Attic mold is usually one of several colors–white, green, brown, or black. All of them are bad because they feed on organic materials like wood, cardboard, and dust. Many types of mold are harmless to human health but some of them cause allergic reactions or worse.
Types and Effects Of Molds
There are thousands of known types of mold fungi. Spores are everywhere. Mold breaks down the organic matter it feeds on causing decomposition and eventually rot, which is positive for forest ecosystems but not for house framing, stored items, or insulation.
Three types of mold are especially problematic to human health. Color and smell are not an indication of the potential severity of health effects. All mold damages the organic host it feeds on. The best approach after finding any type of attic mold is to get it out quickly and safely.
Allergenic Molds
Allergenic molds cause flu-like symptoms including coughing, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue, and diarrhea. They also produce asthma-like symptoms–wheezing and difficulty breathing and make asthma attacks worse. As long as the mold spores are in the living areas of the house, the symptoms will keep returning.
Pathogenic Molds
Pathogenic molds create problems for anyone with a compromised immune system like autoimmune disease because they cause infections in humans. Long Covid sufferers may also have increased risk. This type of mold also causes dermatitis-like symptoms including swelling.
Mycotoxic Molds
Mycotoxic molds are more dangerous but less common. They can attack a person’s immune system and can be deadly. These types of mold can cause mental confusion, brain damage, depression, and miscarriages. Less serious reactions include cramps, joint pain, swelling, and aches.
What To Look For
The most common types of attic mold are white mold and black mold. All molds exhibit identical signs.
- Smell – Mold smells musty, earthy,
- Humidity – Attic feels humid, close, and stuffy.
- Staining – Black, white, or colored stains on framing, insulation, or undersides of roof deck.
- Condensation – On attic windows and uninsulated pipes and ducts.
- Health – Allergic or flu-like symptoms after a visit to the attic.
Black Mold
Black mold has the reputation of being toxic. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mold itself is not toxic. It is the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) that they give off. All black mold is not toxic. Without professional testing, you do not know what you have.
White Mold
White mold is easy to see on wood and drywall–especially if it becomes a large infestation. It is usually responsible for allergic reactions.
Attic mold is usually less serious than mold in basements or living areas. Not always. If it works its way through ceiling drywall or the attic hatch is left open, attic mold starts growing where people live. Well ventilated attics have fewer mold problems. The proper amount of insulation and vapor barriers reduce mold growth.
Inspect attics regularly or have a professional do the job. At least once a year. Every six months is better. Remove any mold immediately. Professional mold removal is usually the safest option–especially for large infestations.
Smaller patches can be a DIY project. Take it seriously because it could be any type of mold. Wear proper clothing and equipment. Hazmat-type coveralls with hood. Gloves. Safety glasses. Respirator with HEPA filters because breathing in mold spores can cause serious infections.
After the mold is removed and the attic is sanitized, determine the causes of attic mold and how to prevent attic condensation. A little planning and effort reduces or eliminates mold growth in the attic.
