We’ve all seen them, growing on our food, homes, or even in nature. Mold is a part of life, it can grow in a number of environments, and even though it’s unsightly, mold actually plays a vital role in the food chain by breaking down organic material. While mold can play a crucial role in the circle of life, similar to other fungi, they can often cause health issues to humans and animals depending on where they grow. Not all molds are harmful, and just because you have some in your home doesn’t mean you and your family will become ill. However, there are a few molds that, when accidentally inhaled, have been known to cause health issues in mammals of all kinds. In today’s blog, Seitz Environmental, the best mold removal company in Tamaqua, PA, will go over some of the most dangerous molds that you may eventually encounter.
How Mold Reproduces
Before we get into the most dangerous molds, we should first explain how mold reproduces and “travels”. Similar to plants, fungi, which is the kingdom that molds reside in, reproduce by releasing spores into the air. These spores seek out damp places to grow and feed, and when they land on one, can begin growing rather quickly. These spores are similar to pollen in that they’re usually only a few microns big, usually around two to 100. In comparison, a strand of human hair is 17 to 181 microns in diameter. While these mold spores don’t have any intention of harming humans, they can still do damage when they’re inhaled and are then introduced to our respiratory system.
Because mold is constantly releasing spores in order to reproduce, it can be easy for the fungi to eventually pop up all around your home. Mold likes to grow in cool, damp areas. Some mold likes the dark, while different forms can thrive in even the harshest of daylight. There can be several different types of mold growing in or on your property as well, some can be easy to get rid of while other kinds may need professional assistance in order to properly and safely get rid of. Now that we’ve covered that, let’s get into the most dangerous molds for humans.
Stachybotrys Chartarum
While you may not know this mold by its official name, it’s one of the most well known molds in the world. Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mold, can be found in damp or water-damaged building materials. This mold requires very high moisture levels in order to properly grow. Some of its favorite places to grow is in wet gypsum materials as well as wallpapers. This mold is rarely found in nature and it only releases spores when physically disturbed, which usually happens when more water passes over it. Black mold can cause certain breathing problems as well as serious cardio-respiratory diseases.
Fusarium Species
Most species in this genus of filamentous fungi are harmless and are distributed in soils around the world. However there are a few species, such as fusarium solani, fusarium oxysporum, and fusarium moniliforme, that can produce mycotoxins, which are the particles that certain molds release that can cause certain health issues. Not found in home like black mold, the fusarium molds spread toxins through cereal crops like wheat and barley. This mold can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, fevers, and other health complications.
Penicillium Species
This mold genus is the home of hundreds of mold species, some of which are used to produce the highly beneficial antibiotic penicillin. Other species are even used to create certain cheeses, which are all safe to eat. While this large genus houses many beneficial mold species, it’s also home to some that can cause serious health issues. Penicillium citrinum, penicillium expansum, penicillium spinulosum, and other species can all be found on fruits and bulbs of plants as well as the air and building materials. These molds can cause kidney and liver problems, immune suppressing effects, and other health issues in both humans and animals.
When you need professional mold removal services in Tamaqua or the Lehigh Valley, then be sure to partner with Seitz Environmental to keep you and your family safe from potentially harmful molds. Learn more about our Tamaqua mold removal, get to know our mold removal company, or contact Seitz Environmental to schedule your inspection today.
