Types of Mold

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow anywhere on earth. Some molds are not dangerous to humans, while other molds can lead to severe health conditions. If you find mold in your home it is important to know what kind of mold your dealing with. Here is some of the different types of molds that are commonly found in homes or commercial buildings. First lets start with the 3 classifications of mold.

• Allergenic- Produces allergies and allergic reaction
• Pathogenic- Causes health issues in those who have an acute illness
• Toxigenic- Produces toxic substances that can lead to dangerous/deadly health issues

Acremonium

• Toxigenic mold
• Grows in humidifiers, cooling coils,drain pans, and window sealants
• Small moist mold that turns powdery, can be pink, grey, orange, or white in color

Alternaria

• Common allergenic mold
• Grows wherever dampness occurs like showers, tubs, leaking sinks
• Velvet-textured mold with dark green or brown hairs

Aspergillus

• Allergenic mold however it can turn into toxic mold
• Commonly found in American households
• Over 185 species of Aspergillus exist, it can appear in many different colors

Aureobasidium

• Allergenic mold
• Found growing behind wall paper or painted wood surfaces
• Develops first in a pink, brown, or black color, and ages into a dark color

Chaetomium

• Pathogenic Mold
• Found in water damaged homes or buildings
• Cotton like texture that usually changes from white to grey to brown, and eventually going black

Cladosporium

• Allergenic mold
• Can grow in cold and warm conditions, and is olive green, or brown with a suede like texture
• Found in indoor materials like fabrics, upholstery, carpets, floorboards, and cupboards

Fusarium

• Allergenic and Toxigenic type of mold
• Grows in homes with water damage. Will grow in carpets, wallpaper, fabrics, and naturally grows on food
• If often pink, white, or reddish in color

Mucor

• Allergenic mold that grows in patches
• Grows near air conditioning filters, HVAC systems, and ducting
• Often white or grayish and grows quickly

Stachybotrys

• Toxigenic mold that can also cause allergic reactions
• Known as black mold, can also be greenish in color, and slimy in texture
• Grows in damp, wet areas with high humidity

Trichoderma

• Allergenic mold
• Grows on wet surfaces like wallpaper, carpet, and damp fabrics, and can be found in air conditioning filters
• White in color with green patches

Ulocladium

• Allergenic and Pathogenic mold
• Grows in wetness and water, usually associated with extreme water damage
• Usually black in color

If you ever experience mold in your home or commercial building you should call a professional mold remediation company. SERVPRO of Oak Park/Ferndale has the knowledge and experience to safely get rid of mold in your home or business.