Acremonium is a common species of mould with the ability to grow both indoors and outdoors of the home and is also a known human pathogen. Read on to find out more about the Acremonium species and what to do if you find mould in your house.
Acremonium Species
There are around 150 species in the Acremonium genus and find their habitat in decaying plant material. Some common species include:
- Acremonium zeae
- Acremonium coenphilialum
- Acremonium strictum
- Acremonium carticola
- Acremonium killense
Nine species identify as human pathogens with the potential to cause diseases in humans:
- A. falciforme
- A. recifei
- A. killense
- A. potronii
- A. roseogriseum
- A. alabmensis
- A. blochi
- A. strictum
- A. astrogrieum
Acremonium colonies can appear as grey, pink, white or orange and is almost impossible to identify from a visual inspection. It has a moist texture in its early stages, often changing to a powdery texture as it matures over time. It also is generally accompanied by an unpleasant and pungent smell.
Where can Acremonium grow in the house?
If you suspect Acremonium mould in your home, chances are moisture is the culprit. Common in homes where there is substantial water damage, it appears in building materials such as plywood, fibreglass, plaster and wallpaper. It can also grow in air-conditioning units, cooling coils, window seals and humidifiers.
Bathrooms, kitchens, basements and attics either have plenty of moisture or have inadequate ventilation, airflow or natural light. As a rule of thumb, mould growth will occur after ongoing leaks, plumbing problems or any kind of untreated water damage.
Regularly clean air-conditioner units and dehumidifiers and keep an eye on roofing, piping and windows to make sure the areas are dry and problem-free. If you notice leaks or signs of water damage, contact a mould removal professional that can assist with water damage services.
What causes Acremonium mould?
Acremonium and most other mould types that grow in Australian homes need three things to survive: warm temperatures, organic matter and moisture. Typically, areas with frequent exposure to moisture without adequate ventilation create the ideal conditions for mould growth. These include:
Moisture buildup and condensation:
When moisture has nowhere to go it builds up and triggers the growth of mould and continues to feed its way through materials if moisture is around to sustain it. In bathrooms and kitchens with plenty of exposure to condensation without adequate ventilation, mould can appear around window sills and tiles.
Humidity:
Moisture in the air is difficult to control even in homes with plenty of natural light and can be a problem in tropical and sub-tropical environments. Humidity is often the cause of mould growing on clothing, furniture and personal items, and can spread easily if moisture is not drawn out of the air. Air-conditioners and dehumidifiers are a great way to keep moisture levels under control during periods of above-average levels of humidity during the summer and wet seasons.
Water damage:
Ongoing leaks, seasonal floods, clogged drains or faulty plumbing are the main causes of water damage around the home. If you notice mould growing throughout the walls or ceiling, it is usually a part of a larger problem that needs urgent addressing. If this is the case, seek out a professional mould removal expert for an inspection.
Is Acremonium mould dangerous?
There are thousands of mould species in existence, potentially resulting in serious health issues with frequent exposure. As a human pathogen, Acremonium has the potential to cause disease and infections in humans – especially through ingestion. The effects may vary among those with underlying respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems.
Symptoms from frequent inhalation of mould can include the following:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Skin irritations
- Throat discomfort
- Dizziness
- Headaches
Some more serious health effects of Acremonium may include:
- Fever
- Eye infections
- Colonisation and growth in the lungs
- Growth in the gastrointestinal tract
- Disseminated fungal infection
- Asthma
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
It can be impossible to correctly identify Acremonium from a visual inspection. If you are concerned about mould growing in your home or property, seek out a professional mould removal specialist for an inspection.
If you are experiencing a mild or severe reaction from mould exposure, please visit your GP or healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms and treatment.
How to remove Acremonium mould?
Acremonium spreads quickly around the home and is difficult to remove entirely without professional treatments. Coming into frequent contact with Acremonium mould can cause infections and can easily spread around via airborne spores. Attempts to remove large patches of mould can aggravate the spores however, for small or spot removal of mould you can use bleach:
Bleach: Mix a 1:10 ratio of bleach and water and scrub the mould affected area. For laundry purposes, mix a small amount of colour safe bleach into your washing machine to thoroughly clean clothing, fabrics and curtains.
When to Call a Mould Removal Professional?
If you are afraid of mould becoming a problem in your home and are looking for a long-term solution, be sure to call upon a professional team to help you. The MouldMen team will inspect, treat, and provide you with a Mould Management and Prevention Plan to ensure that your home is kept safe and free from mould. Call us on 1300 60 59 60 to book your free inspection today.
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