The mold comes in many colors, with brown mold as one example. You have probably seen it everywhere, including at home. Sometimes, you might even mistake it as just dirt is gone unwiped for too long. Once you know, get rid of it for good. So let’s talk about the main question: is brown mold dangerous?
A. About Brown Mold. Is brown mold dangerous?
So, what is a brown mold? Its Latin name is Stemonitis. It is called a brown mold by its appearance. Brown and furry, this type of mold is not as toxic as the black one. Still, this does not mean you can take its existence lightly. People with low immune systems and respiratory problems tend to suffer more from it. Sometimes it can be dark yellow.
This type of mold is practically everywhere. You can find brown mold on the ceiling, which makes it hard to remove. The walls, especially in damp places like bathrooms, also tend to have them too. This what happens when you do not clean your house properly and more regularly.
Brown mold on walls is the easiest to clean up after the bathroom floor, especially the lower part of them. You can always notice it, especially when the weather cools off. In these conditions mold spores can multiply very rapidly. Mold growth depends on the humidity. cleanliness temperature and other factors. Let’s talk about it and mold species.
How to get rid of brown mold, though?
B. The Existence of Brown Mold
Of course, before working on the brown mold removal, we need to get to this part first. Earlier, we have known that ceilings and walls are prone to brown mold. Seeing brown mold in the bathroom is also a common problem, especially if you have left your house for too long.
When water gets under the floor tiles, that is when the mold starts to grow. The dampness is its favourite habitation. When you let that go on, there will be some damage to the sub-flooring. This is one good reason carpets are no good for bathrooms.
Besides the bathroom, this kind of mold can also be found in the kitchen. When it comes to the leak in your fridge and under the sink, beware. Although it only trickles, that is already a perfect domain for brown mold to grow. Besides wiping the spill, you also need to get rid of it.
Leaving the floor and wall molded with it can be dangerous for your health and environment too. The tiles will be rotten, and you need to replace them. This will cost you a fortune. It is the same thing with your health. Notice the signs before it gets way too long.
C. The Signs When the Mold Grows
There are two common signs when the mold grows. Either it is the brown mold or other types of it, it is the same. These two (2) signs are:
- There is a musty odour you can smell. The stronger the scent is, the closer you are to the source of its growth.
- If the mold grows inside your home, check out all hidden spots. There might be some damaged parts where insects crawl around.
Yucky, isn’t it? Therefore you need to take any mold seriously.
D. Other Types of Brown Mold Besides Stemonitis
Stemonitis is just one type of brown mold. In total found, there are nine of them. The rest of the eight mold species.
1. Pithomyces
Normally, this type grows outdoor, especially in soil and on grass. However, that does not mean this cannot get in. Paper is their source of habitation. Sometimes, you can also see it on carpets tiles.
At first glance, pithomyces looks dark or brown and barrel-shaped. This can give you allergies.
2. Stachybotrys chartarum
Although it is known as black mold, sometimes it can also be dark brown. It has the strongest smell to other types of mold, with its thick mustiness you cannot ignore. It grows in wetter areas like a bathroom or anything flood-affected. It looks slimy and sometimes powdery too.
Although it mostly affects animals, Stachybotrys chartarum can also badly affect humans. Your allergic reactions may worsen.
3. Aerobasidium
When you first see it, you had better not touch it. Normally found behind wallpapers, its colour can vary. As it gets old, it can go from pink to dark brown and black.
This type of brown mold is dangerous to humans. Skin dermatitis is the worst case. It can also hurt your eyes and nails.
4. Bipolaris
Dark brown or black, this type of mold has filaments. It attacks your eyes, skin, and brain. Another lethal effect of this mold is how it damages crops. The Bengal famine in the 1940s is a scary example.
5. Cladosporium
The bad news about this mold is its flexible habitation. You can find Cladosporium in both indoors and outdoors. It can either look olive green, dark brown, or even black. When it is outdoors, it lives off plants. When it is indoors, you can find it in damp areas. It tends to grow faster during rain and after.
The damage it does is also fatal. You can get asthma and other respiratory problems. Your skin and nails can also be infected. In some cases, it can attack the lungs and cause sinuses. So let’s read about the other mold species.
6. Taeniolella
This one is dark brown and sometimes black, but rather shiny. It grows indoors, especially in wooded areas and wherever house plants are.
7. Chaetomium
This type of mold is very dangerous to humans. There are almost a hundred species of Chaetomium. It mostly grows outdoors from soil and dead plants’ debris. It can be olive green or dark brown.
This mold can also infect your nails and skin…badly. Onychomycosis (nail infection)and Phaeohyphomycosis (skin infection) are not what you want.
8. Alternaria
Watch out for this olive black or dark brown mold. Soft, velvety, and sometimes covered by wool, this can trigger your asthma and fever. It is important to note that the color of mold is not always an accurate indicator of its type, as the color of the mold can change depending on the age of the colony, the surface it is growing on, and the presence of other contaminants. Therefore, it is important to have a professional inspect and test the mold in order to identify mold species.
