Common Types of Attic Mold

Attics provide an ideal environment for a number of different types of mold because mold tend to thrive in the mustiest and dampest of environments. You may not even realize that your attic can house a variety of mold species that can lead to respiratory health problems. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the most common types of attic mold so that you can identify and eradicate them.

Aspergillus

• Aspergillus is the most common type of fungus in the environment. There are more than 160 different mold species that fall into this genus alone. Examples of Aspergillus molds that can cause human infection include Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillius niger. Apergillus grows abundantly in areas where organic material is decomposing, especially in warm areas, and the attic is one place where it can freely propagate. The most inviting areas for this type of mold are damp areas reaching 130 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Aspergillus niger can grow on a wide variety of substrates, making it one of the most common types of mold in this genus.

Fusarium

• Fusarium can form on a variety of building materials, especially carpets and flooring that have sustained water damage. It can also be found in humidifiers in homes where water damage has occurred. This type of mold causes skin, eye and nail infections when it is inhaled. It can also produce hemorrhagic syndrome, which causes diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, internal bleeding and dermatitis. This type of mold tends to propagate more quickly than some other mold varieties.

Penicillium

• Penicillium mold can be found in fiberglass insulation, paint, wallpaper and carpet as well as a number of other organic materials. There are several species of mold within the Penicillium genus, including but not limited to Penicillium purpurogenum, Penicillium marneffei, Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium citrinum and Penicillium chrysogenum. Penicillium mold can also produce mycotoxins, the toxins that are carcinogenic and nephrotoxic.

Stachybotrys

• Stachybotrys is a black, slimy type of mold. Stachybotrys thrives on cellulose-rich materials that have been damaged by water, such as ceiling tiles, sheet rock, paper, drywall, wall paper and insulation backing. As a result, the attic is one area where Stachybotrys can thrive, especially from leaking roofs, broken windows or other damage.

Mycotoxins

• Mycotoxic molds are the most dangerous molds, but they are less common in comparison to other types. They can cause harm to the immune system, and in some cases can also be deadly. It takes specific conditions for mold to grow mycotoxins, but many varieties of mold are capable of doing so. This means that all types of mold should be treated as a potential threat and handled accordingly.