Answers before action.

There are at least 100,000 mold genera in the world, and among those numerous species, the most common molds at home are Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and the Stachybotrys.

Aspergillus is the type of mold at home that is ubiquitous- meaning they are visibly present everywhere. They are usually a powdery colony that ranges from yellowish-green to bluish-green spore. They can generally be found on dead leaves or any decaying organic material, and which spores can be carried inside the home through one’s shoes or clothes and which they can likely land and grow on a wet carpet.

Next is Cladosporium. It is a common mold at home that appears in clusters of olive-green spots, brown or black. Just like any other common molds, they can be found everywhere indoor as long as it has enough moisture usually on an air conditioning system. However, unlike aspergillus, it is unlikely to detect this type of mold with our naked eyes since it can be misattributed to other common molds considering there are at least 100 species of its kind.

Finally on our list is Black Mold or scientifically named as Stachybotrys. By the name people call it for, it is a mold ordinarily dark brown or black color with grayish-white root-like strands on its outer surface. Usually, they can be found on wet organic materials with high cellulose content such as ceiling tile, wallpaper, insulation, and even paper files and condition with relative humidity, usually similar to what humans consider as warm. These are three common molds at home. But, since molds can be found anywhere, other mold species can enter and grow indoors.

Yes, molds are a threat to our health but are not directly lethal. This means that when you breathe or touch mold spores, it doesn’t immediately affect you. However, this still should be given attention since most common molds at home are not yet visible, so likely they have been inhaled, and they are either/or allergenic, pathogenic, and toxigenic. Cladosporium is an allergenic mold that causes allergies to people. Thankfully, most species of this mold are not dangerous to humans. They trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, asthma, skin rashes, etc.

On the other hand, Aspergillus is a pathogenic mold that triggers illnesses in people who have existing health problems. The most common infection caused by this mold is called aspergillosis, which affects the respiratory system. It may develop into invasive aspergillosis, which can cause severe lung problems and may spread to blood vessels and even affect other people organs. Finally, Stachybotrys or the Black Mold is a toxigenic mold that is believed to be dangerous among the categories since they create their own toxins. Although no scientific evidence has yet proven that it is more hazardous than other mold exposure, surely the toxins it releases can lead to health problems that are sometimes lethal. One of the species of Stachybotrys is a toxic black mold that current studies suggest is a factor in a health problem called mycotoxicosis or mold poisoning. Symptoms range vastly from headaches and pains to nose bleeding and even memory loss.

Since you cannot remove all the mold by yourself, and it is hard to use a generic product to attempt to remove them without knowing yet what kind of molds they are, yes, you need mold testing.

If you need more reasons why you need one, click and read the blog’s post about the -

Five Reasons Why You Need Mold Testing .