Apply for open available positions:

We Can Work With Your Insurance Company Directly!

Call Us Now 301-829-2600

Blog

The Most Common Types of Indoor Mold

October 28, 2020

While some indoor molds are worse than others, none of them are a good thing to spot. Understanding the most common types of indoor mold will help you to identify them and any potential threat to your family’s health.

Cladosporium

This mold species is commonly found in basements that are not waterproofed and that have experienced high moisture levels or basement flooding. Cladosporium can cause severe asthma attacks, so it is important to remove it the moment that it is detected. Inside, this indoor mold can be spotted on carpeting, flooring, acrylic walls, underneath wallpaper and in insulation. Cladosporium is deep green, brown and black and expands into branching colonies. This mold appears to be fuzzy and is soft to the touch.

Stachybotrys

This is more commonly known as black mold, which is highly toxic to humans and, after short-term or long-term exposure it can lead to a wide range of health problems. Stachybotrys thrives in warm conditions and grows along damp surfaces. It appears in long streaks and is black or dark blue in color. It appears to be slimy and will smear if you touch it.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is a type of indoor mold that can weaken the immune system and cause health issues. It grows along wallpaper, flooring, carpeting, upholstered furniture, gypsum board, insulation, plastic, leather and wood. It is green and white and forms in circular patches. It appears to be soft and will crumble if you touch it.

Why Is Mold So Dangerous?

Indoor mold can be very toxic and have long-term effects depending on the length of exposure and the mold species. Seniors, pregnant women, children and anyone with pre-existing health conditions will be disproportionately affected. The health effects of mold can range from mild sensitivity to chronic conditions.

Those with mold sensitivity typically experience:

  • Congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Dry, sore, itchy or watery eyes
  • Skin rashes and irritation
  • Headaches

Anyone with an existing respiratory illness, like an upper respiratory infection, asthma or lung illnesses can also react severely to mold. Indoor mold can even cause dangerous conditions like asthma to develop in children.

Indoor mold exposure, in the most severe cases, can lead to:

  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Cancer
  • Pulmonary bleeding
  • Kidney and liver conditions
  • Immune system and blood conditions
  • Neurotoxicity

If you find mold in your home, you should call an experienced mold remediation professional to take care of the problem. Never attempt to remove mold on your own.

Remove Indoor Mold with Help from Flood Department

Flood Department can complete a wide range of mold removal, flood damage restoration and clean-up services. To learn more about our services and whether or not you have a mold problem on your hands, give us a call at 855-350-0360.

  • Allegany County
  • Anne Arundel County
  • Baltimore County
  • Baltimore City
  • Carroll County
  • Frederick County
  • Garrett County
  • Montgomery County
  • Prince George’s County
  • Howard County
  • Washington County
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Fairfax County
  • Loudon County
  • Stafford County
  • Adams County
  • Somerset County
  • Bedford County
  • Berkeley County
  • Jefferson County
  • Mineral County
  • Preston County
  • Grant County
  • Monongalia County
  • Morgan County
  • Tucker County