Understanding the Different Colors of Mold Growth in Your Home: A Comprehensive Chart

It’s something we all dread seeing in our homes: mold.

These fungal growths thrive in moist conditions and sprout in numerous places, whether it be on a wall, a cardboard box, or even in the dust.

While sometimes you can’t see them at first, the spores can emerge in a variety of different colors, including black, yellow, and sometimes purple.

But what do all these mean?

Following an article in The conversation By Michael Taylor, an expert at Flinders University, MailOnline has revealed a chart breaking down the hideous rainbow of mold species and what they mean if you find them in your home.

Black

Toxic black mold has been in the spotlight this year following the death of Awaab Ishak.

He was just two years old when he died from prolonged exposure to the fungus, which caused “severe inflammation” in his airways and throat.

This type of mold, known as ‘Stachybotrys’, grows and multiplies on surfaces that have been very wet for a long time, including the walls of houses.

Exposure to this can make you more susceptible to respiratory infections, asthma, and can even kill you in extremely rare cases.

According to Shelter, around 40 per cent of UK rental houses are susceptible to mold and many council complaints have been flooded following Awaab’s death.

Still, it’s important to note that slimy black mold found in your shower may actually be a completely different type.

Aureobasidium is a yeast-like fungus that can also cause respiratory allergies, but is highly unlikely to be life-threatening.

“Bleaching often kills Aureobasidium, but dark pigmentation is likely to remain harmless, but stubbornly,” Mr Taylor advised.

Black mold has been in the spotlight this year following the death of Awaab Ishak.

Scientists believe that humans breathe in up to 10 billion mold spores every day.

Green

Many of us have left something in the fridge too long before finding it covered in greenish fuzz.

While you may be tempted to cut out the “bad bits” and keep eating, Mr. Taylor cautions that you’re not actually getting rid of the mold at all.

“We often try to convince ourselves if we just cut out the bad part, we can still save lunch,” he said.

“Unfortunately, that’s not the case, as fungal roots, collectively called mycelium, propagate through food, digesting and collecting enough nutrients to burst a series of tiny fruiting bodies that produce the colored spores that you see”.

Among the mycelium group is the ‘Aspergillus’ fungus, which can often thrive in heat and can even be an acid lover.

These spores can remain airborne for months at a time, with the ability to cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Still, Sylvia Anderson, a food hygiene consultant in London, also says that only some foods can be safe to eat when the dubious bits are cut off.

Fruits and vegetables are among them along with hard cheeses, salami and jams.

Trichoderma, which is Latin for “hairy skin,” is another green mold Taylor warns about around the home.

Cardboard and carpets are prime places to find this, as long as they are dirty and damp.

This mold can be difficult to remove, but some disinfectants should kill its spores.

Green mold spores are often found on expired foods that have been left in the refrigerator for too long.

Pink and purple

From time to time, you might see a pinkish residue lurking around your bathroom faucets and in the corners of your shower.

This is known as Serratia, a type of mold known to survive in liquid soaps and handwashing, according to Taylor.

In the worst cases, these spores can cause numerous infections, including Serratia sepsis, which can present as fever with chills.

But frequently scrubbing surfaces with disinfectant and bleach is a widely recommended way to keep mold in check.

On the other hand, purple mold, often known as Fusarium, is much less likely to be found in the home.

But only sometimes, the species can turn rice purple or show up on concrete that’s been wet for a while.

“Fusarium produces large, sticky, moon-shaped spores that have evolved to be spread by rain splashes and hang on plants,” said Mr Taylor.

“However, it’s pretty bad at flying, and so it doesn’t tend to spread very far from where it’s growing.”

Serratia is the pink residue often found in bathrooms; it is known to survive in soapy conditions.

yellow and orange

Stemphylium and Epicoccum are two yellow and orange molds that are also found in the home.

According to Taylor, these species generally stick to natural fibers like hemp and jute, with the latter often used to make woven-style furniture.

Burlap is another material that it will thrive on, as long as the fungus receives enough ultraviolet (UV) light to generate spores.

Mr Taylor explained: “We often think of fungi as organisms that thrive in the dark, but that’s not always true. In fact, some need exposure to light, and particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, to complete its life cycle.

“Many plant pathogens use ultraviolet light exposure as a trigger to produce their spores and then protect their DNA by hiding it behind melanin-containing layers.”

In the garden, you can also find the yellow ‘grass rust’ spores on the leaves of plants.

But this can be easily eliminated by transplanting what has grown, according evergreen seeds.

Stemphylium and Epicoccum are two yellow and orange molds found in the home

Overwatering plants can cause yellow mold spores to grow on their leaves.

Blue

Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Dolcelatte are among several cheeses you might consider when thinking about blue mold.

Penicillium is the fungus to thank for that, which is also the genus responsible for the antibiotic penicillin.

This mushroom is edible because the acidity, salinity, and temperature of the cheese prevent toxins from growing.

But Mr. Taylor claims that this same fungus also causes food to rot in our cupboards and even on the floor.

Penicillium causes food to rot, but it’s also the fungus that turns some cheeses blue.

Some mushrooms can be toxic to humans, while other types won’t bother us at all.

White

While there are numerous types of white mold, Cladosporium is one of the most common types to crop up in the home.

Like Aspergillus, this type can also be airborne and is usually found in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, or attics.

According health lineit can also show up on carpets, air vents, and even paper, provided the right conditions exist.

Most forms of Cladosporium are not dangerous to humans, but the fungi can still make asthma and allergies worse.

In the garden Mr Taylor claims you can also find a different white mold known as Isaria farinosa.

This coral-looking species is a parasite of moths and cicadas that have often been used in pest control products.

Mr Taylor concluded: “So when you notice the world around you change colour, you can marvel at your newfound awareness of the microscopic wonders living complex lives alongside yours.”

Then maybe you clean it up and give the fruit bowl a wash.

While there are numerous types of white mold, Cladosporium is one of the most common types to crop up in the home.