Mold Testing and Remediation

Stachybotrys is a genus of mold containing most species that you would call "black mold", though it can sometimes have a green or grey color. According to the Institute of Medicine, stachybotrys can cause coughing, wheezing, and respiratory problems, as well as worsening existing asthma symptoms, with the World Health Organization indicating in 2009 that it may lead to asthma development in otherwise healthy children. It has also been attributed to headaches, memory loss, diarrhea, and severe respiratory (lung) damage. You'll definitely want this removed.

Cladosporium is commonly associated with mold types that worsen or cause indoor allergies.  Like many other mold species, it is most commonly associated with allergy symptoms, problems breathing such as bronchitis or wheezing, and worsening existing conditions, such as asthma.  While not as toxic as stachybotrys, this mold may still cause health problems through prolonged  or excessive exposure. 

This nasty green thing is called Aspergillus, and it is one of the most common genuses of mold. According to the CDC, aspergillosis and aspergilloma are two diseases that can result from exposure to the fungus. Aspergillosis can be either allergic or chronic, with the allergic variety resulting in typical breathing problems, but if it becomes chronic you could be facing far more severe symptoms. This is also one of the molds that commonly grows on bread! 

This one is a bit interesting because, while it may become toxic and harmful like other species, one of it's toxins is such a potent antibiotic (kills bacteria) that is is used to produce penicillin. Unless you're allergic to the toxin, you may have taken penicillin in the past to fight off an infection. That does NOT mean you should breathe it, because this unique genus can be responsible for a whole host of different health problems just the same as the others. This mold also enjoys growing on bread and other foods.

Fusarium can be responsible for keratitis, which can affect hair or nails, and can also be responsible for skin irritation. While more responsible for crop damage, it may still grow in damp areas - including those in your home - and may get into your food, causing it to spoil or cause allergic and toxic reactions if accidentally ingested.  Fusarium species, like other molds, may also cause disease in immunocompromised patients

Chaetomium is another species of black mold that, while less toxic than it's cousins in the Stachybotrys family, is still responsible for many indoor allergies, lung and sinus irritation, dermatitis (swelling in the skin, such as a rash), and onychomycosis (nail fungus). It is one of the most common species of mold present in buildings, and in rare cases may cause a fatal infection, according to the National Center for Microbiology Information.