E. The Brown Mold Removal
Finally, how to get rid of brown mold. Removing the moisture and fixing the leaking pipes are the first two things. You can call for expert help to get this job done.
If you do this by yourself, use proper protection to avoid injury. Wearing a mask before scrubbing the brown mold off is important.
Brown mold, also known as Serpula lacrymans or dry rot, is a type of fungus that can cause significant damage to buildings and structures. It is commonly found in damp or humid environments, such as basements or bathrooms, and can grow on a variety of materials, including wood, drywall, and insulation.
To remove brown mold, it is important to first locate and address the source of moisture that is allowing the mold to grow. This may involve fixing leaks, improving ventilation, or installing a dehumidifier.
Next, it is important to properly clean and disinfect the affected area. This can be done by using a solution of bleach and water, or a commercial mold-killing product. It is important to wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, when handling mold.
Finally, it may be necessary to remove and replace any materials that have been severely damaged by the mold to prevent brown mold. This may include drywall, insulation, or flooring. It is important to hire a professional for this step, as improper removal or cleanup can cause the mold to spread.
It is important to note that mold removal should be done by professional. They will have proper equipment and know how to safely remove and dispose of the mold. It also works with toxic black mold.
F. Brown Mold on walls
Brown mold, also known as “serpula lacrymans,” is a type of fungus that can grow on walls and other surfaces in buildings. It is typically found in damp or humid environments, such as bathrooms or basements. Brown mold can cause structural damage to buildings and can also pose health risks, as it can release spores into the air that can cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues. To remove brown mold, it is important to first locate and fix the source of moisture, then clean the affected area with a solution of water and bleach or a commercial mold-killing product. It is recommended to hire a professional for this task, as it can be difficult and dangerous to remove brown mold without proper training and equipment.
G. Brown Mold in bathroom
Brown mold is a common type of mold that can grow in bathrooms and showers due to the high humidity and moisture levels. It is important to address mold growth as soon as it is discovered, as it can cause health problems and damage to building materials. To remove brown mold in a bathroom or shower, you can use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar or a commercial mold-killing solution. It is important to wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask while cleaning. After cleaning, be sure to repair any leaks or other sources of moisture to prevent the mold from returning.
H. Brown mold on a ceileng
Brown mold on a ceiling can be caused by a variety of factors, such as leaks, high humidity, or poor ventilation. It is important to address the cause of the mold in addition to cleaning it, as it can be harmful to your health and can cause damage to your home. You should clean the mold with a solution of water and detergent, and wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask. If the mold is extensive or if you have health concerns, it may be best to hire a professional mold remediation service.
I. Is brown mold toxic and dangerous?
Brown mold, also known as Serpula lacrymans or dry rot, is a type of fungus that can cause structural damage to buildings. But are mold spores dangerous? While it is not considered toxic to humans, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and should be removed as soon as it is discovered. Prolonged exposure to brown mold can also cause health problems such as respiratory infections, headaches and irritations. It’s important to address the mold problem and have it professionally removed. It can release toxic spores into the air that can cause a variety of health issues in humans, such as respiratory problems, headaches, and allergic reactions. It is important to address any brown mold growth in a home or building as soon as it is discovered and to take appropriate measures to prevent it from returning. It is also recommended to consult with a professional mold remediation company to remove the mold safely and effectively.
Read also:
Can brown mold make you sick?
Yes. It can release toxic spores into the air that can cause a variety of health issues in humans, such as respiratory problems, headaches, and allergic reactions. It is important to address any brown mold growth in a home or building as soon as it is discovered and to take appropriate measures to prevent it from returning. It is also recommended to consult with a professional mold remediation company to remove the mold safely and effectively.
How do you treat brown mold?
Treatment for brown mold typically involves cleaning and removing the affected areas using a solution of water and bleach (1 cup of bleach per gallon of water) and a scrub brush or sponge. It is important to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a face mask, during the cleaning process. After cleaning, the affected area should be thoroughly dried to prevent the mold from returning. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove and replace contaminated materials, such as drywall or insulation. In case of large infestation it’s recommended to call professional mold remediation service.
What type of mold is brown?
There are many types of mold that can be brown in color. Some examples include:
Aspergillus niger, a common indoor mold that can grow on a variety of surfaces, including wallpaper, insulation, and food.
Cladosporium, a type of mold that is commonly found both indoors and outdoors, and can grow on a variety of surfaces, including wood, textiles, and plants.
Penicillium, a type of mold that is commonly found in indoor environments, and can grow on a variety of surfaces, including wallpaper, insulation, and food.
How can you tell if mold is cancerous?
Mold itself is not cancerous. However, exposure to certain types of mold can cause health issues, such as respiratory problems and allergic reactions. If you suspect that you have mold in your home, it is important to have it inspected and removed by a professional to prevent potential health risks. If you are experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent cough, or persistent headaches after being exposed to mold, you should consult a medical professional for an evaluation.