Mold is a problem that appears in virtually every home. In fact, unhealthy levels of mold can be found in at least 45 million buildingsin the U.S. Mold can grow just about anywhere with moisture and an organic food source. Unfortunately, air ducts are a favorite hiding spot of mold because the inner walls of the air ducts can collect condensation as well as a biofilm made up of organic dirt and bacteria.
Many varieties of mold can hide in your ducts, including some that you might not even recognize as mold if you saw it. Read on to learn about four common types of mold found in air ducts.
1. Alternaria
Alternaria
is one of the most common varieties of mold found in homes. This dark-pigmented mold is probably the first type you imagine when you hear the word "mold." Alternaria grows quickly and is able to withstand a wide range of temperatures and pH levels.
Molds in the genus Alternaria are highly phytopathogenic, colonizing and causing disorders in a wide variety of plant species. Alternaria mold is a priority for removal during air duct cleaning, as Alternaria spores contribute significantly to asthma and allergy symptoms and respiratory irritation.
2. Acremonium
Acremonium
molds have a couple of distinct properties among the many household molds you may come across. Acremonium mold can be gray, white, orange, or even pink depending on the species. Acremonium spores are small and colorless, but older Acremonium colonies are sometimes covered in so many spores that they appear to have a powdery texture.
In addition to its unique color, Acremonium mold is a particularly toxic strain. Acremonium spores can cause opportunistic infections in patients who are recovering from surgery, taking immunosuppressive drugs, or are otherwise immunocompromised. Mycotoxins produced by Acremonium are carcinogens and can cause damage to the brain and other internal organs through ingestion or infection.
3. Aspergillus
Aspergillus
is a dark-colored mold, also known as black mold, that spreads in a distinct speckle pattern. Aspergillus is one of the most common molds found in nature, and trace amounts are found in virtually all soil and outdoor air.
Black mold is one of the most problematic molds to have in your home. A variety of rare medical conditions has been linked to Aspergillus collectively known as Aspergillosis. Aspergillosis typically causes lung and airway inflammation, and symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing blood or mucus, and chest pain may subsequently appear. Contact a duct-cleaning contractor immediately if you suspect black mold in your ducts.
4. Chaetomium
Chaetomium
mold is a bit more challenging to identify than other types of mold because it changes in appearance over time. Chaetomium starts as white, fuzzy growths similar to cotton balls, but becomes grey or olive-green as it matures. Chaetomium relies heavily on moisture, but it will happily set up in air ducts if the air is very humid or if a plumbing leak reaches your ducts.
Chaetomium mold spores are heavier than other types of mold spores, so they will not linger in the air as long. Therefore, a Chaetomium infestation is difficult to detect with standard air testing methods. Only a professional duct cleaning company is able to rule out the possibility of Chaetomium mold in your ducts.
Mold can be difficult to avoid due to its ability to adapt and grow almost anywhere. No matter what type of mold is hiding in your ducts, C. J. Services, Inc.can provide air duct inspection and cleaning to eliminate mold at the source. Contact us today if you think dirty or moldy ducts may be compromising your home's air quality.
