Appearance Black mold is very fuzzy, almost looking as if it has hair. Mold grows in the form of multicellular filaments or hyphae, while mildew has flat growth. Mold likes to grow in areas of high humidity and little air flow. Alternaria: Alternaria mold tends to grow in areas with a great deal of moisture (showers, sinks, bathrooms, etc.). Mold grows best in humid or dark areas conversely fungus can grow best in slightly acid and everywhere on land. In this blog, we're going to address the hot topic of black mold again, and contrast it with white mold. Black mold or Stachybotrys chartarum often is referred to as toxic mold; however, not all mold that is black in color is Stachybotrys chartarum. If you're looking for more general information on mold types, check our blog The Colorful World of Mold. The color of a mold … White mold is also an adult type of mold. All these molds may also appear gray, green, black or other tints. Mold needs something on which to grow. Consequently, an air conditioning duct wouldn’t normally be a place for mold because there’s lots of air flow and low relative humidity. In fact, exposure to black mold can lead to black mold poisoning, or “stachybotryotoxicosis” – a condition that’s dangerous, particularly for young children and the elderly. Black mold, scientifically referred to as Stachybotrys atra or Stachybotrys chartarum, is typically black or dark green and often linked to serious health problems. The only way for black mold to grow is if there is water present, making it very common in places like showers and ceilings with leaky pipes. You’ll often find this mold appearing as dark spots on walls. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae. “Black mold” refers to several species of mold (which is a type of fungus) that have a dark green or black appearance. If you’re looking at something that’s steel or aluminum, it’s probably not mold. Efflorescence, on the other hand, is almost always white or yellow. Efflorescence develops on inorganic building materials, like concrete and brick. Mold and mildew are types of fungi; typically, mold is black or green, and mildew is gray or white. Black Mold. Black Mold. Mold tends to grows on food, whereas mildew is an issue on damp surfaces, like bathroom walls, basement walls, or fabrics. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. white mold vs black mold White mold sometimes is considered mildew, although mildew typically is powdery and actually is an early stage of mold. Stachybotrys, or black mold, is a type of mold is very toxic. White mold is also an adult type of mold. Most people have heard of black mold from news stories about the toxic reactions of homeowners. To simplify this, white mold can be a young black mold or a growing Stachybotrys chartarum. Indoor mold can range in color from white to white-green, gray-green, green, shades of brown, and of course, black. Mold can be any color, but is often black or gray. White mold is not a specific type of mold – many species of mold may appear white. One such type is Stachybotrys chartarum.. The species of white mold commonly found in homes are aspergillus, cladosporium, and penicillum. What is the difference between Mold and Mildew? It generally starts off white, but develops into a yellow, green, or black color. Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The texture is “velvety”. All types of indoor mold pose health risks and need to be removed as soon as possible after they are discovered. We've talked a lot about mold, mold treatments, and the harmful effects mold can have on the home and its inhabitants. Mold is characterizing as colorful (purple, orange and black) wooly and fuzzy, but fungus is mostly smooth and colorless with minor shades of white, pink, brown. While mold can be these colors, you know you are not looking at efflorescence if it is black, gray, green, blue, or pink.