With the onset of winter, the combination of the cold wet weather and lack of ventialation as we close our windows and doors can culminate to indoor types of mould.
It is impossible to avoid exposure to mould — the spores are almost everywhere in the atmosphere.
Mould can look quite unpleasant and with regular continuous exposure, people with underlying health issues can progress to following symptoms of sickness from mould.
- The worsening of asthma symptoms and it can even trigger attacks
- Sore eyes and nose
- Throat irritation
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Impaired lung function
- Allergic reactions
Click here To see How to prevent Mould
In this article we concentrate on the different types of mould.
Different types of mould release their spores at varying times of the year so depending on the month, you may find any of the following types of mould growing in your home.
Remember that mould likes four things:
- moisture
- heat
- poor air circulation
- dark
Black Mould
Some people believe that black mold exposure is a serious health concern. However, no conclusive research suggests that exposure to this type of mould causes conditions such as cancer or lung disease.
Black mould is commonly found in homes, especially in bathrooms and any other rooms which are exposed to a lot of moisture. It’s often mistaken for ordinary household dirt, so can sometimes go years without being treated. It’s usually slimy because of a wet layer on top.
Alternaria
Alternaria is predominantly an outdoor family of moulds, so any growth that happens in your home likely began with spores from outside. Alternaria prefers plants and wood for growth. But if it finds its way inside, it can colonize on tiles, drywall, plywood and even paint and polyurethane. Like most molds, it grows best in dark, damp areas. It grows all year round but is most common in July, August and September.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is usually found indoors growing on dust, powdery food items such as flour and on building materials including drywall. The species are filamentous fungi that are commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and seeds and grains, where they thrive. Aspergillus grows throughout the year but you are more likely to see it in August and September and it’s particularly prevalent in January and February.
This type of mould can cause a condition known as Aspergillosis. There are several different types of aspergillosis. Most affect the lungs and cause breathing difficulties.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium appears in clusters of black, yellow, or green spots. The spots spread quickly when not cleaned away. Cladosporium often forms where moisture is present, However, it is almost impossible to identify Cladosporium visually.
A person with mould in their home should consult with a mould-testing professional to identify the mould correctly, so that it can be removed safely. It may also be possible to send mould samples to a laboratory for testing.
This type of mould grows in both cool and warm places and is usually found on fabrics and wood surfaces. It is found in low amounts most of the year but peaks in July and August.
Penicillium
Most of us will be familiar with this type of mould because it’s present everywhere, particularly on food. It’s the fuzzy blue texture we see when food has gone off. Aside from spoiling food products, penicillium can also be found on organic, biodegradable substances such as wood, leaves and grass. It’s found throughout the year, with a small peak in August and September and the highest peak in January and February.
