Household mold is always something to take seriously. Begin by determining what kind of mold you’ve got, the conditions that led to its growth, and the options for eliminating it. Acremonium mold is one of the most common household molds and it can make you sick. Read on to learn how to recognize and deal with it.

What Is Acremonium Mold?

Acremonium mold derives its name from the same linguistic root as the English word “acremonius,” meaning angry or bitter. There are about 150 species of Acremonium mold that we know of, and these play a valuable role in the natural ecosystem, breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients. Problems arise, however, when Acremonium invades homes, humans or other mammals.

Where Is It Commonly Found?

Acremonium requires a high level of moisture to grow. This is why water-damaged buildings are one of the most common indoor environments for an Acremonium outbreak. Regularly inspect areas where water leaks could develop, looking for mold growth. Bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements are prime areas for mold-promoting leaks. Acremonium mold can also grow in the condensed water that develops inside air conditioning systems.

What Are the Health Effects?

Acremonium mold can infect people superficially on the skin. It can enter more deeply through cuts and scrapes, and it can even grow within the whole body. The species Acremonium kiliense has been traced to outbreaks of post-surgical infections at hospitals, with the HVAC system as the source of the microbes.

How to Remove and Prevent Acremonium Mold

As with most molds, moisture is the triggering condition. This is why finding the source of unwanted moisture leading to Acremonium mold growth is a key first step to eradication. Next, you need to kill the Acremonium, its spores and the root-like structures called hyphae. Wiping the surface so it looks clean does nothing because Acremonium will come back in a week or two if it’s not dead. Remove and discard all loose infected items such as carpet, drapes and furniture. Use a non-toxic, registered fungicide to kill Acremonium on structural areas or other materials that can’t be easily removed and thrown away.