Types of Mold and Dangers of Them

Mold grows in moist areas in a home such as under the sink or on damp walls. It can spread fast and cause major damage to your property. It is essential to identify the various types and their dangers to know what you are up against.

Mold is a fungus that can grow anywhere on earth. In recent times, it has become a concern because of the health hazards it poses. Some species of mold can cause chronic health conditions. Some are allergenic (cause allergic reactions), others pathogenic (cause illnesses), and others toxigenic (produce dangerous toxic substances). Here are some of the species that you may find in your home.


1. Acremonium

This is a toxigenic mold that changes in appearance as it grows. In its early stages, it appears as a small moist mold that evolves to a fine powder. The powdery substance may be white, orange, pink, or grey. This type of mold is common in household systems such as cooling coils, humidifiers, and drain pans.

Acremonium is carcinogenic and can also lead to diseases of the bone marrow, brain, and other organs. It can grow together with other mold species such as Stachybotrys causing a huge mold problem in a home.


2. Alternaria

This is the most widespread allergenic mold in the world. It appears as a velvety texture that has brown or dark green hairs. This type of mold grows in damp areas such as below leaking sinks, bathtubs, and showers. It also spreads as a result of water damage in the house. Some of its effects include allergies associated with asthma in the respiratory tract.


3. Aspergillus

This mold is common in America and appears as a long spore found as thick layers on walls. Aspergillus has over 150 known species, which makes it appear in different colors. It’s easy to distinguish it from the rest because it grows in long chains. The mold is both toxic and allergenic depending on the species. Some of its effects include lung infection, inflammation of the respiratory tract, and asthma attack. Contact with some species can be fatal as they contain aflatoxin, a poisonous carcinogen.


4. Aureobasidium

This appears as a black, brown or pink mold commonly found under wallpapers and painted wooden surfaces. It is known to cause health risks when it comes into contact with bare skin, eyes, or nails.


5. Chaetomium

Chaetomium is found on damp roofs, sinks or basements. It appears as a cotton-like structure whose color might change from white to grey to black as the mold grows. You can distinguish it by its foul odor. It’s vital to learn where to find this mold and how to control it. This is because it can lead to skin infections. Chaetomium also causes adverse effects to individuals who have a compromised immune system. You can check out the services we offer at All Dry USA to control this type of mold.


6. Cladosporium

This is a brown or olive-brown mold that can be distinguished by its adaptability to grow in both warm and cold conditions. It thrives indoors on surfaces such as carpets and fabrics. Cladosporium is allergenic and can cause reaction with skin, eyes, nose, and throat resulting in rashes, lung infection, and sinusitis.


7. Fusarium

This often appears as a pink, white, or reddish mold that grows on food products. Like Cladosporium, Fusarium can grow even in cold conditions and mostly on carpets, fabric, and wallpapers of water-damaged homes. It is known to spread quickly and should be controlled in its early stages.

Fusarium causes skin infections and allergic reactions with the eyes, nose, and throat. Exposure to this type of mold for long can lead to damage to the brain and bone marrow.


8. Mucor

Mucor is a white or grey mold that grows in thick patches. It often grows around damp carpets, air conditioning systems, and HVAC systems. This mold can cause a variety of health problems such as asthma, fever, malaise, and difficulty in breathing. Prolonged exposure can cause mucormycosis, a fungal infection that causes problems to the lungs, brain, and sinuses. It can also affect the circulatory, digestive, and nervous system.


 9. Penicillin

Penicillin’s green or blue color makes it easily recognizable. It is found in carpets, wallpapers, and mattresses of water-damaged houses. It is allergenic and can cause asthma, pulmonary infections, and chronic sinusitis.


Bottom Line

Ensure you identify any type of molds growing in your house and look for a way to control them. Failure to act early can cause serious health issues to residents. All Dry USA can help with any mold situation in your home. We are quick in responding to emergency situations to ensure you’re living in a safe environment.

Ben Suiskind

Chief Executive Officer at All Dry USA
With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.
Ben Suiskind

Latest posts by Ben Suiskind (see all)

Call Us Now