A living organism from the Kingdom Fungi, molds grow in
moist, warm, and humid environments. Molds may grow indoors and outdoors. They may grow on a peach in a refrigerator or on
garden walls. Mold spores directly affect human health by targeting the
respiratory system. According to modern studies, mold-related allergies might
lead to fatal diseases like cancer.
Signs of Indoor Molds
You can easily identify the existence of molds in your
house. Following are some common signs of molds:
·
Moldy smell
·
Sinus, respiratory allergies and runny nose (If
these symptoms vanish when you leave the house then these are triggered by mold
existence in your house)
·
Fungus on fruits and vegetables inside the
refrigerator
·
Fungus in the pantry
·
Unusual colored growth on walls and other areas
of the house (This part is descriptively discussed in the next section)
·
Water stains or discoloration on walls
How to Identify a Mold
Apart from the aforementioned mold signs, understanding the
common types of indoor molds and their signs could be helpful in identifying
the molds.
Aspergillus
Lungs, intestinal lines, and respiratory tract easily absorb
microscopic Aspergillus. People with cystic fibrosis, respiratory disorders,
elderly people, infants, and children are at greater risk of Aspergillus
influence. It is identified as small black spots on walls, pipes, cabinets, and
ceilings.
Alternaria
Another common type of indoor mold, Alternaria fungi is
white in color, which gradually turns black if left untreated. It may easily
spread from one area to other and cause serious harm to respiratory system and
lungs.
Aureobasidium
The pink mold that grows inside the bathrooms is
Aureobasidium. It mostly grows in very damp places like bathrooms, lower
section of the refrigerator, and gardens.
Penicillium
This blue or green colored mold grows on water-damaged items
like mattresses, carpets, wallpapers, furnishings, and insulations.
Stachybotrys chartarum
This black mold contains mycotoxins. These small toxic
molecules are directly absorbed by the intestine, skin, and the respiratory
system. It may lead to severe respiratory disorders, chronic sinus infections,
allergic reactions, and psychological disorders like depression and chronic
stress.
Cladosporium
Apparent as black spots, it does not require dampness or
humidity to grow. Cladosporium may grow in cool places like carpets, garments,
and inside the wardrobe.
Common Causes of Molds
Molds grow in humid and damp environments. The common causes
of indoor molds include these:
·
Humidity
·
Leaking roof
·
Leaking pipes
·
Poor ventilation
·
Condensation
·
Damp basement
·
Flooding
·
Wet clothes
·
Wet area under the basement
·
Water accumulated in the foundation of the house
Molds require a source of food, temperature between 40-100
Fahrenheit, and oxygen to survive.
Common Diseases Related with Molds
From mild allergies to fatal diseases, mold are directly or
indirectly associated with human health. Following are the common diseases
related with molds:
·
Hay fever
·
Asthma
·
Chronic cough
·
Rash
·
Post-nasal drip
·
Chronic rhinitis
·
Cold/flu
·
Runny nose
·
Sinus
·
Night sweats
·
Interstitial pneumonitis
·
Fungal infections
·
Cancer
·
Pregnancy problems
·
Lung disorders
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References
http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-mold-definition-types-causes-examples.html
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