types of mold in a petri dish
Molds are very simple by nature and grows easily in controlled environments. They can be cultivated in the laboratory on a Petri dish with agar and nutrients for mold growth for identification and testing.

MOST COMMON TYPES OF MOLD

Although there are thousands of different molds and mildews, and a hundred which can be found in the average home, there are only a few types of mold and mildew that are the usual culprits of wide spread building infestation, and the subsequent health problems for tenants. Below is a list of the most commonly found household types of molds, with the most widely known toxic molds to be Stachybotrus Chartarum (also known as Stachybotrus Atra), Caldosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria.

1. Alternaria
Growing in damp places, like showers and sinks, Alternaria can cause asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
2. Aspergillus
Usually found after water damage, Aspergillus can cause severe lung infections and allergic reactions. Aspergillus is one of the more toxic and common molds and although it can appear green, yellow, brown, grey, or even white, it is often referred to as Green Mold.
3. Aureobasidium
Commonly referred to as Pink Mold, Aureobasidium is usually black or pink and can be found on damp surfaces, such as window sills and bathrooms. Many people are allergic to Pink Mold.
4. Basidiospores
Usually found on damp wood that is dry rotting, Basidiospores will grow poisonous mushrooms and toadstools. Basidiospores can cause severe allergic reactions.
5. Botrytis
Botrytis likes high humidity, so it’s often found in poorly ventilated bathrooms and greenhouses. In a humid home, it will begin to grow on plants. It can cause asthma and allergic reactions.
6. Cladosporium
This mold will grow in any climate, warm or cool, and can often be found on fabric, carpet and wood. It is known to cause respiratory ailments. It’s coloring can be brown, grey or green, and it’s one of the culprits of Green Mold.
7. Fusarium
Fusarium can grow in cooler climates and will be found on moist or water damaged fabrics and carpet. Fusarium is especially dangerous for anyone with a compromised immune system and can cause severe respiratory ailments and distress.
8. Penicillium
Due to is blueish green color, Penicillium is one of the Green Molds. It spreads quickly throughout the home, and is often found on water damaged fabrics, carpet, mattresses and walls. Exposure can cause allergic reactions, as well as sinus infections and lung inflammation.
9. Rhizopus
Often found growing on food, garbage and house dirt, this toxic mildew can cause asthma, lung lesions, upset stomach, and skin irritation.
10. Stachybotrys Chartarum
Known as the infamous Black Mold, due to its slimy, black and green appearance, Stacybotrys Chartarum emits mycotoxins, toxic compounds, that can cause a wide variety of health symptoms, from allergies and asthma to fatigue and depression. Often a musty, moldy smell can be attributed to a Black Mold infestation.
11. Trichoderma
Like Stachybotrys Chartarum, Trichoderma emits mycotoxins which can cause a host of physical ailments. It is also found growing on wet surfaces.
12. Ulocladium
This mold requires a lot of water to grow, so it would be most common in a flood area or a home with extensive water damage. It can cause allergic reactions.
13. Wallemia
A toxic mold that does not need moisture to grow, Wallemia can be found growing in house dust and can cause severe allergic reactions.

Badger Tip: If you have visible mold growth, the EPA states that you do not need to have a professional test done prior to remediation. However, it is wise to have a post-remediation test conducted by a professional mold testing company to ensure all the mold has been removed and your air quality is within safe levels.

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