Have you noticed mold growing in your home or business? Are you unsure whether it’s something you can handle on your own or if you need professional help? Understanding the different types of mold and knowing when to seek professional assistance is crucial for the safety of your property and your health.
Mold is a common problem that many individuals face. It can grow in various areas of the property, such as bathrooms, basements, and attics, and is often a result of moisture or water damage. While some types of mold can be easily dealt with using DIY methods, others require the expertise of professionals to ensure complete removal and prevent further damage.
Identifying the type of mold you have and understanding its potential dangers is essential in determining whether you should handle the problem yourself or seek professional help. Join us as we provide you with an overview of different types of mold and guide you on when it’s time to call in the experts at Brouwer Brothers Steamatic in Chicago.
Common Types of Mold
Mold can come in many different forms, with different varieties being more common depending on where you live and what your home is like. We will cover three of the most common types of mold found in the Chicagoland area. These include:
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a type of mold known for its green, grey, or yellow spores and the thick covering that can develop if it is left untreated. Most commonly found growing on food or wooden surfaces, aspergillus can cause skin and lung irritation. Serious infection can develop into a condition known as aspergillosis, which can cause chest pains, internal bleeding, and even organ failure.
Mucorales
Mucorales, also called black pin mold, is a type of mold identified by its black color and long, strand-like shape. Mucorales are typically found growing on dry foods like bread and can spread rapidly. Mucorales can cause a condition known as mucormycosis, a potentially life-threatening condition with wide-ranging symptoms depending upon which part of the body is infected.
Penicillium
Penicillium is a fuzzy mold most typically colored white or blue-green. This type of mold is most commonly found in moist areas like mattresses or HVAC systems, as well as on spoiled food. While some species of penicillium are known for creating the antibiotic penicillin, this is not true for all species. Like any other mold, penicillium can be hazardous to humans and animals, most often causing respiratory issues when spores are inhaled.
Health Effects of Household Mold Exposure
Mold spores are a common health hazard. While a certain level of mold and fungal spores exist in the atmosphere, high concentrations can cause a variety of debilitating issues. Most commonly, mold exposure leads to respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, and asthma-like symptoms.
Other symptoms can vary based on the type of mold a person is exposed to. As touched upon earlier, these can range from persistent respiratory problems and illness to major organ damage and even death. If mold infestation spreads to the brain, it is not uncommon for a person to experience psychological issues like mood swings, as well as persistent paranoia and anxiety. It is also important to note that those with preexisting illnesses or ailments, particularly those with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to mold-related problems.
Signs of a Mold Problem
In many cases, mold is clearly visible. Depending on the mold types in a home, spores might be found growing on spoiled food, in bathrooms, in kitchens, in refrigerators, and in any other place with poor ventilation and exposure to moisture.
It is also possible to detect mold by smell. Mold typically has a distinctly musty, unpleasant scent, especially when exposed to moisture. When searching for mold, make sure to look under rugs, beneath furniture, and in similar locations, as mold tends to grow best in low-light environments.
Finally, mold growth can displace other things when severe. This means uneven flooring and bubbling paint when on the walls. Mold is also not easily removed, as it typically exists beyond the surface level that a person can see, making it important to seek professional help in identifying and removing mold.
Brouwer Brothers Steamatic is Your Trusted Mold Service Provider
Are you dealing with mold issues in your home or business?
Brouwer Brothers Steamatic is your trusted mold service provider. With our years of experience and expertise, we have the knowledge and tools to effectively remove mold and prevent its recurrence. We understand the dangers and health risks associated with mold, which is why we are dedicated to providing top-quality services to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Don’t let mold continue to be a problem in your space. Choose Brouwer Brothers Steamatic for reliable and professional mold removal services. Our team is committed to ensuring your environment is clean, healthy, and mold-free.
Contact us today to schedule your mold assessment and let Brouwer Brothers Steamatic take care of your mold issues.
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