Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth. As they say, ‘knowing is half the battle’. So, here are four of the most common mold types that are found in residential homes in Arizona and across the US.
Common Mold Types To Be Aware Of
Common Mold #1 – CLADOSPORIUM
Cladosporium is typically a black or green “pepper like” substance that grows on the back of toilets, painted surfaces, and fiberglass air ducts. While this mold is nontoxic to humans, it can trigger common allergy symptoms, such as red and watery eyes, rashes and a sore throat. It can and often does cause significant reactions for people who live with COPD or have sensitive immune systems. It’s classified as an airborne mold, meaning that damage is done when it is breathed in as opposed to rotting out wood or home materials.
Common Mold #2 – PENICILLIUM
Penicillium is the second most common mold type found in the United States. It’s often found outdoors growing on dead-organic matter, such as rotting trees. It’s easily recognized by its ‘fuzzy white, green or blue’ color; the same that grows on food inside your refrigerator when it is spoiling. When you eat food that contains penicillium it can cause severe gastric pain and irritation – and the airborne version of penicillium can increase COPD flair-ups, cause allergic reactions, watery eyes and severe coughing. It’s recommended that professionals in mold removal in Scottsdale be contacted if you see this type of mold growing inside your home.
Common Mold #3 – ASPERGILLUS
Aspergillus. This mold is one of the most dangerous ones due to the fact that it’s very fast growing. It is a fairly allergenic mold that is commonly found in foods and in home air conditioning systems. Aspergillus mold can also form anywhere there is high humidity or organic materials for the mold to use as food. Just like many other molds, the Aspergillus mold tends to metabolize mycotoxins, which are extreme allergens that can cause severe respiratory damage.
Common Mold #4 – ALTERNARIA
Alternaria. Even though this common mold type is commonly found outdoors, it can and often does enter a home, especially homes in the mountains. Alternaria will often be found in carpets, flat surfaces and clothing, and unlike most molds does not require large amounts of water or moisture to grow. This is why Alternaria tends to show up in dry areas like Arizona more frequently. Most of the time, this type of mold will begin to grow rapidly when there is a water leak or water damage done to a home.
The key thing to remember is that common mold types growing inside your home can lead to significant medical problems and should be taken seriously. Although mold is not common in Arizona, it’s always recommended, especially if you’ve recently had a water leak or flooding inside the home, to contact a mold removal and detection expert – just to be on the safe side.
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4 Common Mold Types In Residential Homes In AZ And Beyond
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