What kind of household mold is dangerous

Aspergillus , with 20 species in total, is dangerous, because it will often cause allergies, leading to serious asthmatic reactions, hay fever or lung infections. Every Aspergillus species produces mycotoxins, which are a health hazard, especially for those individuals with compromised immune systems.

There are many species of Penicillum — some beneficial and some harmful. Some species of Penicillum are used when producing cheese and medicine. Alternaria is one of the most prevalent toxic molds and includes many species.

Asthma and hay fever are among the conditions one might suffer or suffer worse from when he or she has inhaled Alternaria spores. Geotrichum is white in color and usually appears powdery. It is known to spread pretty fast and is often associated with adverse health conditions such as tuberculosis and pulmonary infections. Geotrichum breeds in moist conditions and temperate climate. Its spores can easily spread via air to new environments.

It is an allergen that causes itchy eyes, fatigue, and sometimes chronic headaches. Trichoderma is also white in color with green patches. It is an allergic type of mold that mostly thrive in moist areas. The mold has five different subspecies, most of which are non-pathogenic.

However, some of the subspecies have been associated with liver and pulmonary infections. Trichoderma contains a lethal enzyme, which can destroy such building materials as wood, textiles and paper products. This may lead to the crumbling of buildings when the materials rot. Chaetomium is also allergic and is often found in a drywall that has previously been damaged by water.

Its spores have been linked to autoimmune diseases, neurological damage and allergic reactions such as difficulty in breathing and red watery eyes. It has a musty odor and flourishes in wet, dark environments such as under carpets, drywall, baseboards, and wallpapers. Chaetomium is often mistaken for the black mold as they have the same characteristics and exists in similar environments.

Anyone who has concerns about mold in the home, the workplace, or an educational or other setting should ask their healthcare provider or state health department for advice.

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Is mold in your house a problem? What you need to know. Medically reviewed by Vincent J. What is mold? Types How does it get into a house? Mold and health Prevention Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers.

Share on Pinterest Indoor mold growth is most likely to occur during the fall and winter months. Types of mold. How does mold get into a house?

Share on Pinterest Mold can attach itself to pets. Mold and health. Protection and prevention. Share on Pinterest There are a number of commercial products available to help remove mold.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Yellow is a color to look out for because some of these molds can be dangerous if left unchecked.

Sometimes Aspergillus mold can appear yellow. This fungus is an excellent destroyer of damp and rotting organic material, which can spell disaster for your house if not removed. It grows quickly and consumes indoor and outdoor wooden surfaces with ease if the conditions are ideal. Epicoccum nigrum is a fast-growing, yellow mold that can be found in or on damp drywall, mattresses, wood, carpets, and furniture.

It ranges in color from yellow to orange to brown depending on conditions and surroundings. Geomyces pannorum is a more unique fungus than the others on this list—it only grows in cooler conditions. This means that it is largely relegated to damp walls, floors, wood, and paper in northern hemisphere climates. If you come across a slimy, bright yellow mold in your home, stay very far away from it.

You may spot red mold on building materials such as particleboards or drywall that have been subjected to water damage. Red is usually not a consistent color for mold to be, and it usually will change colors over time.

If you find red mold on food, however, that is probably Neurospora. Orange mold is similar to Serpula lacrymans in that it is a fast-growing mold that can cause serious damage to wooden structures over time. Exposure to orange mold may aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions, but it usually poses little to no health risk. Brown is another color that may be present in several different mold colonies.

Many of these molds have a very musty scent to them. Brown mold can be any of the following types:. Chaetomium Atrobrunneum has been reported to be responsible for fatal deep mycoses.

Ascospores — Ascospores are commonly found in nature or any outdoor environment. What to Do Before the Tropical Storm or Hurricane The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before hurricane season begins on June 1. Phone Number. Street Address. How can we help you? Send Message. Recent Posts.