Identification of Types of Mold

Mold frequently grows around faucets and sinks.

Scientists have identified over 100,000 different mold species, almost all of which thrive in warm, moist places, feeding on anything carbon-based and spreading by releasing spores into the air. In other words, thousands of species of mold live in homes, offices and other human environments. People cannot tell the difference between different mold species -- only a specialized laboratory can -- and can only identify a few characteristics (habitat, color) that distinguish one general category of mold from another. Most mold is harmless and present in low concentrations, but other types of molds can cause health problems. Large infestations should be removed by mold removal professionals.

Instructions

1. Understand how mold grows and spreads. Food mold is not dangerous, but can spread quickly to other foods by releasing spores. Wood mold can degrade wood and other materials in a building to the point where they must be replaced. Black mold causes irritation, respiratory complications and other health issues and should be examined, tested and removed by professionals specializing in mold removal.

2. Be aware of the conditions that can lead to mold infestations. Mold prefers consistently warm and moist areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics and areas with leaks or poor ventilation. Mold growing on old food is unsavory but harmless, whereas black mold growing on walls can cause health problems and destroy paint and wood.

3. Know what different types of mold can look like so that you can recognize the start of an infestation. Food mold is often grey, blue or green. Wood molds are green and black, and mold that releases mycotoxins is black. Black mold (also called toxic mold) causes the most problems for humans.

4. Remember that only a laboratory with specialized equipment can identify mold species. Testing can reveal whether black mold in your home is the common cladosporium species, which in high concentrations can cause minor irritation, or one of the stachybotrys strains, which has been linked to asthma and more serious health conditions. Contact a mold removal specialist in your area to test the mold in your home and remove it.

Tips & Warnings

• The naked eye cannot distinguish between different mold species. If you are concerned about the strain of mold in your house or office, contract a mold removal specialist who can test the mold or send it to a laboratory.

References

• Centers for Disease Control; Facts About Stachybotrys Chartarum and Other Molds; February 2010
• World Health Organization: Dampness and Mold
• Washington State Department of Health: Got Mold?
• Get Mold Removal Tips: Mold Identification
• Service Magic: Toxic and Nontoxic Mold