Mold often grows inside the home where water damage or long exposure to moisture has happened. It can grow on bricks, wood, tile, ceramics, wallpaper, carpets, etc. and worst, it often grows in the dark, where we don't normally have access to. Prolonged exposure can cause stuffy noses and itchy eyes, to severe life-threatening problems. If you suspect you have mold in your house, it is best to seek the help of an expert immediately. Here are just a few kinds of molds to be aware of during your self-inspection:
Stachybotrys - Also known as Black Mold. This is the most serious of the molds on the list. It can cause flu-like symptoms, headaches, and other respiratory issues with a shortened prolonged experience. Symptoms can be worse for children. Stachybotrys is often black to a very dark green or blue, is slimy or fuzzy. It can grow anywhere inside where extensive water damage has occurred.
Chaetomium - Similar to Stachybotrys in that it grows where water or moisture has accumulated. It can be found in drywall, under wallpaper, baseboards, carpets, etc. Wet and dark are the two brewing factors. Symptoms from prolonged exposure range from watery red eyes, trouble breathing, autoimmune diseases, to neurological damage. It has a cotton-like texture and usually changes colors from white to grey to brown and eventually to black over time with a very noticeable smell.
Fusarium - Also similar to Stachybotrys and Chaetomium with the effects of prolonged exposure and the kind of environment it grows in. The biggest difference is it is often pink, white or reddish in color.
Aspergillus - Prolonged exposure can lead to bronchitis, sinusitis, and what is called "fungal asthma." Often an outside mold that grows on dead leaves, decaying vegetation, spores can be brought in from outside to inside the home. It can grow on household plants, and with the right circumstances, carpets and air conditioning units. Prolonged exposure can lead to fever and chills, a cough that brings up blood (hemoptysis), shortness of breath, chest or joint pain, headaches or eye symptoms, and skin lesions.
