptoms accruing from this dangerous byproduct include the following:

Pulmonary bleeding

Pregnancy conditions

Heart and digestive conditions

Toxic nervous system (Neurotoxicity)

Kidney and Liver Conditions

Pulmonary fibrosis

Cancer

 

Mold Sensitivity

A good number of people are very subtle to mold. Others will start being sensitive as a result of continued exposure. Mold sensitivity comes with several symptoms for instance:

Skin Irritation

Headaches

Sore, dry or watery eyes

Wheezing, sneezing and coughing

Nasal and Chest congestion

 

Respiratory Conditions

In case you are suffering from lung ailments, then you have to avoid prolonged mold exposure. These respiratory conditions can also attack healthy people as a result of increased exposure to mold. It is therefore important for individuals to avoid coming into constant contact with these plants.

Symptoms of these respiratory conditions include wheezing, coughing, respiratory tract issues, and breathing problems. Furthermore, respiratory conditions such as asthma might also emanate from exposure to mold.

Those already with asthma ought to avoid being exposed to mold. Failure to do so, it might just escalate the symptoms of Asthma.

Since mold has a higher likelihood of derailing your body health, it is important to get rid of it once and for all. However, doing so is not a walk in the park. First of all, mold grows in large amounts.

This poses a major setback to the process of eliminating these unwanted plants. For that reason, you will require a professional to help you out with this process.

Usually, professionals will use mold remediation equipment which has been designed to get rid of mold fully. This equipment prevents any repeat of mold growing around your home once you have used it.

In case you are experiencing chronic mold infestation, a skilled expert is required to help you out.

With a great expertise in mold removal, you can always rely on this professional. In most instances, they come in handy in saving people from mold infestation.

 

Types of House Mold

 

First of all, mold belongs to a group of plants known as fungus. These are plants that grow almost everywhere on this planet. They have since spurred a great debate. This is due to their dire effects on people’s health.

Honestly, people are not sure of how many species of mold exist. Most people estimate around tens of thousands of mold species do exist. Some of the species are not hazardous to human beings but others cause severe and chronic health conditions.

It is of great essence to understand the kind of mold you might be dealing. Doing so ensures you stay safe whenever you come in contact with the mold. You will be able to evade the harmful ones hence ensuring your health is not interfered with at any cost.

Harmful types of house mold are classified into the following 3 types:

 

Toxigenic. These are types of mold which emit toxic substances. They are the kind of substances that are likely to cause deadly and dangerous health conditions. These molds are also known as toxic mold.

Pathogenic. These are molds which cause health issues in people from acute illness.

Allergenic. The kind of mold that produces and causes allergenic reactions and allergies like asthma attacks.

 

 

Below are some of the various types of house mold:

 

Aureobasidium:

It is an allergenic mold which can grow on wooden and painted services. This mold develops in a brown, black and pink color. When aging they take up a darker brown pigment.

The main health risks caused by this type of mold include nails, skin and eye infections. You should not dare to touch aureobasidium since it causes skin rashes(dermatitis).

Cladosporium:

This is also an allergenic mold. It is extraordinary such that it grows not only in warm but also cold conditions. Frequently, it grows well in indoor materials for instance carpets, upholsteries, and fabrics.

You can also find this kind of mold inside cupboards and under floorboards. It comes either in brown or olive-green color and has a texture similar to that of suede.

Cladosporium initiates allergic reactions in one’s skin, throat, nose, and eyes. Constant exposure to these molds is bound to cause sinusitis, lung infections, asthma, lesions, and skin rash. Despite not having toxic properties, you ought not to touch Cladosporium directly. It can cause lung and skin irritation.

 

 

Mucor:

This is also an allergenic mold. It grows in bigger patches. Normally, Mucor is greyish or white in color with a possibility of growing quickly. You will find Mucor closer to HVAC systems and air conditioning machines.

These systems do provide moisture that supports the growth of molds. Furthermore, damp carpets offer conducive conditions for the growth of Mucor spores.

Mucor comes with a variety of health issues that are embedded in one’s respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to Mucor can lead to asthma or accelerated asthma conditions. Furthermore, it can cause flu-related symptoms and breathing difficulties.

In instances of unfortunate and severe cases, long exposure to Mucor will likely lead to mucormycosis. That is a fungi-induced infection which can destroy the lungs, brain, and sinuses.

Mucormycosis can cause problems to the nose and eyes. Then it becomes systematic in renal, digestion and blood systems. As a result, it is vital to get in touch with a mold remediation professional help you in removing the Mucor. Avoid handling or inhaling Mucor spores without the help of a safety gear and mold remediation equipment.

