Mold has its redeeming qualities. If you’ve ever taken penicillin to recover from an infection, you have mold to thank. Penicillium mold produces the antibiotic naturally. And are you a fan of cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Camembert? The flavor profile of these cheeses comes from—you guessed it—-mold! So how can something that is a tool of doctors and a culinary delight be bad? Well, not all strains of mold are safe to eat or be around. Many types of mold can harm your health, as well as damage parts of your home. Here is a list of five types of mold found in residences, all of which require immediate attention: 

1. Chaetomium  

Chaetomium starts out white and fuzzy. It then changes in color, making it appear brown or black. This mold can be found all around your home. It may pop up on drywall, wallpaper, window trim, carpet, and more. You may even find it in your food. Chaetomium frequently grows on fibrous foods such as rice, quinoa, and pasta. 

This type of mold is hazardous to your health because it produces large amounts of mycotoxins, which are poisonous chemicals. These chemicals are known to cause serious health issues, such as kidney damage, liver cancer, and pulmonary hemorrhages. It can also cause skin and cerebral infections. If you notice any mold in your home that fits the description of Chaetomium, it’s time to call a mold removal specialist. Don’t bother sending off a sample to a lab to determine what type of mold it is. No mold should be growing in your home, and all types of mold can cause health issues after extended exposure. 

2. Stachybotrys Chartarum 

You may have heard Stachybotrys Chartarum referred to as black mold, though it generally has a greenish hue. This mold is extremely toxic. Like Chaetomium, it produces high levels of mycotoxins and other hazardous substances. It is linked to similar health issues as Chaetomium, including pulmonary hemorrhages, pneumonia, and respiratory infections. 

A dark patch of one of the many types of mold

3. Ulocladium 

Ulocladium is brown, gray, or greenish-black. It grows rapidly in damp areas such as leaking appliances and bathrooms. This type of mold can cause structural damage as well as infections and allergy-like symptoms, so it is important to catch it right away. Its rapid growth means this mold can grow out of control in a short amount of time if left undiscovered and undisturbed.

4. Alternaria 

Alternaria is a plant pathogen that is commonly found outdoors during the spring and summer. Sometimes, breezes may carry spores into your home, where they take root in furniture, carpets, and walls. It may also get into your bathroom or attic. This gray-green substance causes mild allergy-like symptoms like sneezing, cough, and runny nose in healthy individuals. However, it may cause more serious health issues in young children or the elderly. If you have an excess of Alternaria in your home that cannot be cleaned up easily, it is important to ask a professional for assistance. 

5. Trichoderma

Trichoderma is a greenish mold commonly found in soil, and it is used to develop fungicides to prevent rot in crops. This type of mold is the subject of heavy research, as it can produce useful agents such as antibiotics and biocontrol agents. However, some strains of Trichoderma produce mycotoxins, which can lead to health issues. If it gets in the home, it may cause allergy-like symptoms. It also may cause rot in the wood around your house. 

We Remove All Types of Mold From Your Home! 

Mold infestations are a source of stress and disturbance. After all, no one wants to walk into their shower and realize that they are touching fungus. If you have noticed large, uncontrolled amounts of mold in your home, it’s time to seek help from a professional. Thankfully, ASAP Restoration is here to help with quality mold remediation services. Contact us today to learn about how we can help rid your home of different types of mold!