5 Common Mold Types Found in Homes

by Kevin Smith Author

Mold can not only be unsightly in your home environment, but it can also be dangerous. When mold grows in your home without your knowledge, it can cause a range of health problems that can put your family at risk for allergies and much worse. A quality mold inspection can help you identify the presence of mold in your home, determine the type, and help you remediate the problem.

A mold inspection in Roswell can uncover any number of mold types. Some of them are more dangerous than others, but you’ll want to treat any mold problem as soon as it’s discovered to limit the effect on your health and your property value. Mold is not an uncommon problem, but it’s important to treat it immediately. Read on to learn more about a few common types of mold found in residences.

Alternaria

This mold is extremely common in the household environment. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find a home that didn’t have at least a little Alternaria mold, as it grows around drains, in the corners of grout work, and in other areas in the bathroom that remain damp most of the time. It is minimally hazardous and is known to cause mild respiratory problems. It can easily be removed, but vigilance is important.

Aureobasidium

This mold feeds on cellulose, and is most often found on wooden furniture, wallpaper, and painted walls. It can congregate around windows and doors where moisture is often present. It is pink and black and can cause a variety of allergic reactions.

Chaetomium

This mold is common in homes that have been flooded. It appears in sheetrock or drywall that has been thoroughly soaked, and it can cause respiratory distress and skin irritation in those who are exposed to it.

Cladisporeum and Fusarium

These molds can often be found in damp, cooler areas of the home. They are commonly found in fabrics, beneath carpet and flooring, and may appear in places like the basement. While they are not the most virulent strains of mold found in homes, they can create respiratory problems to those who breathe them.

Stachybotrys chartarum

This mold is often referred to as toxic mold and is one of the most dangerous species of mold found in the home. It is black and is found in areas that remain damp like ducts and HVAC systems. It can also grow in wood and drywall that stays moist. It releases mycotoxins, which are extremely harmful to human health. It can cause a range of health problems, including breathing issues, fatigue, sinus infections, depression, and other conditions.

Even the most common molds can carry dangerous health ramifications if left untreated. A mold inspection in Roswell can help you identify mold growth on your premises and provide solutions for remedying it before it can cause health problems.