Since you're here already, we don't think we need to tell you what a mold is. However, not all the molds are the same. Some can be nothing but disgusting, while others can be a serious threat to your health.
To fight them, you’ll need to know about different types of molds in homes. And that’s what we’re talking about now. We’ll let you know the 10 most common molds you’re most likely to face in your home.
Table of Contents
Effects of Mold on Human Health
Mold isn't just an aesthetic problem, but they pose a significant risk to your health as well. People who have underlying respiratory problems or allergies may suffer the most.
Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction to mold will cause symptoms akin to other allergies. You might get hay fever, runny nose, and even an itchy throat. Needless to say, none of these are particularly comfortable.
The biggest risk, perhaps, is people who have mold allergies and asthma as well. This might lead them to have asthma attacks which can be very dangerous. In fact, people with breathing problems will find it quite irritating when there is mold growth.
Molds Can Be Toxic
Since mold is primarily caused by dampness, this dampness can cause things to break down and make the air you breathe much dustier. As it grows spores, the cells can enter the air.
This can be toxic to allergic people who are sensitive to them. One of the more deadly toxins molds can produce mycotoxins. No one wants to deal with that.
Creates Aspergillosis
Some mold has different effects as well. For example, Aspergillus, which is a type of mold, can cause Aspergillosis.
This is an infection caused by common mold. Here is the thing though, most people actually breath this in without showing any major symptoms. The problem is actually when a person with a weaker immune system breathes it in.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, headaches, and more. Chronic cases are more severe. It includes coughing up blood, weight loss, and tiredness.
Remember how we said mold could affect people more with other medical health conditions? The same applies to Aspergillosis too. Invasive Aspergillosis is something that you will see occurring in people with other medical conditions.
Fever, coughing, chest pain can be seen if you already have other health problems. There is another problem; it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose which symptoms are particularly indicative of invasive Aspergillosis.
What Do the Studies Say?
You don't have to listen to us to be convinced that mold is bad for your health. You see, not everybody might be affected to the same extent. That’s why some might think that their health is just fine.
A study done by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found connections between respiratory tract problems and indoor mold exposure. They found all the symptoms we mentioned (coughing and others).
If that wasn’t enough, the World Health Organization (WHO) also suggested mold exposure at an early age might lead to developing asthma. That can be terrible for kids.
Effects of Black Mold
Black mold is perhaps one of the most feared and hated mold growths. Ask anyone who has some knowledge about it, and they will tell you to stay miles away from black mold.
This type of mold is also called Stachybotrys and can lead to problems. All the common symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and skin rashes can be caused by black mold.
Black mold gets a particularly bad rep since most people think this is the one that produces mycotoxins. The truth of the matter is all molds can produce mycotoxins.
Mycotoxicosis is mostly caused by eating moldy food. Studies were unable to conclude that inhaling causes it. That being said, you should still be careful of mold growth and take preventive measures.
If there is already a mold infestation in your home, keep on reading. We will touch on how to take care of it.
The Biggest Threats to a Healthy Home
Mold is considered one of the biggest threats to a healthy home. The concerns are even more with children around. Mold is actually not that hard to deal with. You can take preventive and proactive measures to make sure your home is mold-free.
It’s negligence and a lack of cleanliness and care that will cause health issues. A home is supposed to be a haven. A place where all the family can gather around and feel safe. The last thing you want is mold growth causing major health problems for you and your children.
Classifications of Harmful Mold
Before discussing the common mold types, you need to know the classifications of harmful mold. There are three types.
Pathogenic
You have probably heard of this word before. These types of mold cause health problems for those who are already suffering from other health problems.
Allergenic
These types of mold cause allergic reactions, as you can guess from the name. Think of asthma and similar sort of reactions.
Toxigenic
Lastly, you have toxigenic. Sometimes called toxic mold, toxigenic mold can produce toxins that may lead to dangerous health conditions. In severe cases, it can also be fatal.
So, what are the common types of mold found in homes then?
10 Most Common Types of Household Mold
By large, there are a couple of common mold types you need to know about. Let's go into the details
1. Alternaria
These are the most common form of allergenic mold you will find in homes. As with most mold, they typically grow in damp places and have a dark velvet texture to them.
