Mold can emerge after water damage if affected areas in your home are not dried and treated properly. Mold grows quickly within 24-48 hours after water exposure.
For example, drywall or under baseboards that are not dried and dealt with enough can become a breeding ground for mold.
If you have experienced water damage in your home, be sure to look out for the following 12 types of mold: Stachybotrys, Acremonium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Chaetomium, Penicillin, Mucor, Trichoderma, Fusarium, and Ulocladium.
Table of Contents
1. Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys, known as “black mold,” is particularly dangerous because it produces harmful toxins called mycotoxins. These toxins can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even neurological problems.
It is frequently seen in wet or water-damaged buildings and has a rapid spread rate. Any room in a house, including the basement, bathroom, kitchen, and attic, can develop black mold after water damage.
2. Acremonium
Acremonium mold is a type of fungi that often appears as a powdery substance. It’s usually white or gray in color, but it can also be pink or purple. This mold grows inside wet walls and insulation infections after water damage. Acremonium is dangerous and you may experience nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting if exposed to it.
3. Alternaria
Alternaria is a type of mold that can be found in materials like cardboard, canvas, and electric cables as well as the air in your home after water damage.
This mold is often found in damp, humid areas, and can cause serious health problems if inhaled. Symptoms of Alternaria exposure include difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing.
You can figure out if you have Alternaria by doing a visual inspection. This type of mold is usually green or black, and often has a fuzzy or hairy appearance. It can also give off a musty smell.
4. Aspergillus
Aspergillus will grow on damp walls and surfaces. This mold can be either white or black, and often looks like a powder. Not all types of aspergillus are harmful to your health. However, some types can cause allergenic problems, particularly in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
5. Aureobasidium
Aureobasidium is a pink or black mold that is often found on damp surfaces, such as in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It can also be found on wet clothing, wallpaper, and other materials.
6. Cladosporium
Cladosporium causes allergies and thrives in both warm and cold temperatures. It can be discovered on carpets, wood furniture, cabinets, and fabric fibers. It irritates the skin, eyes, and respiratory system and can cause serious health problems if you’re exposed to it for a long period of time.
7. Chaetomium
Chaetomium is another type of mold that can grow on insulation, wood, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, and drywall that’s been damaged by water. It’s often white or gray in color, but it can also be brown or black. This mold releases toxin that can cause serious health problems, including liver damage and cancer.
8. Penicillium
Penicillium is a type of mold that often grows on food. It’s also been found in water-damaged buildings. This mold is blue or green and can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes, respiratory problems, and headaches.
9. Mucor
Mucor is often found on food, particularly bread and fruits. It can also be found in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. You can also find it on air conditioning units. Mucor is a fast-growing mold that can cause rhino-conjunctivitis, or “moldy bread syndrome” in people with a weakened immune system. It can also cause pulmonary infections in people with weak immune systems.
10. Trichoderma
Trichoderma is a green mold that is often found in soil, on plant matter, and on other damp surfaces in your home, such as in your shower or basement. While Trichoderma is not known to cause serious health problems, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
11. Fusarium
Fusarium is a type of mold that can be found in soil, on plants, and in stored grains. It can grow on wallpaper, carpet, upholstered furniture, and other surfaces. Exposure to Fusarium can cause skin infections, respiratory problems, and allergic reactions.
12. Ulocladium
Ulocladium is a type of mold that is often found in damp buildings, such as those that have been flooded or had leaks. It can also be found on wet clothing, shoes, and other materials.
Final Thought
It’s crucial to take immediate action if you suspect you have a mold problem after water damage in your home. Exposure to mold especially Stachybotrys can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, skin rashes, and headaches. If you cannot do with yourself, contact a professional mold removal company as soon as possible.
