When you are buying a new home for you and your family, you may be busy making sure the home’s plumbing system, roof, and foundation are in excellent shape. However, you may be overlooking mold that could be growing in the home’s basement, attic, or other areas that are prone to being damp. If you are, you could be setting the stage for you and your family to become sick soon after moving in. While you may assume mold is harmless, there are many dangerous types of mold that can lead to a variety of illnesses.
Stachybotrys
Also known as black mold, stachybotrys can actually be grey or green in addition to being black. Considered the most dangerous type of mold, it can produce a multitude of flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, headaches, muscle aches, and even memory loss. If you have children, they are at greater risk of being affected by black mold, since their lungs are still developing.
Chaetomium
Usually found on drywall, wallpaper, and on baseboards and carpets, Chaetomium tends to thrive in homes that have suffered water damage, so keep this in mind during your home search. Similar in appearance to black mold, it can result in allergy-like symptoms such as watery eyes and breathing problems. However, in more severe situations, it can also result in neurological complications and cause various autoimmune diseases. If you suspect this type of mold is in a home you are considering purchasing, have a mold remediation company such as 1-800 BusyDog Basement Technologies put their mold remediation skills to work immediately.
Aspergillus
A common type of mold that is often found in homes everywhere, aspergillus can be quite dangerous to people who have compromised immune systems. Along with causing various types of allergic reactions, it can also lead to serious lung infections and aspergillosis, an infection that will require medical treatment as soon as possible.
Cladosporium
This mold can cause all sorts of health issues. It can infect your fingernails with a condition that resembles psoriasis. It can trigger asthma and infections throughout your lungs and digestive tract. Another dangerous issue created by cladosporium is emphysema and potentially even pulmonary edema.
Fusarium
When buying a new home, always make sure it is inspected thoroughly for fusarium. Often found inside drywall, HVAC systems, and underneath carpeting, it is somewhat rare. However, don’t take it for granted, since it can cause a very serious eye infection known as fusarium keratitis. This one can also infect lungs and nails.
Rather than buy a new home only to find you have inherited a mold issue that could make you and your family members ill, always look to home inspectors and mold remediation services to ensure the home you are buying will be safe for you and your family upon moving in.