You can also find some dark green hair-like particles on them. Yes, we know, it’s just as disgusting as it sounds. Showers and bathtubs are prime breeding grounds for these nasty things.
Be careful when you spot Alternaria mold, though. They spread very quickly and need to be dealt with immediately. Left alone, you run the risk of it taking over your home.
2. Aureobasidium
This is another type of allergenic type of mold and is one of the hardest ones to spot. That's because of where they typically grow. Houses in the US commonly have wallpapers on their walls.
As good as it might look, that's also where you may have growths. Aureobasidium can also grow behind painted walls. The color of it is usually black or pink and sometimes brown too as the mold ages.
Never touch this mold with your bare hands when removing it, though. They can cause a skin rash, amongst other things like eye and skin infections.
3. Acremonium
A toxigenic mold that is somewhat of a shapeshifter. These change their appearances over time. You will see a moist and small patch of mold that will eventually become powdery.
Again, make sure you take appropriate measures as soon as you see any form of this mold developing. They typically grow on sealants and drain pans.
Healthwise, these are quite dangerous. It can cause bone marrow and immune system diseases, amongst other diseases. This is a carcinogenic mold that can affect brain functions as well.
4. Cladosporium
Cladosporium is another type of allergenic mold which grows both in cold and warm places. If you haven't taken care of your carpets and upholstery, you might be needing to deal with this type of mold.
It isn’t limited to fabrics either. You may find Cladosporium inside of cupboards and under floorboards.
They have an olive-green color and a suede texture; quite ironic since they do grow on fabrics. Exposure to this type of mold can cause skin, eyes, and throat allergic reactions.
5. Fusarium
If you thought the previous mold is the only one that can grow in cold conditions, well, you're quite wrong. Fusarium can thrive in cold conditions too. What's particularly terrifying about this one is it's both an allergenic and a toxigenic mold.
These also grow on fabric materials, wallpapers, and carpeting. Homes that have water damage will mostly face this type of mold, and it has a pinkish color to it. Some can be reddish or white too.
You don't want to be exposed to this mold since it can cause allergic reactions with life-threatening problems under prolonged exposure. They are also able to produce toxins that can lead to internal bleeding, Yikes!
6. Chaetomium
Another mold you will commonly find in a home with water damage is Chaetomium. Leaking roofs or basements are prime places these will grow. They have a more cotton-like texture and are either white or somewhat grey.
Other variants can also be brown. However, if left alone, they will eventually turn to a black color over time. These aren't black mold, though. That's a different type of mold which we will also address a bit later.
Nail and skin infections are mostly what exposure to this mold may cause. If someone has a weaker immune system, they need to be extra careful. Since these can produce mycotoxins, they can be especially dangerous.
Whether you have other medical conditions, a weak immune system, or not, it's still wise not to take any mold growth for granted. As soon as you see signs of mold, it's best to take immediate action.
7. Mucor
Mucor might be one of the most disgusting types of mold. It grows in thick patches and is just simply as horrendous as it gets. They grow very quickly, which is bad news since these are allergenic.
Also, Mucor grows mostly on damp carpets and near HVAC or air conditioning systems. If you happen to have old damp carpets, Mucor can be a problem in that case too.
This mold can cause problems like asthma when exposed to. If someone already suffers from asthma, it can worsen conditions in that case.
8. Penicillin
Penicillin is probably one of the most recognizable molds due to its bright green or blue color and velvety texture. Penicillin is an allergenic mold that can be found in water-damaged buildings.
The major problem with this one is it spreads rather quickly from one house to another. On top of that, it can cause health problems like asthma and pulmonary inflammation.
9. Ulocladium
Have damp and wetness in your house? Ulocladium mold will waste no time calling it their home too. This mold is found in buildings that have faced extreme water damage.
So, if you take care of your property and are responsible, this isn't one of the types of mold you have to deal with. Although, it can still happen, which is a problem since these can also cause health problems for us mere humans.
One of the health problems you might face when exposed to Ulocladium is allergies. Hay fever and skin infections have also been reported. You will find it near bathrooms, basements, and around windows.
One of the health problems you might face when exposed to Ulocladium is allergies. Hay fever and skin infections have also been reported. You will find it near bathrooms, basements, and around windows.
