How can I tell what kind of mold I have?
A mildewed surface is often difficult to distinguish from a dirty one. To test for mold and mildew and how to tell if your house has mold, simply dab a few drops of household bleach on the blackened area. If it lightens after one to two minutes, you have mildew. If the area remains dark, you probably have dirt.
What are three types of molds?
The three main types of molds are prototype or low-volume, production, and export.
How do I know if mold in my house is toxic?
Toxic mold can also have a grayish, soot-like texture, or a slimy, wet surface. In some cases, you may even notice furry orange or brown spots. If you find mold with any of these qualities in your home, don’t get too close, and call a professional right away.
How do you identify mold in your house?
A common way to check for mold is to smell for it. A “musty” smell in an area of your home is often an indicator that there is some kind of mold present. Symptoms like a persistent runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and throat irritation could also be indicative of mold.
What kind of mold is white?
White mold is not a specific type of mold – many species of mold may appear white. The species commonly found in homes are aspergillus, Cladosporium, and penicillium. All these molds may also appear gray, green, black, or other tints.
What does Alternaria mold look like?
Physical Characteristics: Alternaria mold is dark (grey, brown, black) with a velvety texture. Health Symptoms: Development and/or agitation of Asthma. Sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, congestion, coughing and dry skin.
When should I be worried about mold?
Don’t be afraid to contact your healthcare provider if mold has invaded your home and you’re concerned about your health. But remember that the most serious side effects, including allergy symptoms and infections, occur only in people who have an underlying condition, a weakened immune system, or an allergy.
Which is worse white mold or black mold?
Black mold is considered highly toxic mold and poses terrible health risks. On the other hand, white mold is a powdery, stringy, flakey, or filmy substance that can change colour or remain white, making it difficult to identify. Generally speaking, white molds present less health risks than black mold.
How toxic is white mold?
Like black mold, white mold can cause many health problems, such as respiratory infections, dizziness, allergic reactions, headaches, and eye and skin irritations. Mold is particularly dangerous to those who have asthma.
What are the different types of mold?
Molds are quite common and will grow in any building where there is moisture present, including your home. The most common types of mold found in homes are the Penicillium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Aspergillus. The most troubling mold however is the Stachybotrys chartarum, which is also known as toxic black mold.
What are the types of household mold?
A look at the most common types of household mold Cladosporium: This is one of the most common types of household mold. Penicillium: This type of mold is greenish in color and grows very fast. Alternaria: Although Alternaria usually grows outdoors, it can also grow indoors if certain areas are damp, wet or flooded.
What is the most dangerous type of mold?
Black mold, scientifically known as Stachybotrys, is generally considered to be the most dangerous type, as it can produce mycotoxins – toxic chemical compounds which may cause a wide range of symptoms when exposure occurs, from asthma to neurotoxicity.
How do you identify mold?
The easiest way to identify black mold is when you can visibly see it growing on a porous surface. Unfortunately the earlier stages of mold are not very easy to identify.