What are the common molds and bacteria identified indoors?
The same molds that are common outdoors are seen indoors: Cladosporium, Alternaria, Penicillium, Aspergillus species, and Fusarium are molds very commonly seen in the air inside homes. Stachybotrys may be seen with direct swabs of heavy mold growth, particularly on sheetrock, however it must be disturbed to become airborne. The most common bacteria are those that normally live on the skin of humans and animals. What causes high levels of inside mold? For mold to grow to levels that may be harmful to one’ s health there must be excessive moisture. The most common source of mold and bacteria is the central air conditioning system in the Texas area. Roof leaks, plumbing problems, mismanagement, pets and plants inside the home are other common factors that may lead to excessive moisture. How can one determine if the home is contaminated by mold or bacteria? There is generally a “musty” smell to the home. An inspection around the areas of potential moisture in the home will usually reveal e
