What Types of Mold Commonly Grow In Homes?

Believe it or not, mold is all around us. Most of it is just so small that we can’t see it. In fact, when you have a visible mold infestation, you’re only seeing 10% of the mold that’s actually there. When it is visible, it’s usually black in color, and has a distinct smell.

Did you know that there’s no singular variety of fungi called “black mold?” Many varieties of mold are black in color. Today we’ll talk about the different types of mold that grow in homes, including the types of black mold, and where you might find them in your home.

So what type of mold is “black mold?”

When people use the term, “black mold” they are commonly referring to stachybotrys chartarum. This is a type of microfungi that prefers the cellulose-rich building materials commonly found in homes. Identifying this variety of black mold is fairly simple. You’ll probably notice a strong musty odor in your home. You can visually identify it by its patches of dark green or blackish-brown growth.

What are the other varieties of black mold?

Besides stachybotrys chartarum, the two other most common varieties of black mold are:

1. Alternaria

This mold grows most commonly in bathtubs or showers. It can create some allergenic effects for those who are sensitive to mold. Alternaria can attach to the mucous membranes of the body like the respiratory and digestive tracts, as well as the eyeballs.

2. Cladosporium

This mold is most commonly found in fabrics and carpet. It rarely causes allergic reactions in adults, but has been known to cause infections in the skin, under toenails, and in the sinuses.

What other types of mold can be found in homes?

There are a few other common types of mold that can be found growing in your home.

1. Penicillium

Penicillium is easily identifiable by its bluish-green color. It grows most commonly on spoiled foods, like fruits and vegetables. Penicillium molds are also helpful in creating many varieties of cheese. The blue in blue cheese is penicillium mold.

2. Aspergillus

Aspergillus molds are commonly found on starchy foods like bread and potatoes. Aspergillus Niger is the main component in mildew. There are over 180 different varieties of aspergillus mold, so colors vary. Some varieties of aspergillus are responsible for serious infections and diseases in immunocompromised individuals.

3. Mucor

Mucor is commonly found in damp fibrous materials like carpets. Because of this, make sure to check for mold around AC units. Most species of mucor are unable to infect humans because of their inability to grow in climates near body temperature.

Mold Testing and Mold Remediation in Santa Clara, California

No matter what type of mold you have, we’ll take care of it. Black mold in your home or office? Don’t worry! Call My Pure Environment for your free consultation. We’ll take an air quality sample and determine how best to treat your mold problem. Give us a call today!

Photo by DONIYER YAKHSHIBAYEV form PxHere