Ulocladium:

This mold grows well in water and wet areas. Normally it comes in dark color. Ulocladium grows in buildings and homes which have undergone serious water damages. This is in areas like the basements, windows in high condensation, bathrooms, and kitchens.

It can grow together with Chaetomium, fusarium and Stachybotrys mold. Ulocladium is a reliable indicator of water damages.

It has two various species with a possibility of causing severe health conditions. Prolonged exposure to ulocladium for people with immune disorders and allergies can lead to serious reactions, for instance, hay fever. Also, there is a possibility of skin infections being caused by Ulocladium.

Acremonium:

This is one of the well-known toxigenic mold. Initially, it grows like a little moist mold which then changes into smooth powdery substance. This mold is usually white, orange, grey or pink in color. You will find it growing in condense areas such as window sealants, drain pans, cooling coils, humidifiers, and household systems.

Prolonged exposure to this acremonium can lead to bone marrow, immune system ailments and a number of organs. Also, being carcinogen, acremonium is able to cause brain function impairment. It can grow together with Stachybotrys which even makes it more dangerous and unpleasant.

Aspergillus:

Aspergillus is commonly found in most American households. It comes in almost 185 species that assume various colors. It is not only an allergenic mold but also is able to become toxic. However, the toxicity of Aspergillus depends on the environment and species type.

It is capable of causing symptoms like respiratory inflammation, lung infections, and asthma attacks. Particular aspergillus specious are able to produce aflatoxins which are a famous carcinogen.

 

Alternaria:

Is one of the best-known allergenic molds. It has a velvety texture and brown or dark green hairs. Normally it grows in damp areas. In households, you will find Alternaria in leaking sinks, bathtubs and showers. Also, water damages are bound to create suitable conditions for the growth of these molds.

Alternaria is capable of causing asthma-related symptoms in the mouth, nose and upper respiratory tract. It spreads at a higher rate.

 

 

Chaetomium:

This is a common type of mold around water-damaged buildings and homes. Such wetness provides conducive conditions for the growth and development of Chaetomium.

It has a soft texture with dynamic colors that change from white-grey-brown and then black after a long period of time. You will find Chaetomium around sinks, leaking roof and basement.

It also has its fair share of health effects. For instance, nail and skin infections. Also, Chaetomium is likely to produce mycotoxins. They are dangerous to individuals with a weaker immune system. To get rid of Chaetomium, you will need to repair all water damaged areas.

Doing so ensures you curb wetness that is bound to spur the growth of these types of mold.

 

Fusarium:

This is another kind of mold with the ability to grow in colder temperatures. It is not only toxigenic but also allergenic. Normally, you will find it in areas that experience water damages. You will find it growing in wallpaper, carpeting, and related fabric materials. It is normally reddish, white or pink in color.

Prolonged exposure to Fusarium is bound to cause a lot of health conditions. These conditions include skin infections and symptoms of allergic reactions like dermatitis, itchy eyes, sneezing, running nose and sore throat.

Continued exposure to Fusarium can lead to brain abscess and bone infections. Furthermore, it produces toxins which are likely to damage the nervous system and also lead to internal bleeding and hemorrhages. In order to be on the safe side, you will have to avoid getting exposed to this type of mold.

Penicillin:

Penicillin is without a doubt an allergenic type of mold. One can really identify it through its green or blue color and a velvety texture. Usually, it grows in households experiencing water damages.

This also applies to buildings. You will find penicillin growing in materials like ducting, wallpapers and carpets. Then it spreads at a higher rate from one house to another.

Despite being effective in the production of antibiotics and food processing, penicillin can initiate severe respiratory conditions. This is likely when it gets to grow inside the house.

Penicillin spores are airborne hence able to be transferred from one place to another. While moving from one place to another, people can easily inhale these penicillin spores putting their health in jeopardy.

 

Getting Rid of Mold

 

This is a process that ought to be taken in a systematic manner. You can approach a professional to assist you with the entire process. During this process, you will have to witness a number of systematic steps. Ensure you adhere to them fully.

They include the following:

Locating the Mold

First ensure you know where the mold is located in your house, office or building. Check all wet areas to locate any tress of mold.

Remove all moldy materials

Dispose of all moldy materials that cannot be cleaned. These materials can be carpets, drywall, wood and other materials that grow mold.

Conclusion

Mold is becoming a nuisance to many homes. This is due to the health dysfunctions these plants come with. To be on the safe side you will need to get rid of any molds or avoid constant exposure to these unwanted plants. However, to efficiently do that, you will need an expert’s advice. Consult a professional Mold Removal Company.

See Full Article Here: Most Common Types of Household Mold

No comments:

Post a Comment