What types of mold can affect your home in South Dakota?
Mold comes in all shapes, colors and sizes. Mold reproduces via small spores, which waft continually through the air, both inside and outside. Unfortunately, these spores can find their way into your home. So how do you know what kind of mold to watch for, and how can you take care of it?
Types of Mold
A variety of molds grow indoors. Common types of mold in South Dakota include Cladosporium, Aspergillus and stachybotrys atra. Stachybotrys atra — also known as black mold — can grow indoors or outdoors.
Aspergillus and Cladosporium
Aspergillus can be found on foods or in home air conditioning system, although it’s typically not problematic for healthy people.
Cladosporium is black or green. Resembling pepper, it can be found behind toilets, painted surfaces or fiberglass air ducts. Cladosporium is non-toxic, but can cause allergic reactions like red and watery eyes, rashes or a sore throat.
Black Mold
Black mold, which is typically greenish-black in color, is frequently found outside but can also make its way to indoor surfaces that have high cellulose content, such as wood, fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. It can grow in basements or other areas of the house with high humidity.
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources monitors black mold with a waste management program, as black mold can be toxic. It grows in soil outdoors and can grow on trees or plants, or pieces of scrap wood.
Because black mold can be toxic, investigate any potential black mold issues immediately. You may be able to handle the task yourself, but hiring a professional for mold remediation is often the safest route, especially when it comes to black mold, which can be dangerous.
Mold is usually visible, and often has an odor to it. Look for mold in areas prone to dampness, such as your bathroom, basement, outdoor hose, etc. If an area of your house gathers excess moisture, there is a pretty good chance it will begin to collect mold. Eliminate excess moisture by using a dehumidifier in your basement and watching areas where water flows in your home.
Hiring Professional Mold Remediation
Intek can be reached at just a moment’s notice. Call us for all mold remediation services.
