Mold is not only a problem for your property but also a potential health hazard. There are various mold types that can be found in the area, and knowing how to identify them is crucial to safeguard your well-being. Mold is a fungus that thrives in humid environments, just like the weather in Orlando, Florida.
Mold exposure is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Different mold types can lead to various health risks, making it essential to comprehend the specific dangers associated with each species. Let’s dive into the most common types of mold and their health risks:
Stachybotrys or Black Mold
Stachybotrys, a prevalent and easily identifiable mold in indoor environments, manifests as a greenish-black mold. If you have black mold on your property, it is because of moisture, flooding, excessive humidity, leaks, condensation, or any other type of moisture infiltration.
It is also commonly known as “black mold” or “toxic mold” due to its appearance and the severe illnesses it can cause in individuals who come into contact with it. The black mold symptoms due to exposure are:
- Pulmonary hemosiderosis (repeated episodes of intra-alveolar bleeding), which is fatal to animals and infants
- Dermatitis
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Inflammation of the mucous membranes
Detecting black mold is challenging due to its hidden nature, often lurking behind walls and beneath ceilings. Moreover, it exhibits resistance to conventional air sampling methods.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a common fungus found in the environment. It can be found in soil, air, and water. It is also found in some foods, such as nuts, grains, and spices. This type of mold grows worldwide and is one of the most common to find in hospitals. Also, Aspergillus mold is so abundant that there is a big chance that you have breathed some of its spores. Some aspergillus symptoms are:
- Respiratory infections, such as asthma and bronchitis
- Allergic reactions
- Skin infections
- Lung infections
- You can develop Aspergillosis, a serious infection of the lungs
Penicillium
There are so many species of Penicillium; some are good, and others are harmful. Some species of this mold are used when producing medicines, enzymes, organic acid production, and even cheese. A fun fact about this type of mold is that it is the one used to create penicillin, which is an antibiotic for bacterial infections. Some Penicillium mold symptoms are:
- Respiratory infections, such as asthma and bronchitis
- Allergic reactions
- Skin infections
- Lung infections
- Sinus infections
Penicillium triggers allergies, making it particularly troublesome for individuals with a compromised immune system.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is a common fungus found in the environment. It can be found in soil, air, and water. This type of mold can survive in both cold and warm environments. Usually, Cladosporium mold grows indoors in carpets, fabrics, and under floorboards but can be found on decaying organic matter, such as leaves and twigs. You can identify it by its brown or olive-green color and the suede-like texture. Cladosporium’s symptoms include:
- Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Hay fever
- Sore throat
- Skin infections
- It can be associated with asthma, sinusitis, and lung infections
Alternaria
Alternaria is one of the most prevalent molds in dry, warm climates. It has air spores that peak in the afternoon and typically disseminate in warm, dry air. This is mainly an outdoor fungus that typically grows on vegetation; however, it can also be found indoors, where it prefers humid locations like bathrooms and basements. Alternaria allergy symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Irritated, watery eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
- Dry, scaly skin
Exposure to Alternaria mold is linked to severe, life-threatening asthma and allergic rhinitis. Symptoms of mold allergies vary from mild to severe and differ among individuals. Allergic reactions can occur immediately or be delayed; it will depend on the person. While symptoms are most common in mid-summer to early fall, mold allergies can happen year-round due to the presence of indoor and outdoor molds.
Chaetomium
This type of mold can colonize many substrates, and it is often mistaken for black mold due to its similarities. In outdoor spaces, it can be found in soil, compost, and plant debris. It also can degree cellulose, making it frequent in indoor areas like planks, wallpapers, and gypsum walls.
There are about 90 recognized species in the Chaetomium genus, with approximately 400 fungi described. Some Chaetomium symptoms are:
- Red, watery eyes
- Neurological damage
- It is linked to autoimmune diseases
While not as prevalent as other mold types, Chaetomium poses a significant health risk. Treating Chaetomium infections can be challenging, and in some cases, they may even prove fatal.
Trichoderma
This is an allergic type of mold that thrives in moist areas. Trichoderma possesses a potent enzyme that can deteriorate various construction materials such as wood, textiles, and paper products. This degradation can eventually lead to the structural decay of buildings as these materials rot over time.
Trichoderma has been used as biocontrol of many crop plants. Also, it helps with plant growth stimulation. It has five different subspecies, and most of them are non-pathogenic; however, some of their subspecies have been associated with serious health issues. The Trichoderma symptoms are:
- Liver infections
- Pulmonary infections
- Invasive sinusitis
- Brain abscess
- Necrotizing stomatitis (inflamed mouth)
- Skin infections
Differentiating between infections caused by Trichoderma and those caused by Aspergillus species can be challenging due to their shared hyphal morphology. This similarity in appearance poses a problem when attempting to identify the specific pathogen responsible for the infection.
Mitigating Health Risks
To prevent the appearance of mold in your home, here are some tips that you might find helpful:
- Control moisture levels: To prevent mold growth, maintain a dry home environment. Use a dehumidifier, promptly address leaks, and ensure proper ventilation throughout your living space.
- Clean your home regularly: Dusting and vacuuming can help to remove mold spores from the air.
- Inspect your home for mold regularly: Look for mold in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces. If you find mold, contact a knowledgeable mold inspection company like Mold Remediation of Orlando to help you.
- If you have mold in your home, remove it as soon as possible: Hire a professional mold remediation company to remove it since it can be dangerous.
- Once the mold has been removed, clean your home thoroughly: This will help to remove any mold spores that may be remaining in the air.
If you encounter any signs of mold exposure, such as respiratory issues, allergic reactions, or skin infections, you should seek medical attention. It is important to note that there is no safe level of mold exposure. Even if you do not experience any symptoms of mold exposure, it is still important to remove mold from your home as soon as possible.
Protect Your Health With Our Mold Remediation Services
Now that you know the common mold toxicity symptoms, it is important to take action to protect your health. At Mold Remediation of Orlando, we offer professional mold removal and remediation services to ensure your home is safe and healthy for you and your family. Don’t let mold take a toll on your health; contact us now!