Mold is a recurring nuisance indoors since it easily grows wherever there is moisture. In homes, mold can develop in damp, dark, and poorly ventilated areas such as basements, attics, and plumbing. Mold also thrives in bathrooms and kitchens, growing on grout, around tubs, and under sinks. After a flooding or water damage incident, mold can develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours, which is why it needs immediate attention.
Many molds exist in nature; most are harmless while others can be toxic. Here are some of the most common molds found indoors.
Common Mold Types in Homes and Buildings
Alternaria
- The Alternaria mold can be seen growing on vegetation outdoors, but its spores can find their way indoors and grow on carpets and inside HVAC systems.
- A study by the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing found Alternaria in more than 90% of gathered house dust samples.
- Alternaria is a known allergen and an asthma trigger.
Aureobasidium
- Aureobasidium can appear in cream, pink, or black colors.
- Aureobasidium requires high moisture levels to develop. It is commonly found in areas that are often damp, such as bathrooms.
Aspergillus
- Aspergillus thrives on carbon-rich materials in oxygen-rich settings, but it can also grow in wet areas as a component of mildew.
- In general, Aspergillus mold is not harmful to people. However, if you have a respiratory problem, you may be susceptible to Aspergillosis, a respiratory illness that kills thousands of people each year.
Chaetomium
- Chaetomium typically grows in water-damaged locations or on materials with cellulose content, such as wood and wallpaper. It also develops on plant debris.
- Chaetomium can be allergenic and can trigger infections. Some species produce mycotoxins which are found to be carcinogenic.
Cladosporium
- Cladosporium can be brown, black, or olive green in appearance.
- It can develop on wet surfaces such as walls, woodwork, and carpets. Additionally, it can spread via the air, causing allergic and asthmatic symptoms, as well as sinus, eye, skin, and even brain infections.
Penicillium
- Penicillium is a blue-green or greenish-gray mold that can develop on several surfaces like carpets, draperies, and wallpaper. Like other molds, it grows mainly in water-damaged areas and moist, warm places.
- Penicillium has medicinal properties, but it can cause allergies and lung infections.
Stachybotrys
- Stachybotrys chartarum, more frequently referred to as black mold, flourishes in sections of the home that are exposed to moisture, such as wood, drywall, flooring, or carpets, and spreads via spores.
- When inhaled, these spores offer a significant risk to the family, as they can elicit allergic reactions or cause and aggravate respiratory issues.
Trichoderma
- Trichoderma is an allergenic mold that is white-colored with green patches. It commonly grows in damp places such as carpets and wet fabric.
- Trichoderma exposure can cause sneezing, coughing, and lung infections.
Contact Us for Mold Remediation in Roswell, Georgia
Call a professional as soon as you discover mold. ServiceMaster Roswell is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (770) 200-5111 for residential or commercial mold remediation services in Roswell, Georgia, and the surrounding areas. You can also connect with us online to schedule an appointment.
- Locally owned and operated with national resources
- IICRC Certified Firm in Roswell, GA
- Over 30 years of experience
- Licensed, certified, and fully bonded technicians
We employ cutting-edge technology and techniques to detect the presence of mold in your home and then eliminate it using specialist chemicals. Don’t know what to do next? We do. Contact us today.
