Black mold. Black mold is a general term used to refer to a species of mold that is dark-green, gray or black in color. They grow in moist, warm environments such as kitchens, basements, showers, toilets, and baths. Most of the black molds release toxins which cause allergic reactions in humans, such as itchy eyes, itchy skin, nose stuffiness, wheezing and coughing. More severe symptoms are headaches, exhaustion, fever and difficulty in breathing.
White mold. White mold refers to species of mold that are white in color. They mostly grow in water-damaged areas in homes and include Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium. These molds are usually white because their spores are not pigmented. Failure to have spore pigmentation is usually as a result of the type of material or surface it is growing in. White molds are mostly powdery and quite hard to identify since they blend with the material they are growing on.
Yellow mold. Also commonly known as slime mold, this type of mold is yellow in color and appears as bright slime. Some of the molds that produce yellow hue include Aspergillus, Serpula lacrymans, and Meruliporia. They mostly grow and breed on wooden surfaces, food materials, walls, bathrooms, and tiles. Although yellow mold does not pose any serious health risks to healthy adults, they may infect children and people with immune system complications and respiratory problems.
Green mold. There are thousands of green mold species, most of which pose significant health risks. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium are the common types of molds that produce green hue. Their color is often caused by the material they grow and feed on, the climate, or the region they live in. Green molds produce mycotoxins and are generally health hazards. Like the other types of molds, they are allergic and are associated with watery eyes, itchy skin, sneezing or coughing.
Orange mold. These are species of mold that are orange in color. When they start to grow, they form tiny spots and become orange slime when they mature. They are often found in damp and humid areas like bathrooms and toilets. They also grow on wood and food products such as cheese, yogurt, and bread. Orange mold is not life-threatening but can cause significant damage to house structures and spoil stored food.
Brown mold. Brown mold comprises those types of molds that are brown in color and sometimes dark yellow or tan. They look like dark patches on surfaces such as wood and tiles. Some of the common types include Pithomyces, Chartarum, Aureobasidium, and Stemonitis. They are not utterly harmful but can damage structures and their spores can affect asthmatic or allergic people.
Different types of molds come in varying colors and often spark distinct allergic reactions.
Although some species are easy to identify and eliminate, some require the help of mold remediation experts in order to avoid infection risks. Contact Coastal Pure Air for a Mold Test and determine exactly which type of Mold may be affecting your health.