Dove Services reveals the Trojan Horse of Mold

The Trojan Horse of Mold 

Acremonium: Threats comparable to Black Mold

When you hear "toxic mold," your mind probably jumps to the infamous black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum. And while that's a valid concern, there's a whole world of fungi that can be just as dangerous, if not more so, and often fly under the radar. One of these is a genus of mold called Acremonium.

What is Acremonium?

Unlike the dark, slimy appearance often associated with black mold, Acremonium can be visually deceptive. It often starts out as a small, moist-looking colony that can be white, grey, pink, or orange. It's found in decaying plants and soil, but it can easily find its way indoors, particularly in areas with water damage from leaks, floods, or high humidity. Acremonium thrives on materials like drywall, wood, fiberglass, and even concrete, making it a persistent and often unseen threat.

What makes Acremonium particularly insidious is its ability to grow quickly and, in some cases, without a strong, musty odor. This means it can be growing behind your walls or under your floors for a long time before you notice any visible signs. You might not even realize it's there until you start experiencing unexplained health symptoms.

The Health Risks of Acremonium

While many types of mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues, Acremonium has been identified as a human pathogen. This means it has the potential to cause disease and infections in humans. The health effects can be particularly severe for those with compromised immune systems, pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, or chronic illnesses.

The symptoms of Acremonium exposure can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Allergic reactions: Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.

• Respiratory issues: Wheezing, shortness of breath, and in more severe cases, lung infections or conditions like hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

• Systemic infections: In rare but serious instances, Acremonium can cause localized infections such as osteomyelitis (bone inflammation), arthritis, or mycetoma (a chronic infection of the skin and underlying tissues). It can also lead to more widespread infections that affect the eyes, brain, or other organs.

• Mycotoxin production: Some strains of Acremonium can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances that can have cytotoxic (cell-damaging) and nephrotoxic (kidney-damaging) effects.

A Silent Invader

The danger of Acremonium lies in its ability to be a silent invader. Because it can be hard to identify visually and may not have a strong smell, people can be exposed to it for extended periods without knowing. This chronic exposure can increase the risk of developing serious health complications.

If you have a history of water damage in your home, or if you're experiencing persistent, unexplained symptoms that seem to worsen indoors, it's crucial to consider mold as a potential culprit. While you might be quick to check for the obvious black spots, remember that some of the most harmful molds, like Acremonium, are masters of disguise.

What to Do

The most important step is to address any water issues immediately. Fix leaks, dry out wet areas, and keep indoor humidity levels low (ideally between 30% and 50%). If you suspect you have Acremonium or any other type of mold, it's best to consult Dove Services, a professional mold remediation company.  Trying to remove it yourself can release more spores into the air, potentially making the problem and its health risks worse.

By being aware of molds beyond the well-known "black mold," you can better protect your health and the safety of your home.

Call Dove Services today - ( 251 ) 747 - 0976