When you step into the shower, the last thing you want to see is brown or green slime in a corner, but if your house has mold and mildew, this is probably nothing new to you. Bathrooms are prone to growths like these because they like cold and dark areas. 

Besides being unsightly, bathroom mold can also aggravate a person's allergies. Combat these bathroom growths by learning more about them. Here are things you should know about these fungi, as well as about mold remediation and removal in MA and CT.

The Difference Between Mold and Mildew

Since water frequently runs in bathrooms, it is one of the most humid areas in the home. The humidity makes it perfect for fungal germination. When you don't dry off surfaces, mildew forms on them, and if you don't remove mildew, it develops into mold. Mildew is the start of a mold colony, and stagnant water helps it grow.

Besides water, fungi like nooks and crannies. The space under a sink or walls with slow leaks is the perfect place for them. Corners of bathroom cabinets can also hide these colonies. Since we can't avoid taking showers and washing up in these areas, we can only minimize growth.

What Are the Different Types of Mold?

Mold removal involves knowing what you're up against, and if you want to be sure that the patch of green or brown in your bathroom is mold, you have to familiarize yourself with the 12 types of mold frequently found in homes. One of these is Aspergillus, which is a kind common in American homes. There are over 185 species of aspergillus mold, but all of them have long, flask-shaped spores that create thick layers on surfaces. Aspergillus is allergenic and can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory inflammations.

Another type is stachybotrys or black mold, which appears dark brown or dark green. Black mold is not as common as other types, but it is one of the most toxic to humans. Exposure to this mold can cause difficulties in breathing, fatigue, sinusitis, and even depression. 

Another mold you might find in bathrooms is ulocladium, which is usually black and grows together with stachybotrys and other variants. Homes with this mold have likely suffered extensive water damage. People with allergies or immune disorders could have severe reactions to this mold: some reported hay fever, skin infections, and asthma-like symptoms.

Can You Fall Seriously Ill From Bathroom Mold?

Given the right circumstances, bathroom mold can be extremely dangerous. Typically, mold is harmless, but if you have pre-existing allergies or a respiratory condition, mold spores can increase the risk of COPD exacerbation or asthma attacks. 

If you know you have allergies, you can have yourself tested for what allergens trigger your condition. Mold is an irritant you can identify through tests like these. If you find that you are allergic to mold, you can get an over-the-counter treatment that can ease the symptoms of allergy attacks. In severe cases, though, you might need stronger intervention. 

You can also make adjustments to your household routines so you can keep allergic reactions to mold and mildew in check. Regularly sanitizing your home and undergoing mold removal and remediation will help prevent these growths from coming back.

Conclusion

People who have fungal colonies in their bathrooms are at risk of developing allergies and respiratory conditions. Protect your family through regular cleaning and disinfection. Hiring someone to waterproof your rooms and remove mold from your bathrooms will also help.

Removal Bathroom Mold and Mold in Your Home

Our team at Advanced Basement Waterproofing consists of certified mold remediation and mold removal specialists that can help inspect your home and removal any mold we may find.  We offer mold removal throughout Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.  If you have mold in your bathroom or other areas in your home, contact us by phone at (413) 536-8023 or request a mold removal quote online.