What Is Green Mould and Is It Dangerous?
Mould comes in many textures and colours, but they all have a few things in common — they grow in moist areas, they feed on organic matter, and can pose a threat to your health. Green mould, in this sense, is no different. So, have you recently wondered what it is and if it’s dangerous? Here’s what you should know about green mould that grows in homes.
What is green mould?
Green mould is an umbrella term that refers to different species of fungi that grow in shades of green. It appears soft and fuzzy or powdery and can have different hues of green. You may have seen green mould on fruits, bread, and many other foods. However, green mould can also grow in wet areas of a home.
Although many species of mould can grow green, the most common are Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium.
- Cladosporium is olive green and thrives on plants in particular but can also grow on household surfaces like walls, cabinets, and carpets.
- Aspergillus is a mould that typically grows on spoiled food like bread. It can also grow in nutrient-poor but moisture-rich environments like the basement.
- Penicillium is famous for its antibacterial properties and is usually bluish-green. However, it can also emit mycotoxins that are toxic to both people and pets. Penicillium prefers colder environments like soil, but some also form on wet items in the home.
However, these moulds can grow in other colours as well, such as blue or black. Thus, testing is the only way to find out which type of mould it is. That’s not to say that you should always test the mould in your home to determine whether it’s harmful.
Is green mould dangerous?
Contrary to popular belief, black mould is not the only harmful mould for people and pets. While black mould may seem more dangerous, its green counterpart is just as likely to cause health issues.
All moulds — green, black, or other colours — can cause health problems, especially susceptible people. Continuous exposure to mould can affect the respiratory system and trigger asthma attacks and allergens. So yes, if you see green mould, you should remove it as soon as possible.
This kind of fungus can grow anywhere in your home where a water problem has occurred. Check out how to prevent mould in the crawl space, basement, bathroom, laundry room, attic, and in houseplant soil, the HVAC system, closets, carpets, and washing machines.
For expert mould removal, contact the PuroClean remediation pros.
If removing this kind of fungus seems daunting to you, it’s because it is. Mould can not only affect your health, but you can also risk doing a poor job, resulting in a more massive mould infestation. The best way to get rid of mould is to contact the professionals at PuroClean at (250) 980-2353. We have the experience, techniques, and equipment necessary to remediate the mould, dry your property, and return it to normal.