Common Types of Mold
All of us know that being indoors around mold can lead to serious health 
issues. But did you know that there are many different types of mold that may be found inside your home besides the “toxic black mold” that’s always in the news? Also, different types of molds affect people differently. We all have different mold sensitivities, and what doesn’t bother one person can make someone else quite sick.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), four different strains of mold are commonly found in homes: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. Each and every one is capable of causing health issues if you come into direct contact with it or breathe in their microscopic airborne spores. Here is a quick rundown of the “Big Four.”
Alternaria is found both inside and outside the home. Although more commonly found outside, inside growth of this mold can cause serious health problems. Alternaria commonly grows damp places such as under sinks, in showers, or around leaking pipes. It often rears its ugly head in areas of the home that have had flood damage, but were never properly remediated. Exposure to Alternaria can cause allergic reactions in some. For others, this mold can trigger an asthma attack.
Aspergillus is commonly found all over the world. Although common, it is far from safe, especially with the elderly, children, and people with compromised immune systems. For these groups, reactions from breathing in Aspergillus mold spores can be quite serious. According to the Mayo clinic, exposure to Aspergillus can result in bleeding in the lungs, infection of facial bones and sepsis, a serious infection that spreads throughout the entire body.
Cladosporium, another mold that is commonly found in homes, is an unusual mold. It is one of the few mold strains that tolerates cool temperatures in which most other molds can’t survive. It is often found on fabrics like curtains and carpets, and on wood surfaces like cabinets and floorboards. Cladosporium can cause severe problems with those who already have compromised immune systems. Also, with some individuals, elevated Cladosporium spore concentrations can cause chronic allergies and asthma.
Last, but not least, is Penicillium. This mold, which is usually blue or green but sometimes yellow, is known for its ability to spread like wildfire throughout a home, quickly colonizing from one area of a home to another. It is often found on carpeting, wallpaper, mattresses, and water-damaged insulation. This strain of mold can produce dangerous toxic chemicals, called mycotoxins, which are dangerous for the healthiest of people to breathe. Penicillium can cause chronic sinus infections and inflammation of the lungs, especially with those who have asthma or emphysema.
It is interesting to know a bit about common indoor molds. However, at least as far as mold remediation is concerned for homeowners, the type of mold does not determine whether or not to treat the mold. All mold is potentially dangerous and has to be treated. Regardless of the particular mold strain, each person’s allergic reaction, which is the health problem most often linked to mold, can vary greatly. We all have our own susceptibility since mold does not affect people uniformly; that is, some family members may have no adverse reaction to mold while others may become seriously ill. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control stated that is generally NOT necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence and routine sampling for molds is NOT recommended. If you have mold growth in your home, save your money by skipping the mold sampling, and Instead, use the savings to help pay for the mold treatment.
Unlike dirt and stains, mold is more than a cosmetic issue. Painting over mold or scrubbing it with bleach or other household cleaners will not get rid of your problem, especially on wood and other porous surfaces. In fact, improper removal of mold can do more harm than good. When mold is disturbed, the spores become airborne, allowing them to float to new areas on air currents, exacerbating the problem.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about mold out there, and for New Jersey homeowners, finding the right mold removal option can be a challenge. It's important to learn about mold and understand your options.
