5 Common Types of Mold & How They Could Be Affecting Your Business:

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

Mold thrives in damp and dark environments where the temperature stays between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The catch? These environments are usually located within walls, behind baseboards, above ceilings, or even within air ducts; areas that we don’t typically inspect. There is no sure way of preventing mold growth, especially in hard-to-reach areas, which means that it is important to know what the effects of different growths may be so you can prepare for any scenario and deal with it immediately.

Alternaria

Alternaria is the most common form of allergenic mold in the world. This velvet-textured, dark green growth, with over 250 different species is commonly seen in areas with high moisture or humidity which makes this one of the most common types of growth to occur after some sort of water loss. Some species of Alternaria can also be found in dry, windy conditions, causing them to be extremely airborne in certain scenarios. 

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is among one of the 3 most common types of mold found in American structures, along with black mold and pink mold. This is another case of airborne mold spores that cling to nearby surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and furniture. They typically make their way throughout a building via the heating or air conditioning system, making it a challenge to identify the exact location that aspergillus may strike next.

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is an allergenic mold type. This can be found in both warm and cold conditions and is often located within indoor materials such as fabrics, upholsteries, and carpets. It is typically an olive or brown color with a suede-like texture. Remember your grandma’s old, mildew-scented furniture? It might not be mildew after all. This is one of the biggest reasons why it is recommended to thoroughly clean all fabric furniture that may be bought second-hand.

Penicillium

Although this growth may be famous for its antibiotic production, it can also be the culprit of multiple health effects. Penicillium is easily recognizable for its blue or green color and velvety texture. It is often found in older buildings hiding under or behind carpets, wallpaper, or ducts. It spreads as rapidly as a virus and if left untreated, can cause serious long-term health effects.

Stachybotrys

Stachybotrys is also known as the famous “black mold”. It is a toxigenic (yes, that means toxic) mold that can cause serious health effects. This mold thrives in wet areas with high humidity levels that maintain these conditions for extended periods of time. It is known for growing on wood, cardboard, paper, or hay. The moral of the story, make sure all rooms are well ventilated and throw away your old newspapers; there’s no need to keep them folded up in boxes within a humid storage room or building.

Although there are thousands of other types of mold spores that have not been discussed in this article, this offers a brief explanation of five of the most common types of mold that could affect your business. If you do happen to notice mold growth, SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is available 24/7 at 817-596-8714 to assist with most mold remediation-required services.