There are three different types of mold that are divided into hazard classes – hazard Class A, B and C. All of them have a different level of toxicity to humans.
Class A should be removed right away due to possible infection or toxin creation; Class B can cause infection or allergies over a length of time, and should also be removed right away. Class C has no known toxicity to humans, but may cause issues with building structure, etc., and should be removed as well.
The following are common types of mold found in the home:
Cladosporium – this type of mold can be green, brown, grey or black and is either a Class B or Class C, depending on the variation. It is most commonly found in walls, insulation, dust or wood, but appears in other places as well.
Aspergillus – this mold occurs in white, grey, brown, yellow, green or black and is classed either A or B. It can cause infection in those with weak immune systems and can generate toxins in some situations, while other varieties will cause only allergic reactions. It can grow in walls, paper products, insulation, soil or clothing.
Ulocladium – this mold is found on damp areas, such as walls, around windows or in dusty areas. It can either be black or grey and is in Class B or C.
Acremonium – found on insulation and sheetrock or drywall, this mold can either be white, grey or brown. Variations occur in all three hazard classes.
Stachybotrys – this is the infamous “black mold” that everyone talks about. It needs a very damp area to grow and is black in color. It is Class A as it can create toxins.
Alternaria – this Class B mold has been found to cause allergic reactions and can grown in dusty areas, around windows, damp areas, in soil and on plants. It is either black or grey.
All mold when disturbed goes through a process called dissemination, which is when the mold colony releases its spores into the air to survive and grow somewhere else, anytime you remove mold it should be done by a professional with the now how and proper equipment, remember 1 square inch of mold once disturbed can release 100000 mold spores!