Mold is an organism from the fungi family that can grow in indoor and outdoor spaces. While molds are an important part of our ecosystem, they can be harmful to humans if they grow in your house. Mold exposure can cause a variety of health problems ranging from allergic reactions like itchy eyes and sneezing to infections and illnesses like sporotrichosis, aspergillosis, and valley fever.
Types of Molds
Molds can easily start growing in indoor spaces like offices and homes. You are likely to find it in areas that remain dark and damp. While it is hard to tell the difference between molds, experts can identify them to determine if they’ll be detrimental to your health when growing inside your home. Below is a list of the three most common mold types that grow in homes.
Penicillium
Penicillium is a fuzzy mold that you will find in areas such as under the carpets, insulation, and basements. It can also be found in areas that have experienced water damage, as mold tends to grow in damp areas. It usually appears in green, blue, and greyish colors.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a type of mold that can survive in areas with poor to no ventilation. It can be found growing in attics, walls, basements, and even fabrics. Aspergillus has a powdery appearance and is green, white or grey in color. It may also have spots at times.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium survives in both cool and warm areas. It appears in green, black, and brown colors. This type of mold may be found in heating and cooling ducts, fabrics and carpets, and even on wood.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
As mentioned above, mold exposure can be harmful to human health. While it does not cause any emergency risks for most people, it is crucial to see a doctor for mold exposure treatment. This is especially true for people at a higher risk of complications. You may be more prone to infections if you have the following illnesses:
- Tuberculosis
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibroids
- COPD
You should see a doctor if you believe exposure to mold is causing the following symptoms:
- Skin rashes or irritation
- Headaches
- Lung irritation
- Sneezing
- Eye irritation
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
Contact DCM Environmental!
While mold does not cause emergency or fatal conditions for most people, it is still harmful to the health of you and your family in the long term. Mold can start off as a little spot and grow rapidly, so it’s important to test for it and remove it as soon as possible. If you suspect mold in your house, contact us today for mold testing services by giving us a call at (617) 481-5782 or by filling out the contact form on our website!
