Mold-Biological Hazards Page

Mold & Mildew

Dangers

Different Mold Types

The different types of mold are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Stachybotrys chartarum (or black mold)

Mycotoxins

This type of toxin is typically released by mold growing on a specific surface, but it is not highly toxic. The different types of mycotoxins that can be found are aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, patulin, and ochratoxin.

Asthma

Asthma reactions often develop due to damp areas in the home and the odors they produce. The most common mold linked to asthma is Aspergillus fumigatus, which can lead to the accumulation of mucus or a film in the body.

Common symptoms

The most common symptoms are a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, sore throat, congestion, skin rash, and headaches. These symptoms can differ based on how much mold an individual is exposed to, the time of the exposure, and how high their allergens flare up.

Sources

Wet places

When paint, drywall, pipes, or areas near windows become damp, it can cause the location to build up in deterioration which results in mold growing.

Food

When food like bread, cheese (except blue cheese), grains, dried beans, dried fruits, and coffee is stored for a long time in a high-humidity area, it can mold because it has deteriorated in that location.

Surfaces

Mildew is typically found in these specific areas because of its powdery texture. Mold isn’t typically found on surfaces because it has a different fungus type of texture but if it is on a surface, it would be green, gray, black, brown, or another discoloration.

Climate Change

Climate changes can cause mold to spread throughout the home which can pose a danger to individuals.

How to Limit & Avoid an Indoor Gas Danger

Wet Places

One of the most effective ways to reduce mold growth in damp areas of your home is to keep them dry. You can achieve this by using your HVAC system and reducing humidity levels.

Climate

To keep the climate safe and lessen the amount of mold in the home, you can open the windows in certain areas and keep fans going in the home (take specific emphasis on the bathroom) so that the circulation is safe.

Cleanup

You can clean up small areas of mold yourself after consulting a professional, as long as the affected area is less than 10 square feet (about a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch). Make sure to wear proper protective gear while cleaning. To clean mold, you can use household products, soap and water, or a bleach solution (no more than 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water). For larger areas or those with significant moisture, it’s best to hire a professional. For more information about mold, its types, and potential dangers, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mold website.