Some people don’t realize it, but mold is more than just dark spots on your walls or ceilings. It’s a type of fungus made up of tiny organisms that thrive in moist, warm environments.
While mold is a natural part of our world, not all of them are harmless. Some types can cause health problems, especially for people who have asthma, allergies, or weak immune systems. In contrast, others may produce toxic chemicals that are harmful to both humans and animals, even in small amounts.
When you hire mold testing in Toronto, they use various tests and tools to identify the type before implementing a solution. To give you a better idea, we have covered different categories of mold in the post below.
Allergenic Molds
This is probably the most common type found in homes and other buildings, where it grows in hidden corners if the conditions are favorable.
While these molds don’t usually cause serious illness, they can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Some of the symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes, skin rashes, and runny nose, congestion, and asthma attacks. Common allergenic molds include Alternaria, Cladosporium, and some species of Aspergillus.
Toxigenic Molds
The mold itself isn’t toxic, but certain species produce harmful chemicals called mycotoxins. These are byproducts of their metabolism that can affect both humans and animals.
Mycotoxins don’t come from mold spores, but they can travel through the air and stick to tiny dust particles, making them easy to inhale without knowing it.
Pathogenic Molds
Pathogenic molds are more dangerous because they can cause infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems. These infections often affect the lungs and can cause serious issues if left untreated for a long time.
One well-known genus is Aspergillus, which includes many allergenic molds like Aspergillus fumigatus. They are considered pathogenic and can cause aspergillosis, a condition that affects the respiratory system.
Though mold serves a purpose in nature, they are not considered good when they grow inside your home. Knowing the difference between different mold types helps you understand the potential health risks and why you should get rid of them immediately.
