The Most Common Types Of Mold In The Home
Learn about the kind of mold that can grow inside a house and the health risks these can cause
Though we all try to make our homes safe and clean at all times, it is inevitable that different kinds of bacteria, like mold, grow in the various areas of the house. To be able to prevent or remove mold growth inside the home, it is first important to know the kinds of mold that commonly exist in the household.
Chaetomium
If you live in a building that is water-damaged and which emits a musty smell, chances are that this kind of mold is present there. It has a cotton-like texture and comes in white, though its color darkens through time.
Stachybotrys
Also known as black mold, this type of mold is toxigenic, meaning that it is harmful, and is usually found in areas that remain damp for long periods of time, like air conditioning ducts. It can cause a variety of health issues, including neurological problems and even pulmonary bleeding in young children.
Aureobasidium
Commonly found on wooden furniture and painted or wooden surfaces, aureobasidium can come in pink, brown, or black. Some health risks that this type of mold can trigger eye and skin infections.
Alternaria
This type of mold has a velvety texture and is commonly found in showers, bathtubs, and under sinks, as well as in dimly lit areas outside the home. It can be a sign of water damage, and can cause various allergic reactions.
Ulocladium
This type is commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as windows that have extreme water damage. Typically black in color, ulocladium can trigger skin infections, hay fever, and asthma symptoms.
Rhizopus stolonifer
This kind of mold is the kind you see on bread, cheese, and soft fruits and vegetables, because it is dependent on sugar and starch found in food. Discard any food items you find that has this mold on it, because ingestion of this mold can trigger infections.
Source: House Beautiful
