Understanding one of the most common Types of Household Mold
It’s no secret that mold has been a common issue in Florida homes for decades. Yet it has only been within the last 20 to 30 years that it has become a significant issue in the real estate industry. During that time, there have been numerous studies conducted and various types have been identified. One of the more common household varieties is “Acremonium” and there are over 100 species of it. Despite all the research that is being done, most individuals don’t know much about it.
Where does Acremonium grow?
When you consider the threat to a person’s health that Acremonium has, it’s important to know where it can grow in your home. As with other mold varieties, this mold needs a considerable amount of moisture to thrive. Consequently, you will most likely find this variety in structures that have experienced water damage. The construction materials used doesn’t matter because Acremonium can grow on a range of surfaces including:
- concrete
- drywall
- fiberglass
- plaster
- plywood
- wallpaper
- wood
Furthermore, some varieties of Acremonium are more likely to grow in certain areas of a building than others. The more common areas include attics, basements, bathrooms, and laundry closets/rooms.
How to identify Acremonium
Acremonium typically grows inside drywall. So, it can be extremely difficult to detect and locate. Additionally, it can be extremely challenging to identify its spores in a spore trap because they are typically colorless and much smaller than people expect. However, there are a few ways you can identify it. First, Acremonium colonies are usually gray, orange, pink, or white in color. If they are discovered early on, they may be very moist. Over time, it becomes powderier. The main reason that Acremonium is difficult to identify is because it shares similar characteristics with other kinds of mold.
The potential Threats to a Person’s Health
Acremonium can cause a variety of infections, although many of them will depend on different environmental factors such as humidity, rainfall, and temperature. Some of these infections can become serious if they are not treated soon enough. The more common health threats include:
- Arthritis
- Cerebritis (inflammation of the brain)
- Meningitis
- Osteomyelitis
- Peritonitis
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
In some cases, Acremonium has colonized a person’s lungs and caused pulmonary aspergilloma, more commonly called a pulmonary fungal ball. This can also attack the brain, kidneys, and other organs.
Thus, it helps to identify such toxic fungi so that you can protect your health. We have an expert team of mold specialists that come prepared with all safety equipment to identify and eliminate such infestations. To learn more about Acremonium or to schedule a mold inspection, contact Florida Inspections Unlimited today at 954-861-0666.