Main types of mold: description and causes of occurrence. Mold - what is it? She kills and saves from death. Mold is beautiful, but disgusting. Fighting black mold

Mold is fungi, representatives of a completely separate and huge kingdom. Mold is omnivorous and ubiquitous. In a clean room, each cubic meter of air contains approximately 500 fungal spores. When a person breathes, he inhales fungal spores along with the air. Larger spores can cause allergies, and small mold can cause lung diseases. A weakened immune system has proven to be an ideal environment for the lethal qualities that mold can exhibit.

Everyone is familiar with mold in the form of a gray fluff that appears on strawberries right in the garden beds. We call it gray rot. In France it is called noble rot. It is this mold (a fungus called Bodritis cinerea) that contributes to the birth of the most famous French wines. The most famous of the varieties is the legendary wine Chateau d'Yquem. This is perhaps the most expensive wine in the world. And mold made him like this.

Let's take for example the “most terrible” mold at the moment, Aspergillus niger. But few people have heard that it is used to produce on an industrial scale: 1. Lemon acid(E330) 2. Gluconic acid (E574) 3. Pectinases, glucoamylases and many other enzymes 4. Is the main agent in the fermentation of some varieties of tea and, in particular, Puer tea 5. Sugar substitute (corn syrup, which is added to the vast majority of low- and non-alcoholic drinks, yogurts, etc.

Its brother is the noble mold Penicillium roqueforti. The most famous use of this fungus is the production of blue cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton, Danish blue). In addition, it is used to make flavors, antifungal drugs, polysaccharides, proteases and other enzymes.

The following two representatives of mold are not typical, but they are worth noting for the originality of their form and usefulness: Kombucha (Japanese mushroom, sea kvass, tea jellyfish, medusomycete) is a symbiosis of yeast and acetic acid bacteria. Quite well studied, used to promote health and as a source of vitamins and active substances Kefir mushroom (Tibetan mushroom, milk mushroom, mushroom Indian yogis) a symbiotic group of lactobacilli, acetic acid bacteria and milk yeast. It is also a storehouse of useful substances

Mold is a microscopic fungal formation in the form of spots.

Causes of fungus

The main reason for mold on the wall in an apartment is high humidity(about sixty percent), dampness. For its appearance, it is enough to have damp wall or a room in which dampness reigns constantly.

The main reasons for high humidity:

• pinpoint leaks (for example, from a tap);
• freezing of the surface of walls, windows, etc.;
• poor ventilation.

Where appears

• seams between tiles in the bathroom;
• wooden frames;
• window sills;
• corners.

Types of mold

Many have seen live or photographed mold on walls and noticed that it can be different in color and structure. Before we talk about how to get rid of mold on walls, let’s look at the types of mold:

Aspergillus niger is a black mold that can live on a variety of building material(concrete, plaster, whitewash). Penetrating into the structure of the material, it gradually destroys it.

This type of mold is resistant to cold and occurs even in abandoned rooms. This mold can lead to aspergillosis, which manifests itself in allergic reactions.

Penicillium is a blue-green mold that is less harmful than black mold, but can also cause allergies.

Fusarium – white and brown in color, harmful to plants.

Serpula lacrymans – furry coating white. It grows on wood, this mold is dangerous both for wooden surfaces, and for humans.

Mold removal

Let's get acquainted with the remedies for mold that forms on the walls. In order to get rid of white and green mold you need to:

• Make a soapy solution of water with the addition of bleach and wipe the surface with mold stains with it;
• If you cannot remove mold with a rag, you can use a brush or mesh for washing dishes;
• Soak the area to be treated with the chemical by applying it in a thick layer. If necessary, you can repeat the procedure.

Treatment with a chemical solution will make the surface unsuitable for the appearance and existence of fungus.

Fighting black mold

When fighting black mold, not only the stain itself is treated, but also the area around the stain. Main stages:

• It is necessary to remove a section of the infected wall using a hammer drill;
• Next, we treat the wall with a chemical solution;
• We cover the resulting hole with putty with the addition of a chemical anti-fungal agent.

Fungus remedies

Let's look at how you can treat walls against mold, depending on the type. Suitable for green and white:

• PS 50 – suitable for plaster and drywall;
• Boramon C30 – ideal for processing wooden surfaces;
• Mellerud – suitable for concrete, wood, plaster and wallpaper.

To combat black you can use:

• Belinka – eliminates black and other types of mold;
• Well Done - suitable for treating plaster, tiles, and surfaces coated with oil paint.
• Astonish - can be used to process plastics and ceramics without damaging the surface.

Important: When working with chemicals use a respirator and gloves. Wear long sleeves. Open the window for ventilation.

Preventive measures

Various remedies for fungus and mold on walls only eliminate mold. But it is also necessary to eliminate the causes of its occurrence. Let's consider efficient algorithm actions:

• Eliminate the source of high humidity.
• Adjust ventilation and airing of the room.

