By: Licensed Mold Assessor Brad Fishbein
August 7, 2018
Mold comes in many different colors, but what about purple?
Is there a such thing as purple mold?
You betcha!
Purple mold, while not as common as other colors, can grow on building materials indoors.
Purple mold, also known as purple bacteria, is a type of mold that can be found in damp and humid environments and can cause problems for people with allergies or asthma. It is often found behind walls, under vinyl and wallpaper, and on wood. Purple mold could be mistaken for a variant of toxic black mold - Stachybotrys chartarum.
There is no such thing called purple mold per se, it’s just mold that will be the color purple.
There is no specific mold spores that is always linked to purple mold.
Here’s thing:
Sometimes the mold you may be looking at is not necessarily purple. While it appears purple, it’s really a mixture of black and blue mold.
Now:
When I am saying black mold I am not saying the famous black toxic which refers to a certain mold spore named Stachybotrys. I am literally just talking about the color.
However, mold that is black and blue can be different kinds of molds that can cause something called mycotoxins. This basically means that it’s toxic.
Moral of the Story:
Purple hold should be approached as if it is toxic.
Purple mold tends to grow on vinyl or bathroom walls with wallpaper. It’s generally harmless when you see it on one of these two areas.
However it should be cleaned if on the service, if not it should be removed. It could signal water damage present in the area.
Removing purple mold is really no different than removing any other colar of mold.
If the purple mold is not just on the surface, and eating walls or floors, it needs to be removed.
Proper mold remediation protocol should be followed (click here to read my guide). If the area is bigger than 10 ft.² you need to contact a molder mediation specialist immediately.
If purple mold is just on the surface, it needs to be cleaned with a biodegradable solution.
Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is an ACAC council-certified Microbial Investigator. In the fall of 2012, he became a Licensed Mold Assessor in the State of Florida through the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. Brad has helped homeowners with over 5,000 successfully completed Mold Inspections since 2009.