There are many different types of mold. In fact, there are actually over 100,000 different types of mold. The majority of these don’t pose any threat to you or your home so you don’t have any reason to worry about them too much. There are, however, a couple types of mold that do pose a serious threat to you and your home. Here are four of these types of mold from our mold remediation professionals at TRAC Solutions in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
When it comes to mold, Stachybotrys is the big bad. Commonly referred to as black mold, having Stachybotrys is a worst case scenario for many homeowners. It is known for being one of the most dangerous types of mold. Some of the symptoms associated with black mold exposure are flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, headaches, memory loss and severe respiratory damage. Stachybotrys is especially concerning in homes with children. Because their lungs are still developing, children are far more likely than adults to develop symptoms from black mold exposure. A common misnomer about black mold is that, while it is often black in color, it can also present itself as grey or dark green.
Aspergillus is a little different from the types of mold discussed above in that it is commonly found in the air we breathe each day. Nonetheless, it can still present health issues for those with compromised immune systems. Moreover, it may still be found in greater quantities in homes that have not kept up on keeping mold out. Exposure is associated with allergy-like symptoms, lung infections, and certain type of infection called aspergillosis. Aspergillosis typically affects the respiratory system but the symptoms and severity differ greatly. While aspergillosis can be contracted indoors or outdoors it is more likely to be contracted in a home that already has high levels of Aspergillus.
This type of mold is less common compared to the others on this list but it still found in many homes. It is best known for being found in soil and plant debris. Other areas in a home with extremely high levels of moisture are also vulnerable. These include the underside of carpet, foam insulation, and faulty HVAC systems. One rare but serious complication of Fusarium exposure is an eye infection named fusarium keratitis.
Another nasty type of mold you never want to find in your home is Chaetomium. Chaetomium often ends up in homes with water damage as it thrives in dark, wet environments. For instance, moist carpets, drywall, and baseboards in a dark basement provide an ideal space for Chaetomium to grow. Some of the health problems associated with Chaetomium include allergy-like symptoms, irritated eyes, and difficulty breathing.
Don’t let any of these types of mold damage your home! If you detect a mold problem in your home, give us a call at TRAC Solutions in Chippewa Falls today so we can make your home a safer place for you and your family.
