There are countless types of molds that grow all over the world. Generally, they are divided into three classes. Usually, seeing any mold growing in or near your home is never good and often requires a pro to ensure it is properly eliminated. Today, we at Disaster Services would like to discuss the common types of house mold.

Hazard Classes of Mold

Based on their health risks, a hazard class system is designed to place molds in different categories, which are broken into Hazard classes A, B and C.
Hazard Class A: Due to risk of infection or creation of toxins, the mold types in this group are directly hazardous to health. They should be removed right away if found as they should never be homes or workplaces.
Hazard Class B: Especially over longer periods of time, the mold types in this group can cause allergic reactions.
Hazard Class C: In humans, the mold types in this group aren’t known to cause any health risks or reactions. Keep in mind however, despite not being a threat to your health, mold can potentially cause structural damage to things that they are growing on and should still be removed.

Common Indoor Mold Types

Since molds are incredibly diverse, even within the individual species, it isn’t a complete picture, this is short list of the more common molds that grow in households that may help people understand mold.
Cladosporium. This very common mold appears brown, green, grey or black on surfaces. Depending on the species, it classified as either Hazard Class B or C. With Cladosporium, allergic reactions are generally the only concern. Walls, dust, wood, and insulation are the usual places it grows.
Aspergillus. This common mold looks yellow, green, white, grey, brown, or black. They generally fall into Hazard Classes A or B as there are many species in the genus. Some of them can make toxins in certain circumstances and others can cause infection in people with weak immune systems, and some can lead to allergic reactions. Paper products, soil, walls, insulation, clothing, and many other places are the usual places Aspergillus can grow.
Penicillium. Because modern antibiotics were discovered thanks to a species of Penicillium long ago, this mold may seem familiar. Its species are generally classified as B or C and it appears green, blue, or white. In addition to it being found on the insulation, walls, and other places, it can be found on foods, such as cheese and fruit.
Ulocladium. This mold tends to grow in damp areas and falls into hazard classes B and C. Ulclodium usually looks black or grey. It is often discovered around windows, walls, in dusty areas, and other places.
Acremonium. Although it can be found in many other areas too, Acremonium is often found on insulation and drywall/sheetrock and grows in damp places. Generally, it looks grey, white, or brown, and various species are found in all three hazard classes.
Stachybotrys. The mold that made it on the news in association with ill health effects many years ago is this infamous black mold. It is considered a Hazard Class A mold, as it can create toxins. It looks black on surfaces. It requires a very damp area to grow.
Alternaria. It usually appears black or grey on surfaces. It has been known to cause various allergic reactions and classified as a Hazard Class B mold. It can grow on dusty areas, walls, around windows, damp areas, on plants, in soil, and in various other places.

Mold Cleaning, Abatement, Removal & Remediation in Baytown, Pasadena, League City, Pearland, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring & Greater Houston, Texas

If you are experiencing mold in your Houston, TX home, call Disaster Services and let us help you remove the mold.