FAQ About Mold Types
Many people have heard of toxic black mold, however, there are a variety of harmful molds that exist. The most common types of mold found in homes and commercial buildings are Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus. It’s important to have your questions answered so you know what kind of mold you are dealing with and how dangerous it is.
Is mold dangerous? Molds are unlikely to cause serious illness in the normal home setting with healthy individuals. Allergies to molds are common; however, serious infections are rare.
Who is at risk? Most cases of serious medical problems occur where exposures are very high or a person has a severely compromised immune system. This makes infants and elderly at risk of becoming seriously ill.
What does mold smell like? A musty smell may be noticeable when mold is present. Not all musty smells are mold. A home can give off musty odors from a variety of sources including pet dander, bacteria and biological decay. A trained expert can identify some mold odors.
What does mold look like? Mold usually forms as a mottled colony or irregular discolorations having a fuzzy texture. Most spores are smaller than a grain of sand. Spores occur in many colors and shapes depending on the type of mold.
What does mold need to grow? Molds need food and water to grow. Sources of food include wood, fabric, leather, drywall and stucco. Molds also need the correct amount of moisture and sustained humidity of 50 percent to 80 percent.
What are the potential sources of moisture in and around homes? There are many different sources and causes for water leaks including leaking faucets, water ponds next to the home, damp garages and basements and poorly ventilated crawl spaces.
How long does it take mold to grow? The time it takes for mold to grow varies for each type of mold. Some molds can start growing with 24 hours of a water event. In most cases growth may not be apparent for several days.
What is the best way to remove mold-contaminated materials? Small areas of mold can safely be removed by the homeowner. Most important is the source of the mold (i.e., moisture) should be fixed. The affected room should be sealed off from the rest of the house to contain the spores. The handling of mold contaminated materials should be done while wearing a dust make or respirator. Gloves and goggles are recommended.