Mold Education

Mold comes in a variety of colors, the most common white, grey, or black. Common types we test for (not inclusive) are listed below:

Alternaria

• This is an allergenic mold, which means you can tell it’s there if you have allergic reactions like coughing, watery eyes, etc.
• It’s the most common form of mold found in showers or bathtubs (could mean water damage) and is recognized by its velvety texture with dark green or brown hairs
• It spreads incredibly quickly and can lead to asthma symptoms, so it’s important to act fast. Chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema

Ascospore

• Spores of this type are reported to be allergenic
• This mold can grow relatively well in damp, enclosed, wet or air sealed surfaces or materials
• It can be found on Windows, Upholstered furniture, Rugs and mattresses, Walls and cabinets and Airtight closets
• Staying in a place with this type of mold over a prolonged period can result in severe allergies
• Some of the major allergy symptoms developed by this mold: Headache, respiratory difficulties, nausea, fatigue and dizziness, asthma, ringworm, athletes foot, and more

Aspergillus

• A mold that has toxic capabilities, Aspergillus is a common mold found in American homes
• It can form thick layers on the walls with its long flask-shaped spores
• With over 185 species and various colors, it could lead to specific allergic reactions or respiratory infections

Basidiospore

• A fungus with large spores that could be expected to be deposited in the upper respiratory tract
• This fungus can produce the mycotoxin – sterigmatocystin, which has been shown to produce liver and kidney damage when ingested by laboratory animals
• Found in soil and on house plants and vegetables, it is also known as “gray mold”. It causes leaf rot on grapes, strawberries, lettuce, etc.
• It is a well-known allergen, producing asthma type symptoms in greenhouse workers and “wine grower’s lung”

Chaetomium

• Typically seen where there is severe water damage, Chaetomium has a texture similar to cotton
• While the color starts as a white or grey, it turns to black over time and generally has a musty odor
• Make sure not to touch as this could also lead to skin and nail infections

Cladosporium

• Another allergenic mold, this type of mold almost looks like suede and is generally an olive green or brown color
• Typically causing allergic reactions, including respiratory issues, it is commonly found in fabrics in the property like carpet

Fusarium

• This allergenic and toxic mold is pink, white, or red in appearance and spreads quickly as it grows on food
• Just make sure you check your food because this could lead to allergic reactions like a sore throat or nervous system damage from the toxins

Penicillium

• Blue-green in appearance and velvety texture identify this allergenic mold
• The mold spores can move through the home through the air leading to respiratory issues or symptoms of asthma
• You’ll generally find this where there is water damage, notably in mattresses or wallpaper
• Commonly found in soil, food, cellulose and grains. It is also found in paint and compost piles
• It may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals. It is reported to be allergenic (skin). It is commonly found in carpet, wallpaper, and in interior fiberglass duct insulation
• Some species can produce mycotoxins. Common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I)
• Acute symptoms include edema and bronchospasms; chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema
• It may also cause headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea

Stachybotrys (Black Mold)

• This toxic mold is slimy in texture and a dark green or black color
• Found in damp areas that have been humid for weeks at a time, it could lead to severe health issues
• Individuals with chronic exposure to the toxin produced by this fungus reported cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent local hair loss and generalized malaise
• Other symptoms include coughs, rhinitis, nosebleed, a burning sensation in the nasal passages, throat, and lungs, and fever
• The toxins produced by this fungus will suppress the immune system affecting the lymphoid tissue and the bone marrow
• Animals injected with the toxin from this fungus exhibited the following symptoms: necrosis and hemorrhage within the brain, thymus, spleen, intestine, lung, heart, lymph node, liver, and kidney

Ulocladium

• Black in appearance, this is generally found in rooms in the property with the highest moisture following bad water damage or condensation
• Bathroom/basement etc. This mold is easily confused with other types, so always call a professional because it could lead to health issues like hay fever