Friday, February 5, 2010

How do I identify fungus in my basement?

I found a leak in my basement coming from my a/c. Unfortunately i found it too late. I have an odd fungus growing from my carpet. It looks like giant egg shell noodles. How do I identify it? And, if its toxic?How do I identify fungus in my basement?
I don't really know, but maybe these websites can help you identify it. (Having pictures always helps me out.)





http://www.ehow.com/how_5304061_identify鈥?/a>


Step 1As a precaution, whenever you get up close to look at a patch of mold, don't inhale too deeply or touch the mold whenever you look at it up close. Many kinds of mold are poisonous and are chief causes of allergies and headaches.





Step 2Consider the color of the mold. Basement and bathroom mold can range in color from light gray to black, and have green, blue, or brown tinges.





Dark colored mold that you find in your home may likely belong to either the Stachybotrys or Cladosporium genusus





Lighter mold patches are likely colonies of Aspergillus or Fusarium molds. These two genuses also cover the most common types of outdoor plant molds.





Step 3Examine the texture of the mold. If your basement mold is growing in streaks and looks slimy, it is probably Strachybotrys. This is commonly called ';black mold'; and is a leading cause of mold related allegies.





If it has a fuzzy, or matte texture, it is probably one of the other three varieties.





Extemely fuzzy mold may actually be a variety of food mold, such as Mucor, that has somehow spread to the walls. This can occur in kitchens.





Step 4Look at the growth pattern. If the mold is growing in disjoint circular patches, it may belong to the Aspergillus genus. Other kinds of mold will typically grow along a water stain on your basement walls


Step 5If you have excessive mold growth in your basement, or what appears to be combination mold, you can get it tested in a lab. Call a home inspection company, or a special mold lab for a quote.


(It's always best to let professionals handle this sort of situation since they know what they're doing.)





http://www.sump-pump-info.com/types-of-m鈥?/a>


Types of Mold


There are many types of mold, some of which can be just a mild nuisance while others can be toxic and can produce serious health problems to those who are exposed to it.





The issue of mold contamination poses a serious health threat for many people who may or may not be aware that they are possibly at risk in their homes, schools and workplaces.





Toxic Mold


Some types of mold may contain mycotoxins that can be life-threatening to everyone especially infants, the elderly and any person with immune system deficiencies.





Stachybotrys chartarum is a type of toxic mold which will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. This type of mold is most commonly found in homes or buildings that have sustained flooding or water damage, roof, wall or floor leaks or condensation.





It continues to grow as long as the area remains damp or wet.


It is usually black in appearance (but can be other colors), slightly shiny at first and powdery when dry.


The World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have raised concerns about the dangers of poor air quality and how it is related to SBS (sick building syndrome.)





Common Places to Find Toxic Mold





Paper covering of gypsum wall board


Wallpaper


Cellulose based ceiling tiles


Paper products


Carpets with natural fibers


Paper covering on insulated pipes


Insulation material


Wood and wood paneling


General organic debris


Paper covering on fiberglass insulation


Mild symptoms to mold exposure can produce flu-like discomforts such as a stuffy nose, eye irritation or wheezing.





Severe reactions occur when people are exposed to large amounts of mold which may cause fever and shortness of breath.





Those with chronic mold exposure may suffer from obstructive lung disease or lung infections.





Common Types of Indoor Mold


Cladosporium


Penicillium


Aspergillus


Alternaria





http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?鈥?/a>


You probably have some types of fungus and mold in your basement. The best thing to do is immedietly put a dehumidifier downstairs. Let it run at maximum capacity until the humidity of your basement has dropped considerably. Remove all visable parts of the mushroom using gloves, goggles, and a face mask. Also increase the temperature in the basement. Mold and fungus need cool, wet/humid places to grow. If you change these conditions, there should be no new growth. If your basement wall is constructed with wood, it is important that you tear away part of the wall to see what is in behind (more fungus/mold?) You may have some type of water infiltration. ( The reason for excessive humidity). It is important to repair any leaky pipes as soon as possible.


Source(s):


Owner of a house with former mold problems





Hope this helps to some small degree! %26lt;3How do I identify fungus in my basement?
i dont really know but to make shure you get the right answer i would go to google and type in w/e you need to!!!!!


thats what i always do and it really helps i would also get someone to look at the fungus!! thats propbly the safest thing
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