What Types of Mold Might Be Found in Northern PA?

When you think of mold, you may recoil or even physically cringe. Because of the harm it can do, it makes sense that people might be repulsed by mold. A fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors and is fueled by moisture, mold can damage not only your health, but also your home if it’s left unchecked.

Springtime in northern PA means warmer weather, rain and increased humidity. While this might be beneficial to the plant life outside, it could be a recipe for disaster if it creates mold in your home. If you discover mold in your home, it may be time to contact local environmental hazard professionals for mold removal. Here are some of the more common types of mold you may find.

Stachybotrys

Also known colloquially as black mold, stachybotrys has a slimy texture and can be black or dark green. It usually gives off a musty odor and can be found on traditional building materials like wood, hay, wicker, drywall, particle board and cardboard. A considerable amount of moisture is needed for this mold to grow, so check places where there could be consistent water flow, like air conditioning ducts and leaky pipes. It’s imperative you get this taken care of, because stachybotrys can cause a slew of health problems like respiratory issues, headaches, persistent cough, nosebleeds, fever, hearing or memory loss and depression.

Ulocladium

This mold can be black, brown, gray or a cross between green and black. It often presents a texture similar to suede and can be found in areas with high amounts of condensation (like bathrooms, basements and kitchens) or in areas that experienced extensive water damage. It’s unique in that it frequently joins with other molds, including the aforementioned stachybotrys. It can stick to wallpaper as well as painted surfaces, and once it pops up, the only way to remove it is by removing the materials on which it’s growing. It can cause breathing difficulties, hay fever and skin infections, and is especially harmful to those with compromised immune systems.

Chaetomium

At first, this mold is white with a cotton-like composition, but over time it becomes gray or olive green. This is one of the molds that is also commonly found with ulocladium. It emits a musty odor, and can form on old, battered wood, or water-damaged building materials such as wallpaper, carpet, window frames and drywall. This mold also poses a grave threat to the immunocompromised, and can often present as a fungus under fingernails and toenails.

Alternaria

This is one of the more dangerous and damaging types of mold, as it has large spores that can cause allergic reactions if you breathe them in. It can also trigger shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain or fits of coughing. It has an appearance that can range from black to hunter green and can resemble cotton or suede in texture. Check for it in damp places like shower stalls and tubs, underneath leaky sinks and in any water-damaged areas.

Call the pros at Ahold of Mold Environmental

Should you discover any mold in your home, it would be prudent to contact local mold removal experts, as they will be able to accurately assess the damage, suggest next courses of action and fill you in on what safety measures you need to take. When you do call on the professionals, make sure it’s the best mold removal specialists in northern PA: Ahold of Mold Environmental. The safety of your home and family is too important not to.

Categorised in: Mold Prevention