What Are the Types of Mold Found in Homes?

Spotting mold growing in your home is sure to give you that sinking feeling! A 2022 paper indicated that around 47% of homes in the US suffer from some form of mold. It’s linked to a wide range of illnesses and is definitely something none of us want to live with.

There are several causes of mold, from poor ventilation to water damage. But did you know that there are different types of mold that can develop in your home? Let’s explore the most common types and the different effects they can have on your family’s health. 

Black Mold

Stachybotrys is the most common type of black mold. They are toxic, and mold growth of this kind usually happens in ventilation systems or poorly ventilated rooms. 

Every home should have a mold prevention strategy that includes:

• Keeping home humidity levels below 50%
• Maintaining HVAC and ventilation systems
• Fixing water leaks promptly

Chaetomium

If you’ve experienced a water damage emergency, mold may not be the first thing on your mind. But if your home is not dried out quickly by mold remediation professionals, chaetomium and other types of mold can quickly take hold.

Chaetomuim starts out white and then grows darker over time. It normally lives outdoors but can thrive in wet indoor environments too. It can cause allergic reactions and several types of infections.

If you find it developing in your home, you need to call mold removal services as soon as possible.

Alternaria

The Alternaria fungus is strongly linked with allergic diseases and is very common in US homes. It’s usually found in particularly damp areas, such as bathroom window sills or around leaky pipework. It’s fuzzy and velvety-looking, but there’s nothing cute about its effects!

It’s vital to keep moisture levels in your home at bay to prevent this outdoor fungus from colonizing your home and damaging your family’s health.

Aspergillus

If you move into a home that has suffered water damage or has a poorly maintained HVAC system, beware of aspergillus. It can cause allergies, but some types are toxic to human health.

Penicillium

This type of mold sounds friendly – after all, penicillin has saved many lives and makes blue cheese delicious! But in your home, penicillium can cause allergic reactions. It often has a greenish-blue appearance but can also be white or pink in color. 

It’s common in water-damaged buildings. So once again, call in professional mold removal experts if your home has flooded to keep mold at bay.

Preventing Common Types of Mold

These types of mold are everywhere, but they won’t cause a problem if you keep your home well-ventilated. Mold loves humidity and water. Maintain your HVAC systems correctly and fix leaking pipes, and you should be able to keep these and all other types of mold out of your home.

For more handy hints and tips on making your home a safe environment, check out our Home Improvement blogs today!