Mold grows in specific conditions and can be a toxic substance that can affect your health.

Mold thrives in warm temperatures, especially between 73 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  While many people can see mold growth in their bathrooms and kitchens, they are often unaware of the mold that is growing silently behind walls and beneath floors.

Mold and Its Effect On Your Health

Depending on the type of mold and the length of your exposure, mold and its spores can take a toll on your health.  Senior citizens, pregnant women, children, and people with pre-existing conditions are more vulnerable to illnesses from mold exposure.

Symptoms From Mold Exposure

• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Congestion
• Watering Eyes

Other Health Effects from Mold Exposure

• Infections: People with lung diseases such as COPD or compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to the health hazards associated with mold.  People with lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing lung infections.
• Respiratory Conditions: Some people exposed to mold may develop respiratory conditions, and those with asthma are far more susceptible.  Additionally, children who are exposed may develop asthma or other respiratory illnesses.
• Chronic Conditions: Molds that produce mycotoxins (a dangerous and toxic by-product of mold) can cause serious even deadly health conditions.  These include:
  1.  Cancer
  2. Pulmonary fibrosis
  3. Liver and kidney conditions
  4. Heart Conditions
  5. Digestive issues and more

Professional Mold Removal Companies in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Harford County

Knowing and understanding the type of mold that has invaded your space is critical to ensuring you and your families good health. B+M Restorations is a  professional mold remediation company serving Baltimore and surrounding areas.  We use specialized mold remediation equipment and are certified to test, identify, and remove mold in homes and offices.

The Types of Mold

Acremonium:  a Toxigenic mold that evolves its appearance over time.   This type of mold typically grows in humidifiers, cooling coils, drain pans, and window sealants.  It starts as a small moist mold that changes becoming powdery in appearance.  Its color is usually pink, orange, white, or grey.

Exposure to acremonium is hazardous and can lead to diseases in bone marrow, immune systems, or other organs.

Alternaria:  The most common type of allergenic mold and is often found in showers, beneath leaking sinks, and in bathtubs.  This mold grows very quickly, and it is important to remediate before it runs rampant in your home.

Aspergillus:  There are over 185 species of this common mold.  Aspergillus is an allergenic mold, but depending on the species, it can become toxic and lead to respiratory issues.  Some species have been found to produce aflatoxins which is a deadly carcinogen.

Aureobasidium: An allergenic mold that can be found growing behind wallpaper or on painted surfaces.  This mold has been known to cause infections of the eye, skin, and nails.  Be careful to never touch this mold with bare skin.

Chaetomium:  Typically found in water-damaged buildings, the texture of this mold is like cotton.  This musty smelling mold is associated with skin and nail infections and can be particularly dangerous for people with compromised immune systems.

Cladosporium:  This allergenic mold is capable of growing in cold as well as warm conditions.  It is often found thriving on fabrics, carpets, and upholstery.  Health consequences of this mold are the allergic reactions it can cause to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.

Fusarium:  This rapid spreading mold is known to grow and spread at cold temperatures, and it grows in buildings with water damage.  This mold is mostly found in carpeting, fabrics, and on wallpaper.  Fusarium can cause allergic reactions and skin infections.  Prolonged exposure can cause severe and life-threatening conditions, including brain abscess or bone infection.  It can also produce toxins that damage the nervous system.

Mucor:  This mold is found near air conditioning, HVAC, and ducting as a result of condensation.  It is an allergenic mold that normally grows in patches.  Health problems associated with Mucor include respiratory issues, asthma, difficulty breathing, and flu-like issues. The fungal infection Mucormycosis can occur in some people that have prolonged exposure.  This infection can lead to damage to the lungs, sinuses, and brain.  Other infections associated with Mucormycosis include eye and nose infections and can eventually affect the blood, digestion, and renal systems.  Do NOT inhale or handle Mucor spores without safety gear and mold remediation equipment.

Penicillin:  Easily recognizable by its green or blue appearance, this allergenic mold is often found in water damaged buildings.  Found in carpets, ducting, wallpapers, and mattresses; this mold spreads quickly.  Though many people associate this mold with its healing properties, it can cause severe respiratory conditions when it grows in the home or office.  Exposure to this mold can cause asthma, sinusitis, and pulmonary inflammation.

Stachybotrys:  Often referred to as toxic black mold, this allergenic mold thrives in damp and wet areas with high humidity.  This mold produces mycotoxins that can cause serious health issues for those exposed.  Symptoms such as sinusitis, difficulty breathing, depression, and fatigue have been linked to this mold.   It has also been linked to neurological issues in children and pulmonary bleeding in infants.

Trichoderma:  Commonly grows in the home on wet surfaces and moist areas, this allergenic mold is generally white and green.  There are five subspecies of this mold.  Some types of this mold are non-pathogenic, while other types are linked to liver and pulmonary infections. Like Stachybotrys, this mold can produce mycotoxins.  It also contains an enzyme that destroys textiles, wood, and paper products.  It can cause buildings to rot and deteriorate.

Ulocladium:  Usually found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and around windows with high condensation levels.  This mold thrives in wetness and is typically black.  This mold has two subspecies, which can cause significant health issues.  Exposure to this mold can result in hay fever and other allergy-related symptoms.

If you find mold in your home or office, it is important to have it tested to ensure the well being of your family or employees.

B+M Restorations is a certified mold testing and remediation company.  We use the best techniques to properly remove and remediate the mold.  We also are a restoration company that will ensure your property is safe to live and work.  We offer mold testing and remediation services to Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and surrounding areas.