Remember that only properly adjusted ventilation clears the air of mold spores. A big misconception is that air conditioning purifies indoor air. In fact, it does not purify the air, but drives away the same air along with mold spores.

Conduct regular wet cleaning using antibacterial agents.

Use chlorine sprays for treatment.

Insulate walls and windows to maintain heat balance.

Regulate the microclimate of the room. You can purchase an air dryer for this. Such devices are especially useful summer time of the year.

Photo of mold on the walls

Mold often threatens the owners of private houses and apartments. It penetrates into any room if it is maintained stably high level humidity, no regular supply fresh air etc. Microscopic mushrooms easily settle in any territory and affect the structure of all kinds of materials. But most importantly, mold spores pose a serious risk to human health. Therefore, it is necessary to identify mold in time in order to understand how to effectively deal with it.

All kinds of mold can “colonize” your home. At first glance, the only difference between them is the color of the mold. But no, in fact there are many more signs. Experienced specialists pay attention to the structure of fungal cells. Varieties of mold are noticeable in pictures and photographs taken on an enlarged scale: the structure of their spores may be ornate. The way the threads of the fungus are intricately intertwined with each other also speaks volumes. However, the structure of mold can only be fundamentally studied under a microscope. In the photo she only seems dark spot, sometimes with a fleecy surface. What types of mold are there and why exactly are they dangerous?

Video "Danger"

From the video you will learn what danger lies in the infection.

Black

The black color of the mold that threatens you is one of the most common “colors”. In addition, this species panics the owners of apartments and private houses, because this fungus is most noticeable on any kind of surface. However, black mold is not just one type, it is whole group various subspecies of the fungus that acquire a similar shade on different stages of its development. The material on which the fungus settles also plays a huge role. Which specific strains are black mold:

If mold on the walls is a problem that you are “lucky enough” to encounter, do not rush to panic. This does not always mean that something threatens the health and well-being of your household. However, the sooner you establish what type you are dealing with, the sooner you will understand what consequences you can expect from the fungus and how to actually remove it.

Green

Ascomycetes, or more commonly known as green mold, are microscopic fungi that also often cause a lot of trouble for people. In most cases, their spores live in organic materials, sometimes they are found in compost or soil. By appearance This mold is a bit like moss, it has a rich green tint and has uneven surface. What is the danger of a species called green mold?
The thing is that it often amazes food products, for example, vegetables. Prefers this fungus and sour milk. Moreover, if you notice only the first signs of its appearance, do not hope that you will remove the affected layer from the product and be able to eat the same vegetables. This type fungus actively penetrates inside and immediately infects tissues, so eat vegetables or dairy products after infection with green fungus, it is fraught with serious poisoning.

Pink

Can pink mold appear in your home? It does not affect surfaces as such, does not settle on walls or ceilings, but can appear on plant debris or rotting products (spoiled vegetables and fruits, plants and even cereals and grains that were improperly stored in the kitchen).
This type of mold is not dangerous to human health, but it is still not recommended to eat foods that are already affected by it.

White

Why is it so remarkable? white mold, or mukor? This species mainly affects trees, indoor plants and the soil on which they grow, as well as food products (bread or cheese). Mucor is not considered particularly dangerous to human health, but in rare cases it can affect internal organs. This kind of disease is typical for both people and animals. How does infection occur?

Mucor spores enter the body through Airways or blood, for example, cuts on the hands. Then they quickly develop and spread in the blood. By the way, this is an ideal microclimate for them: moisture, warmth are constantly maintained, and oxygen is contained in sufficient quantities.

However, cases of excitation of diseases caused by white mold (mukor) are quite rare and are possible only with weak protective functions body.

Blue

Much less private houses and apartments are susceptible to a species called blue mold. And all because such microscopic fungi most often appear on trees. They do not pose any danger to humans. In addition, they are often used in the production of gourmet cheeses. At first glance, this fungus appears to be a blue coating. In any case, blue mold is completely harmless.

Gray

Saprophytic microfungi are a rather dangerous type of fungus for people. It is characterized by the presence gray and looks like a normal raid. Gray mold settles on almost any surface and material, and sometimes appears on food products (vegetables and fruits). It can do a lot of harm and indoor plants Moreover, it can be transmitted through flower seeds.
Once gray mold appears in the house, it settles firmly and for a long time in the room; removing it is very problematic. Its occurrence, as in most cases with mold, is facilitated by high humidity(over 70-80%). If this is maintained stably, the likelihood of the appearance of this kind of microscopic fungi only increases.

Reasons for appearance

Why does yellow mold or even orange mold grow in the house, for example? As a rule, several key factors contribute to this:

All this together leads to the formation of mold spores in the cellar, basement or directly in your home. Whatever type of fungus threatens your home (for example, brown mold), be prepared for the fact that you will have to take comprehensive measures that vary in the degree of impact. In addition, perseverance and careful implementation of each procedure are important. This way, you will get rid of the poisonous spores of microscopic fungi without serious consequences for your health.