Types of Mold and Their Effect on Your Health [infographic]

Posted: Mar 11, 2019
Author: AdvantaClean of West Knoxville

Nobody likes to see mold in their home because it makes you feel like your home isn’t clean. However, the problems associated with mold go beyond the visual annoyance. At AdvantaClean of West Knoxville, we are equipped to safely and effectively perform mold cleaning so that these molds that have various health effects do not put your family’s health in danger.

• Stachybotrys – This mold can grow in any moist area and has earned the name of toxic black mold because it has been shown to potentially cause cancer. It is dark green or black with a slimy appearance. Signs of its presence include headaches, dizziness, joint pain, and the development or aggravation of asthma.
• Alternaria – Often found around windows, on carpeting, and in clothing that has been stored in a damp area, this mold features long, velvety hairs and has a dark green, black or gray color. It doesn’t require much more than a damp area to grow, and the health effects include respiratory problems, hay fever, and asthma.
• Memnoniella – This mold type looks similar to Stachybotrys, although it’s smaller and not as dangerous. It is happy in damp areas and can grow on various fabrics, including cotton, wool, and canvas. The most common health effects include coughing, headaches, and respiratory problems.
• Cladosporium – This mold prefers your home’s insulation and wood, as well as food and dead plants. It has a powdery appearance and can be gray, black, brown, or green in color. Although it can cause a severe allergic reaction, it is typically only harmful for those with weakened immune systems, allergy sufferers, and those with asthma.
• Penicillium – While some members of this species have a molecule used for antibiotics, airborne spores can be irritating to eyes and cause coughing and congestion. It has a fuzzy appearance and can be blue, white or green in color. It prefers moist, organic matter.
• Aspergillus – This is a very fast-growing mold, so getting on top of it early is critical, especially since it produces aflatoxin, a carcinogen. It can also cause infections in those with compromised immune systems. It prefers a humid and moist environment and can be found in soil, on clothing, in walls, and in insulation. It can be black, green, white, brown, or gray in color.