Kinds of Mould - Pic 1

Kinds of Mould

Calgary’s ASTRA Restorations knows all too well the hazards toxic mould can pose to health. Treating mould yourself can jeopardize health and property. Knowing how to recognize mould and its effects, however, is essential to your health and property.

While black mould is the most commonly known toxic mould, there are other moulds that also pose serious risks to your health and property. The most common indoor moulds are Stachybotrys chartarum, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Trichoderma.

  • Stachybotrys chartarum is a black mould prevalent in water-damaged buildings and flourishes on damp drywall and wallpaper surfaces.
  • Cladosporium is a fungus that grows indoors and outdoors, can vary in colour from olive to brown to black, and grows on moist organic and inorganic surfaces.
  • Penicillium is a mould used to produce antibiotics. It can grow in relatively low-humidity environments if the surface is damp. Some Penicillium species can produce mycotoxins dangerous to human and animal health, especially causing respiratory problems, particularly in infants.
  • Aspergillus is a spore-forming mould that commonly contaminates root vegetables but is often found on nutrient-deficient surfaces like damp walls. It is a common component of mildew. Some species cause serious pathogenic disease in humans.
  • Alternaria species are ubiquitous in the natural world and commonly cause allergenic and hypersensitivity responses in humans. They also cause opportunistic infections in those who are immunocompromised. While this mould is a normal part of decay and decomposition in the natural world, in the home, these spores grow thick grey, black, or green colonies, producing a variety of toxic compounds.
  • Trichoderma is a mould found in the home and produces small toxic peptides readily absorbed into human cells. These peptides interfere with ion channels and cell function. They are resistant to antimicrobials, which means that primary prevention for this mould is the only effective option for limiting its effects.

If you suspect mould in your Calgary home or workplace, call ASTRA Restorations. We have the experience, certification, and experience to safely remediate your home or workplace environment and make you safe once again.

*ASTRA Restorations provides mould remediation free of cost with every water-damage restoration service. Calgary’s ASTRA Restorations has the expertise and the tools to save you health, time, money, and future hassle.

For our Calgary-based 24-hour emergency-response service, call (403) 796-3559.


909 Asbestos Abatement

909 5th Ave SW, Calgary, AB


Area: 10 Floors
Duration: 3 Weeks
Level: Moderate
Complete: 2022

Wyndham Crossing Abatement

4807 137 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB


Area: 30 Units + Common
Duration: 3 Months
Level: High
Complete: 2022

Ground-Pipe Abatement

8th Avenue & 8th Street SW, Calgary, AB


Area: 120 ft.
Duration: 1 week
Level: Moderate
Delivery Model: Fixed price
Year of Completion:     2018
Client:

Floor Mastic Abatement

550 6th AVE SW, Calgary, AB


Area: 21,000 Sq. Ft
Duration: 2 weeks
Delivery Model: Fixed price
Year of Completion:     2017
Risk Level: Low-Mid
Client:

Storm Drain Abatement

1015 4th Street SW, Calgary, AB


Area: Parkade
Duration: 1 week
Delivery Model: Fixed price
Year of Completion:     2016
Risk Level: Moderate
Client:

Ramsay Stucco Abatement

1051 8th Street SE, Calgary, AB


Area: 28 Townhouses
Duration: 4 weeks
Delivery Model: Fixed price
Level: Moderate
Year of Completion:     2018
Number of Bags: 1550
Client:

EMCO Restoration

5460 76 AVE SE, Calgary, AB


Area: 650,000 sq. ft.
Flood category: 2
Flood class: 3
Response Time: 45 min.
Year of Completion:     2017
Client:

Fortress Restoration

13226 MacLeod Trail South, Calgary, AB


Area: 10,500 sq. ft.
Category: 2
Class: 3
Response Time: 55 min.
Year of Completion :     2017
Client: