03/01/2024
Types of indoor mould
Mould can fall into one of three categories at a time, depending on how it can affect people who inhale the spores or ingest the mould. These are allergenic moulds, pathogenic moulds, and toxigenic moulds.
Allergenic moulds are considered non-toxic but can trigger allergic reactions in asthmatics. Pathogenic moulds can cause illnesses in people who are immunocompromised. Toxigenic moulds are the most dangerous growths that can lead to health problems.
To understand these types of mould and their danger levels, we have created a list and their categories. Some of these indoor mould can appear in several categories at once, depending on their stage of growth:
Allergenic
Alternaria Ascospores Aspergillus Aureobasidium Chaetomium Cladosporium Curvularia Fusarium Mucor Myrothecium Penicillium Trichoderma Ulocladium Zygomycetes
Pathogenic
Botrytis Curvularia Zygomycetes
Toxigenic
Acremonium Aspergillus Epicoccum Fusarium Myrothecium Penicillium Stachybotrys Serpula Torula
Colour variations in mould
Mould is not always the unsightly black spots you might expect. It can grow in various colours, each indicating a different type of mould.
However, mould can change colours based on its current environment — even toxic 'black' moulds can grow in red or green. However, the most common colours for mould are:
Black Green Yellow White Blue Orange Purple Pink Red Brown
Most dangerous forms of indoor mould
The threat mould poses is not always equal; some types pose more health risks than others. The most dangerous indoor moulds are Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Penicillium.
Stachybotrys is infamous for its toxic effects. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious respiratory problems or skin irritation. Aspergillus species vary in their level of danger, but certain strains can cause allergic reactions and lung infections, especially in people with weak immune systems. Penicillium, when found indoors, may trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
Indoor mould exposure poses several health risks. Allergic responses are typical, from sneezing and skin irritation to breathing difficulties. Some types of mould can even produce harmful mycotoxins, leading to conditions like mycotoxicosis.
The longer you are exposed to indoor mould, the more your health may suffer. For instance, prolonged contact can cause chronic bronchitis or lung inflammation. Living in a damp environment can be especially hazardous for those with asthma or weakened immune systems.
Preventing indoor mould growth
Staying in a clean, dry atmosphere is fundamental for avoiding mould formation. This involves simple steps like promptly fixing leaks and drying damp areas within 24-48 hours. It is also beneficial to use dehumidifiers, moisture catchers, or air purifiers during humid seasons.
You should keep indoor humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%. You can measure this using hygrometers - a tool that lets you check home humidity levels.
Improving your home ventilation helps prevent mould growth. For instance, using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom when cooking or showering reduces moisture build-up and prevents mould spores from settling.
Why professional cleaning services are essential for mould removal
Removing mould is not a simple task. Mould is resilient and capable of hiding in hard-to-reach places and returning if not tackled properly. Professional cleaning services have the necessary expertise to tackle mould effectively.
Mould cleaning experts use advanced techniques that eliminate all types of indoor mould, ensuring they do not reappear over time. A DIY approach might seem appealing because it saves money, but most products cannot remediate serious infestations.
These cleaning products may remove visible traces but often fail to address hidden spores or fix underlying issues causing dampness - which means the problem will return.
Mould removal companies perform thorough inspections before starting any work and tailor their strategies based on what they find, whether it is black mould behind your wallpaper or white mould in your basement.
