According to the Mold Patrol Testing Unit, there are over 100,000 different types of mold species throughout the world. Many people know about common household molds, which are visible when something that contains wood or cardboard gets wet. The Environmental Protection Agency states that household molds can be unsightly and damaging but are usually not life threatening. Toxic molds can also be found in homes, however. Knowing what to look for and how to identify symptoms will trigger when to get help.
Types
Common household mold includes mucor, alternaria, aspergillus, penicillium and cladosporium. Cladosporium is a common type of black mold that is found in very damp places such as bathrooms, basements and areas with poor ventilation. This is an airborne mold and is often present in the spring months. The Mold Patrol Testing Unit explains that dangerous or toxic types of mold are called acremonium, memnoniella and stachbotrys and are in areas that are ravaged by water damage or excess moisture. Most toxic mold targets wood, insulation, cardboard and paper.
Identification
The Alliance for Health Homes states that identifying mold can be tricky, because many times water damage lies behind walls, wallpaper and carpeting. Common household mold has a granular, cottony, velvety or leathery texture. There is often peeling paint or drywall as well. You may be able to smell a musty or soil-type odor when mold is present. Household black mold and toxic black mold are difficult to distinguish from each other. Black stains and speckles can cover an area and tend to cluster together.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mold exposure can range from mild to severe, depending on the toxicity of the mold and the length of exposure, according to the Mold Symptoms website. The most common symptoms of household mold include headache, itching skin, itchy eyes, watery eyes and skin irritation. For prolonged exposure you may experience nose bleeds, extreme fatigue, rashes, asthma attacks, upper respiratory infections, muscle pain, open sores and weight loss.
Health Risks
Newborns, the elderly and those with weak immune systems or respiratory problems are most at risk from mold exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that for black mold exposure, the health risks can be severe and may include severe asthma attacks, memory loss, blindness, mold infections and bleeding in the lungs. Most symptoms of mold exposure are eliminated once you remove the mold and begin to breathe fresh, clean air.
Elimination
The Environmental Protection Agency suggests first eliminating the mold source. This could be a leaky roof, pipe or water seeping in through the basement. Destroy all drywall and wood that has been damaged and has mold on it. Once the water source has been identified and fixed, replace the moldy material with new material. Material that cannot be replaced should be washed with 1/4 cup of bleach mixed into a gallon of water.
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