How Does Mold Start Growing Indoors?

It’s never enjoyable to find out your home has indoor mold growth. And certain types of mold can cause health effects that can last for a lifetime. As mold experts in the Spokane area, we hear a lot of questions like, “how does mold grow indoors?” “Is indoor mold dangerous?” And “are there different types of indoor mold?”

To keep your home free of mold, our experts at My Pure Environment perform a free mold inspection to inform you of the mold status of your home in and around Spokane, WA. If we find any mold in your home, we’ll promptly create a plan to remove it so you can be stress-free when it comes to the air you’re breathing.

How Does Mold Grow Indoors?

Anywhere there is an excess of moisture is a breeding ground for mold. The most common places that mold grows indoors are the basement, bathroom, and kitchen. But mold can grow anywhere in your home. Water damage as a result of leaky foundation, unresolved humidity, and even unattended spills on the carpet are the most frequent causes of mold growth indoors.

What Mold Can Grow Indoors?

You’ve probably heard plenty about black mold, but there are other types of indoor mold. And you may be wondering if indoor mold is dangerous? Although most molds will do damage to the surfaces they grow on, with the exception of black mold, most molds that grow indoors are not toxic to your health.

Aspergillus

This mold is often found in damp places like walls, carpet, doors, and on foods like corn and rice. You can identify aspergillus by its initial white color which then turns green or brown. Aspergillus mold isn’t particularly dangerous but to people with weakened immune systems, it can cause allergic reactions.

In extreme cases, people with weakened immune systems can develop an infection known as Aspergillosis as a result of inhaling Aspergillus spores. Usually, inhaling small amounts of Aspergillus is harmless because the immune system fends off the spores. However, for people with weaker immune systems, it causes inflammation in the lungs leading to wheezing, coughing up bloody mucus, and even a fever.

Cladosporium

When it grows indoors, Cladosporium is most commonly found in bathrooms, on wallpaper, fabric, and painted surfaces. Like most molds, this mold varies in color from green to even black. Cladosporium isn’t dangerous but it can worsen symptoms of asthma.

Stachybotrys Atra

The infamous black mold’s official name is Stachybotrys Atra and it’s the most dangerous mold that can grow indoors. Black mold can be found anywhere in your home where there’s excessive moisture, but its favorite places to grow are bathtubs and showers, window sills, and attics. Despite its name, toxic mold can also be green or gray.

Unlike the Aspergillus and Cladosporium, Stachybotrys Atra can affect people who are healthy in addition to people with weakened immune systems. Exposure to black mold can cause shortness of breath, memory loss, and even depression.

Mold Remediation in Spokane

It’s important to remember that small, manageable amounts of indoor mold aren’t harmful, but if you discover larger quantities of mold in your home, especially black mold, you should remove it as quickly as you can. Removing mold from your home will improve not only your health but also the health of your home. If you live in Spokane, WA, and are suspicious that your home has mold, contact us for a free mold inspection today!

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