Aspergillus mold is most commonly found on food and organic substances.
Mold is a microscopic form of fungi that grow in visible colonies and can be found both indoors and outside. Although, there are thousands of different types of mold in the world, there are four common types of mold found in the United States. These molds are aspergillus, penicillium, stachybotrys, and cladosporium. Each of these molds has a different set of allergens or toxins to them with unique appearances. Let’s check out one of the most common types of molds: Aspergillus.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is most commonly the mold found on foods and is a green-gray color. This type of mold is quite common both inside and outdoors. Because this mold is extremely common, most people will breathe in aspergillus spores every day without experiencing an allergic reaction. But for people with lung diseases and weaker immune systems, the likelihood of illnesses does increase. Many people who are exposed to this type of mold will contract aspergillosis. Aspergillosis has several different types that vary in degree of severity.
Pulmonary Aspergillosis
An example of a mild form is pulmonary aspergillosis, which is more likely to develop in people with damaged lungs or with chronic lung disorders. Pulmonary aspergillosis is accompanied by weight loss, cough, coughing up blood, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Invasive Aspergillosis
A severe type of aspergillosis is invasive aspergillosis, which is an infection that travels from the lungs to the bloodstream. It can also infect other organs like the skin, brain, liver, and kidneys. It can result in death if not treated. It is most common in people already sick with other medical conditions. The symptoms are fever, chest pain, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath. It can also show other symptoms as it travels through the body.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic reaction that happens after exposure to Aspergillus fungi. ABPA is most common in people with cystic fibrosis or asthma because of the mucus in their airways. With symptoms similar to these conditions, this reaction can be hard to differentiate. They experience wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, and in rare cases fever.
Any mold exposure can be harmful to those with weakened immune systems including people who are ill, the elderly, or children. But by limited exposure to this mold, you are less likely to develop aspergillosis. If you are experiencing these symptoms but are not able to identify mold in your home, call Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group for a mold test to determine if mold has invaded your home!
Contact Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group
If you or a family member suspects the presence of black mold or any other type of mold in your home, contact the professionals at Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group. With more than 30 years in the mold remediation industry, we have the experience and tools to help you. Contact us at 410-258-3579 or 1-877-591-MOLD (6653).
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Tags: Aspergillus, Information, mold, Mold Growth, mold knowledge