It’s something everyone fears seeing in their home or on their leftovers: mold.
The microscopic organism can invade any surface that is damp or damp, from shower curtains to sinks, refrigerators and even air conditioning units.
Experts say you shouldn’t beat yourself up if there are only small bits of mold, and instead can just throw away rotten food or wipe down surfaces without any health consequences.
But Dr. Nik Money, a mold microbiologist who has spent decades researching mold, told DailyMail.com homeowners should be concerned if the moldy area is larger than a pizza box – about a square meter. Then there is a good chance that you will develop health problems.
He warned that mold covering such a large area would release a large amount of spores into the air, which could be inhaled and enter the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
Some experts have even suggested that mold in homes may be linked to cognitive problems and depression.
Mold is a major problem in homes across the US, with growths in more than 70 percent and 45 million homes have unhealthy mold levels, as do schools – with 30 percent having roof problems that can lead to mold in buildings.
While the mold can pose a health risk anywhere it is found, experts warned it was especially concerning if it was found in an air conditioner, as it can release mold spores into the air, causing them to spread further.
Above are six types of mold you are likely to find in your home
Dr. Money said: “You have these highly publicized cases, especially in Britain, where children have suffered and some have died from exposure to mold.”
If mold is discovered in your home, Dr. Money recommends using bleach or dish soap to scrub the surface or throwing away items covered with the substance.
It’s also important, he added, to wear a face mask during the process to avoid inhaling spores.
More than 75,000 people are hospitalized with mold infections in the U.S. each year, and at least 7,000 people die from them, although it is not known how many of these cases are related to mold in the home.
Below, DailyMail.com lists what each color of mold means:
Black mold
Black mold, or toxic mold, colonizes multiple surfaces that have been wet for extended periods of time, including walls, AC units and bathrooms.
Although color is not particularly important in determining the health risks of mold, said Dr. Money that some consider this to be one of the riskier types.
“Certainly, if it was my house, I would be concerned if I ended up with a dusty, black space the size of a pizza box,” he said.
Black mold, or toxic mold, is one of the riskiest in homes because it can release spores and toxins, experts say. It is especially concerning if the disease spreads over an area larger than a pizza box, as shown above
The fungus – called ‘Stachybotrys’ – is sticky, making it difficult to spread its spores into the air, limiting the risk.
But Dr. Money warned that if it covered a large area in a home, it would release many spores that could cause complications in babies and children, whose developing lungs are particularly vulnerable.
In January last year, the fungus was blamed for the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Britain, who suffered ‘severe swelling’ in his airways and throat.
However, some slimy black molds found in areas such as showers may be a different type called Aureobasidium.
This yeast-like fungus can also cause respiratory allergies, but it is very unlikely to threaten human life.
Bleach or dish soap can kill both types of black mold, although in some cases the dark pigmentation may remain on the wall for some time.
Blue and green mold
These molds are among the most common molds found in homes.
Blue mold is the fungus Penicillium, which led to the discovery of the powerful antibiotic Penicillin, and is often found on cheeses, but can also attack walls, ceilings and other food.
It’s safe to eat cheese, experts say, because the cheese’s acidity, salt content and temperature prevent the release of toxins.
But it should still be removed from homes and other food thrown away, experts say.
Dr. Money also said that blue (left) and green (right) molds raise concerns if they spread over an area larger than a pizza box. They are especially common in homes
Green mold is a type of mycelial fungus and often colonizes items in the refrigerator that have not been eaten for too long, as well as carpets.
Dr. Money again emphasized that the color of the mold was not important, but said it could also spread over a large area, leading to health problems.
Experts have also warned that spores released by green mold can remain in the air for months.
If the lungs are regularly exposed to many mold spores, it can cause the immune system to overreact, causing asthma, coughing and chest tightness.
Pink mold
Everyone has probably seen pink moldy spots in the bathroom, accumulating around faucets, drains or on shower curtains.
This is known as Serratia, experts say, which is actually a bacteria that grows in damp areas and feeds on residue from soaps and shampoos.
Many of us may also have pink mold in our bathrooms, which experts say can also pose a risk
Experts say that in most cases it is harmless and can be easily wiped away with a sponge and some dish soap.
But if large amounts are present in a bathroom, the bacteria can become airborne and then inhaled, causing health complications.
The bacteria can cause infections in the urinary tract and respiratory tract, and in some cases wound and eye infections, experts say.
People with compromised immune systems or underlying conditions are more at risk for the pink growth, but it can be removed with bleach or dish soap.
Yellow and orange mold
Stemphylium and Epicoccum are two yellow and orange fungi that occur in the home.
They can colonize damp paper, cardboard and floors, as well as houseplants and carpets.
Unlike most fungi, these require sunlight to complete their life cycle. So they are unlikely to be found in dark places.
In some cases, walls can be infected with yellow mold
But they can fill the air with spores when large colonies form, increasing the risk of someone having an asthma attack.
However, using soap and warm water or bleach will likely remove the affected areas of the growths.
White mold
Although numerous types of white mold exist, Cladosporium is one of the most common types to emerge indoors.
Like Aspergillus, this type can spread through the air and is usually found in damp and dark areas such as basements, bathrooms or attics.
According to Healthline, it can also grow on carpets, vents and even paper, provided the conditions are right.
Most forms of Cladosporium are not dangerous to humans, but the fungi can still worsen asthma and allergies.
And white mold, pictured above, can also develop and contaminate some homes
This coral-like species is a parasite of moths and crickets that is often used in pest control products.
Michael Taylor, a fungus expert from Flinders University in Australia, previously told DailyMail.com: ‘So when you notice the world around you changing colour, your new knowledge can help you marvel at the microscopic wonders that complex lives coexist with. leading yours.
“Then maybe clean it up and wash the fruit bowl.”