What the different colors of mold at home mean: which fungus is toxic

Mold is always a nuisance that can appear in our home, food or belongings. However, most bacteria and fungi are difficult to detect immediately because of their small size.

The first signs of mold development are an unpleasant smell, the appearance of stains and discoloration of the surface. OBOZREVATEL figured out the colors and types of fungi, because some are toxic and can lead to various diseases.

Black

Stachybotrys is a toxic black mold, it appears on building materials that have been wet for long periods of time.

Also, black mold is often found in a bathroom or shower stall due to excessive moisture. It is called Aureobasidium. Such a mold is slippery and sticky, with the help of special means you can get rid of it. The color can still remain, but it is harmless to health.

Blue

This mold appears on food or soil. Because of it, it creates blue cheese and the antibiotic penicillin. Because it contains the organism penicillium, which gives a blue color and is responsible for the dense growth of mold. This fungus is often found on tangerines and oranges.

Yellow and orange

This kind of mold requires a lot of light, especially ultraviolet light, to develop. It is called Stemphylium. The mold appears on natural fibers, such as hemp materials, and gives them yellow, brown, or orange colors.

Green

Green mold is most familiar to us, we often find it on bread and other food products. However, you can't just cut off a moldy piece and eat the item. These fungi are called mycelia and their roots spread throughout the food rather than to a specific area. They take all the nutrients from the food.

Under a microscope, they resemble the loose top of a dandelion.

Trichoderma and Aspergillus fungi have this coloration. They are resistant to high temperatures and like acid. As a rule, fungi grow on wet cardboard or dirty carpet.

Pink, purple and red

Neurospora is a safe fungus that is used as an organism to observe genetics, evolution and growth of organisms.

Fusarium is a type of fungus that is rarely found indoors but can stain spoiled rice purple. It forms large, sticky spores that are spread by rain and attach to plants.

The mold that appears around bathroom faucets is Serratia. This mold absorbs soap foam residue and survives in liquid soap.

White

Isaria farinosa is a type of white fungus that appears on some species of butterflies. They form shiny white tree-like growths on their bodies.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL told how to take out mold stains on home textiles and clothes.

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