Many people think that mold only occurs in older homes. The truth is, homes of any age can develop mold problems. If your home has damp and dark areas, then there’s a chance that mold could be growing in your home. While some types of mold aren’t dangerous to be around, it’s still important to keep spores under control to avoid possible health hazards.

In order to combat mold and the problems it can cause, you must be able to identify the different types of mold that commonly grow in households. Mold can be classified into three different types: allergenic (cause and produce allergies and asthma attacks), pathogenic (cause health problems in those with an acute illness), and toxigenic (produce toxic substances that can be dangerous and even deadly).

Below are the common types of mold spores found in homes (plus how to combat and prevent them):

1. CLADOSPORIUM

Cladosporium is an allergenic mold. It can grow in both warm and cold conditions. This type of mold is often found in carpet, fabrics, mattresses, and upholstery. It can also be present under floorboards and inside cupboards. Cladosporium can be found in bathrooms on the back of toilets, in HVAC insulation and in fiberglass air ducts. This mold is often olive-green or brown and has a suede-like texture.

How to combat: Cladosporium is hard to get rid of due to its airborne nature. It’s best to consult with a professional to properly identify this mold and come up with a treatment plan.

2. STACHYBOTRYS – BLACK MOLD

Stachybotrys is of the toxigenic mold variety. It is often dark green or black in color. Stachybotrys commonly grows on cellulose material such as cardboard, paper, wood, hay, and wicker.

How to combat: For non-porous materials, you can use one cup of bleach in one gallon of water to successfully remove black mold. Allow these materials to dry completely to prevent mold regrowth. Porous surfaces like drywall and carpet are more difficult to clean and may need to be discarded. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you should consult with a professional if you have a mold infestation that covers 10 square feet or more.

3. ACREMONIUM 

Acremonium is a toxic mold that changes in appearance over time. This type of mold typically grows in humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans and window sills. Acremonium is known for its foul smell, so its presence is often hard to miss.

How to combat: Due to the toxicity of Acremonium, you should pursue a professional for removal to ensure safety.

4. MUCOR

Mucor is an allergenic form of mold. It usually grows in thick patches and is often white or greyish in color. This type of mold typically grows on air conditioning systems and ductwork. If your home has been water damaged, then, chances are mucor is present as it is a common problem in water-damaged buildings.

How to combat: Seek the help of a professional, especially if your home has sustained water damage. This will ensure a prompt clean-up to dry out the area before this type of mold begins growing.

5. ALTERNARIA

Alternaria is the most common form of allergenic mold. It has a velvety texture with dark brown and green hairs. It is commonly found in damp areas like bathtubs, showers, and below leaking sinks.

How to combat: You can keep Alternaria at bay by keeping all entryways closed, regularly checking for leaks in your bathroom and kitchen, and reducing the humidity level inside your home by keeping your HVAC system running. For larger mold growth, consult with a professional for mold remediation services.

Mold is difficult to remove on your own, especially if you or a member of your household has health problems. At EC Construction, we specialize in the renovation and reconstruction of damaged homes that have experienced mold growth. Contact us today for more information.