10. Stachybotrys
We saved the worst for last. Stachybotrys, which is also called black mold, has a dark color with a slimy texture. Places with high humidity levels and damp areas are where this type of mold thrives.
It can grow on things like wood, paper, and cardboard. This mold can cause a host of health problems, including breathing problems, depression, tiredness, and sinusitis.
Exposure to black mold may also cause pain in the mucus membrane and headaches. These are particularly dangerous with children around. If you spot these types of mold, whether you have children in the house or not, it’s best to call a professional and get rid of it.
Common Areas for Mold Growth
Now that you know all the common types of mold in homes you may come across, it’s also a good idea to know where mold commonly grows. There are a few common areas where you would see mold growth the most.
Knowing these areas will help you stay ahead of the growth and take preventive measures before it’s too late. There are some areas where you wouldn’t expect to check.
Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most common areas you would see growth. Since mold generally grows in damp spaces, bathrooms are a prime candidate. Make sure to check the sink, toilet, walls, and floors for signs of mold growth.
The Bedroom
As you know by now, some can grow on fabrics and windows. Mattresses can also be mold hotspots in some homes. Window sills, air conditioning systems can have mold growth.
Basement and Attic
Mostly neglected, dark and damp, basements and attics are somewhat of a mold haven. Mold can grow in these areas due to improper ventilation. Places to check are near water heaters, around pipes, and vents.
Garages can be a place for mold growth as well. So, make sure to check there as well.
The Kitchen
Yep, as disgusting as it is, mold can grow in your kitchen too. That’s why it’s very important to keep your kitchen free from old foods. Mold can grow under the kitchen sink as well.
Just make sure to keep your kitchen clean and as dry as possible when it's not in use.
Behind Wallpapers and Drywall
Molds have a clever trick of growing in places where they can be quite hard to spot. They can grow behind wallpapers and drywall, which can really make it difficult for unsuspecting residents to spot them.
Check the seams between the ceiling and the floor to diagnose a mold problem. If you're installing new wallpaper, you can prime the area to deal with possible future growths.
How to Prevent Mold?
Alright, all this stuff till now has been quite depressing. There is light at the end of the tunnel, though. You can prevent mold! There are a couple of things you can do that will make it hard for mold to grow.
Keep Places Clean and Dry
One of the major things you need to make sure to do is to keep things clean and dry. Mold thrives in damp places with poor ventilation. Cleaning using mold-killing cleaners will also help.
Fix Leaks
Fix any signs of leaks that can cause growth later on. Trust us, it may be a bit of work right now, but you will thank yourself later on.
Make Sure to Have Optimum Humidity Levels
Low humidity will go a long way in preventing growth. As a general rule of thumb, the humidity levels in your home shouldn't be more than 50%. If you live in a humid place, you can look into dehumidifiers.
Don’t Use Carpets in Damp Places
Places like the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas that are most likely to be damp for some time don't need to have carpets. That can cause problems with mold growth.
Prevent and Take Care of Water Damage
Look for water damage signs. Fix them immediately and if you’re lucky and don’t have any water damage, make sure it stays that way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of mold is dangerous in a house?
Some types of mold can cause major health problems. While it isn’t easy picking a specific type of mold that’s the most dangerous, but molds like Aspergillosis and black mold can be quite a nuisance. They can cause problems with breathing and cause very bad reactions for people who already have a weak immune system.
1.Is it safe to sleep in a house with mold?
We really wouldn't recommend sleeping in a house with mold. While you don't have to pack your bags and abandon the house, it can be dangerous sleeping and being exposed to mold for a long time. Make sure to take immediate cleaning measures when you see signs of growth in your home.
2. What kills mold permanently?
You will find a lot of products that will take care of the problem and kill mold easily. If you don't want to use a product from the store, you can also make a solution to kill mold at home. Start by mixing one cup of bleach in one gallon of water.
Then start applying this solution to places of mold growth. Soap can also be added to the mixture. This will help the solution reach porous surfaces.
Final Words
There you have it. Now, you know what the different types of mold in homes are and how to deal with them. At the end of the day, it all comes down to making sure your house doesn’t make it easy for mold growth. Keep things dry, clean, and well ventilated, and you should be fine for the most part.
