Mold is a hazard that can negatively affect your home and health. The longer you allow mold to sit around, the more damage it can cause. Professional mold services can remove the mold from your home and remediate the damages it caused. They can also identify the source of the mold to help prevent further mold growth. Identifying the species of mold is an important step in the mold remediation process. Here are some of the most common household molds.
Chaetomium
Chaetomium is often mistaken for black mold. It starts out white but turns dark over time, and it has a distinct fuzzy texture. Although Chaetomium isn’t a toxic mold that can cause disease, it has highly allergenic properties that can cause allergic reactions even in normally healthy adults. It is most commonly found in houses that experience floods, as moist soil is its natural habitat.
Stachybotrys
Also known as black mold, Stachybotrys is a highly toxic mold that can cause serious illness. Black mold tends to grow when there’s too much moisture in the air, and it’s often found in ventilation systems. It’s important to have a professional, licensed mold technician handle black mold. Not only will they remove it safely, but they can also ensure the moisture is removed from the air, preventing further black mold growth.
Alternaria
Alternaria is another allergenic mold that thrives in a moist environment. However, you won’t just find it after a flood. Alternaria is most often found in bathrooms and the bottoms of windows, where condensation can develop. It’s the most common type of allergenic household mold and can cause asthma, hay fever, and other respiratory issues.
Serpula
Serpula is more disastrous to your home than your health, but it’s still a cause for concern. Serpula naturally feeds on wood and therefore tends to attack the structures and supports of your home. It doesn’t require as much moisture to grow as other types of mold and can cause serious structural issues if not taken care of immediately.
Aspergillus
There are many different types of aspergillus mold, most of which are allergenic instead of toxic. But these allergenic spores can cause serious respiratory issues with enough exposure time. The toxic varieties of aspergillus can even produce chemicals that trigger cancer cell growth. Aspergillus is an airborne mold that can cause serious infections and diseases, especially in those with compromised immune systems.
If you have mold in your home, you need professional mold services to handle the problem safely and effectively. The trained and certified mold technicians at Insight Restoration are ready to jump in and help remedy the mold issue in your home. Give us a call at (208) 427-3042 to get started on making your home healthy and fresh once more.
