Table of Contents
What are the main types of molds?
The most common types of mold include aspergillus, cladosporium and stachybotrys atra (also known as black mold). Aspergillus is a fairly allergenic mold that is commonly found on foods and in home air conditioning systems.
Which type of mold is dangerous?
1. Stachybotrys. Commonly referred to as “black mold,” stachybotrys is one of the most dangerous types of mold and can cause flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, headaches, memory loss and severe respiratory damage.
How can I tell what kind of mold I have?
Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty. A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it’s mold.
What are three types of molds?
The more common molds that most homeowners encounter can be classified into three categories: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic.
Is all mold toxic?
Prolonged exposure, such as daily workplace exposure, can be particularly harmful. It is thought that all molds may produce mycotoxins, and thus all molds may be potentially toxic if large enough quantities are ingested, or the human becomes exposed to extreme quantities of mold.
How do you identify mold in your house?
A common way to check for mold is to smell for it. A “musty” smell in an area of your home is often an indicator that there is some kind of mold present. Symptoms like a persistent runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and throat irritation could also be indicative of mold.
What does harmless mold look like?
You literally dark water spots. They would probably scare you off like what you see in horror movies such as The Ring. These dark water spots tend to appear on corners of your walls or ceilings. The black appearance is what gives them their name.
How do I know if mold is toxic?
Toxic mold can also have a grayish, soot-like texture, or a slimy, wet surface. In some cases, you may even notice furry orange or brown spots. If you find mold with any of these qualities in your home, don’t get too close, and call a professional right away.
What is white fuzzy mold?
What is white fuzzy mold? This is a type of mold with a white, fuzzy appearance caused by the airborne spores of the fungus. The mold is also known as powdery mildew due to its powdery look and texture. Allowing this mold to spread in your home can stimulate allergic reactions in emotional people.
Is there a mold detector?
Mold test kits are widely available from home improvement stores and from online retailers, but not all test kits are the same. To test for mold spores in the air you’re breathing, you’ll need to purchase a viable mold test kit, which costs $20 to $45 (view example on Amazon).
How do you know if it’s black mold vs regular mold?
While other types of mold may have a fuzzy, light texture, black mold will usually be slimy or wet. Some early forms of black mold have a powdery feel. Rub the mold with a paper towel to determine the texture, but be sure to wear gloves, a face mask, coveralls, and safety goggles when going near mold.
Is black mold Toxic?
There are many types of black mold. Stachybotrys chartarum is usually the one referred to as ” toxic mold.” All molds can cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to or allergic to mold. But there is no reason to believe that black mold is any more dangerous than other types or colors of mold.
Why is mold pink?
The pink colour is from a pigment (prodigiosin) produced by Serratia marcescens under the right growing conditions. Serratia marcescens is commonly referred to as “pink mold” or “pink mildew” but it is bacteria causing those irritating pink stains in the bathtub and on your shower head.
Is black mold common in houses?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common indoor molds are cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria and aspergillus. Stachybotrys chartarum, often called toxic mold, is rare. This heavy, dense, black mold is most often caused by a long-term moisture problem.
Can mold grow in your lungs?
The mold spores can colonize (grow) inside lung cavities that developed as a result of chronic diseases, such tuberculosis, emphysema, or advanced sarcoidosis. The fibers of fungus might form a lump by combining with white blood cells and blood clots.
What does mold poisoning feel like?
Each person’s body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression. Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure.
What kills mold?
Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water, apply to the surface and don’t rinse.
