The different types of mold and how to properly take care of them
Mold is very common in both outdoors and indoor environments. It constantly produces spores that travel through the air and into the most suitable areas for dissemination and growth. Outdoors, mold doesn’t represent a threat for humans, nor animals. In fact, it’s part of the natural ecosystem, as it helps decompose organic matter like dead trees, leaves, etc.
Indoors, however, mold may result in numerous health complications: allergies, respiratory problems and intoxication is expected when humans are exposed to highly contaminated areas.
Mold is likely to grow in the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen (inside cabinets, under the sink, and even behind the fridge), basement, attic, among others. What do these areas share in common? They’re typically moist. All that mold needs to grow is a water source and organic matter. Water is present in humid, damp environments, and organic matter can be anything from paperboard, cartonboard, drywall, wood, insulation panels, carpeting and upholstery, etc. While mold can’t feed from concrete, glass, and metals, it can still grow on these surfaces.
It’s important to act and remediate mold damage quickly. Mold can easily become a big problem for houses because of how fast it grows and consumes surfaces. Bio-One of Chula Vista’s certified technicians can help you determine the level of mold damage in your house and we can take care of it using EPA-approved chemicals and procedures. Learn about the different types of mold that could be growing inside your house and how our specialists can help you remediate these areas in a timely manner.
Stachybotrys chartarum - Also known as “black mold”
Stachybotrys chartarum is a toxigenic mold that grows in poorly ventilated areas. It’s associated with water damage, so, if you’re dealing with water leaks or recent flooding, this type of mold is likely to start growing in your house. Stachybotrys chartarum has a green to black-ish appearance and it grows in forms of rings and dots.
To properly remediate houses from Stachybotrys chartarum, you need to eliminate the source of water or humidity. Promptly fix water-related issues like leaks in roofs, windows, pipes, especially air vents.
Alternaria - The most common type of allergenic mold
Alternaria is responsible for decomposition of organic dead matter. Though it’s important to maintain natural ecosystems, alternaria can have negative health repercussions for people exposed to it indoors. Like most types of mold, it can grow on almost any surface, but it’s more likely to be present in damp environments like the bathroom/shower area.
To properly remediate houses from alternaria, you need to control the humidity levels (see how dehumidifiers can help you) and ventilate areas regularly. Open windows and allow fresh air to circulate and consider installing a fan extractor in your bathroom if you haven’t.
Aspergillus - Pathogenic and dangerous for those with respiratory health conditions
Though Aspergillus mold is not known to be toxic, it may have a negative impact on people dealing with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Aspergillus is responsible for a disease called Aspergillosis. It affects people with a compromised immune system and it can lead to other health complications.
Aspergillus is present in humid, damp environments. Controlling humidity levels and fixing water damage is a way to prevent it from growing in your house.
Penicillium - Allergenic mold growing indoors
Penicillium is known for being highly allergenic. It can trigger allergic reactions and asthma, as well as other respiratory health complications. This type of mold is present in damp areas, and it typically has a green-ish look.
Bio-One of Chula Vista can help you
The presence of mold indoors may result in dangerous, toxic environments for humans, especially if they’re dealing with other medical conditions like asthma, lung diseases, allergies and a weakened immune system. Mold should be remediated as quickly as possible, but it’s also important to fix the cause of growth to prevent it from causing trouble in the future.
Bio-One of Chula Vista is a micro-certified mold remediation company. Our technicians are trained to not only remediate the areas impacted by mold but also provide you with insights and helpful advice on the simple tasks you can do to prevent mold from growing in your house. Sometimes, mold remediation entails tearing down building structures to make sure mold pathogens are completely removed from the property. Fortunately, we also work with contractors to make sure all areas are restored to their original, pre-incident conditions.
Locally owned, Bio-One of Chula Vista proudly serves the following San Diego County cities: Chula Vista, San Diego, National City, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, Coronado, La Mesa, Imperial Beach, Bonita, Alpine, and surrounding communities. We are also proud members of the National City Chamber of Commerce and an approved HomeAdvisor company.
We offer free estimates for our services, and we are available 24/7! Give us a call at 619-892-1744 or request a quote now.
Published by:
Rafael Alemán.
