Identify 5 types of mold in the apartment with a picture

Mold in living spaces can become an immense health hazard for people and pets. However, there are sometimes significant differences between the various types of mold - both in terms of the risks they pose and the way they spread. Therefore, knowledge of the type of mold is crucial for correct removal.

types of mold

Around 100,000 types of mold have already been specifically identified and described. However, the actual total number of different species is an estimated 250,000. Mold in living spaces can be divided into five main groups depending on its appearance. These are:

• white mold
• yellow mold
• red mold
• green mold
• black mold

In these groups there are in turn different species, which, however, have, among other things, the color in common and are therefore classified together.

White mold

White mold is often found on food, but it can also appear on walls. Due to its white coloration, it is often only noticed very late on light backgrounds. It often only becomes "visible" when it begins to darken. This is a special feature of white mold, as it can change to black mold.

Both variants are harmful to health, can trigger allergies, irritate the mucous membranes and lead to other complaints.

Below:

• Headache
• frequent colds and sinus infections
• Cough to chronic bronchitis
• skin diseases
• sore throat
• joint pain
• fatigue
• Gastrointestinal complaints

The mold is whitish to greyish. The color may change as it could turn into black mold. Of course, this is not only due to the change in color, but to different species in the fungus coating. This covering acts like cotton wool or cobwebs and is mainly found on the ceiling or near the floor.

Yellow mold

Fortunately, yellow mold is less common in industrialized countries due to high hygiene standards, as it emits a particularly dangerous substance. This is a poison called aflatoxin. This is highly hazardous to health and can cause significant problems and illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and liver cancer.

The color of yellow mold varies between yellowish, ocher and brown. The appearance and consistency can be dry and flaky, grainy or greasy and sometimes more reminiscent of a discolored moss covering. The yellow mold is not only found in damp corners on the walls and masonry, but also on upholstered furniture and primarily on cotton fabrics.

Red Mold

Red mold can range in color from bright orange to red to rusty brown and is most commonly found in areas with high levels of cellulose. That means it occurs primarily on paper wallpaper, in flour or cardboard and veneer. In addition, the kitchen and bathroom are affected more often than other areas. Because of its color, red mold is more noticeable than white and yellow mold. It can be dry and crumbly or appear slimy.

A health hazard exists primarily for the respiratory tract, i.e. the bronchi and lungs. Allergies and asthma are possible consequences of a long-term infestation with the red mold species.

Green Mold

At the base, these types of mold usually appear whitish to gray, while the surface is green. It spreads on food, potting soil and in wet areas. For example, under carpets, behind wall coverings and in tile joints. Green mold includes the types of mold that are most prevalent.

Compared to other types of mold, it is not extremely dangerous to health, but it can still cause ailments and illnesses.

These include, among others:

• allergies
• asthma
• Infection and damage to the lung tissue
• Headache
• weakening of the immune system

The poison of this mold will gliotoxin called and can cause a variety of problems with a permanent contact. Therefore, despite the comparatively low risk emanating from green mold, it should be removed quickly.

Black Mold

Black mold, also known as black mold, can develop from white mold or appear directly.

It is primarily found in the following areas:

• Wet rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens
• tile joints
• walls
• (plastered) walls
• wallpaper
• Cover

Even large temperature differences do not bother this type of mold, which is why it is particularly persistent and can spread quickly. Strictly speaking, it is again not one type, but about 40 different types of mold. Black mold is particularly feared because it is difficult to get rid of and can be extremely toxic to people and pets.

Stachybotrys chartarum

Stachybotrys chartarum is one of the black mold species and can, for example, trigger the so-called stachybotryosis. The symptoms of this disease are reminiscent of Alzheimer's.

Aspergillus niger

Another black mold is Aspergillus niger. It can trigger a whole range of diseases, ranging from allergies and infectious diseases to kidney diseases. Due to the wide range of dangers and risks, as well as the severity of the possible diseases, black mold should be dealt with immediately and infested areas avoided.

mold test

Although the mold can usually be assigned to a group relatively easily by color, the exact species cannot be determined solely by the color and the rest of the appearance. A mold test is required for this. For this, a sample of the mold is taken and examined in a laboratory. Depending on the result, appropriate remedial measures can then be taken. Vinegar essence, alcohol and special commercially available cleaners can help with minor infestations and some types of mold, but they are by no means sufficient in all cases.

In the case of a severe infestation, the affected area may need to be professionally cleaned to remove and destroy all fungal spores. To ensure your own safety and allow thorough removal, this task should be removed by professionals.

prevention

The best way to prevent mold growth is prevention. In order for mold to grow and spread, it basically only needs three things: moisture, nutrients and the right temperature. By removing moisture, an infestation can be prevented. The following tips can help reduce humidity:

• regular ventilation several times a day
• Do not dry laundry in the apartment
• heat appropriately
• Don't place furniture too close to the wall
• Have water damage repaired immediately by a professional
• Ventilate well after bathing, showering or cooking

Savings are always being made, especially when it comes to heating, due to rising costs. However, if this leads to the spread of black mold, for example, this can be significantly more expensive than slightly higher heating costs.

Learn more about mold