Call Paul Davis: What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but what is it? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold likes to grow in moist places and is most commonly found in areas where condensation has collected or anywhere near neglected water damage. Spores come into your house by windows, other entrances or brought in on shoes and clothing. While most molds found in your house are nothing to worry about, this species can cause health issues after years of exposure.

What are the Health Risks?

The spores black mold produces are the main culprit behind black mold poisoning. Typically symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. In addition, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning. Especially severe occasions of prolonged exposure to black mold can be more life threatening. Paired with an allergic reaction to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

Information about Mold

Mold quickly spread across walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home suffers water damage, you should have a professional check the walls for mold infestations. They can go ignored for weeks, and then appear virtually overnight.

Once mold creates colonies in your living space, it quickly breeds and releases toxins that make life miserable for inhabitants:

  • Mold releases a strong, musty odor that prevents rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold causes problems for allergy-sensitive individuals, as well as those with asthma, making symptoms flare up.
  • A black mold infestation can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can activate long-lasting inflammation and constant cold-like symptoms.
  • People with weakened immune systems can get systemic infections of the lungs, skin, or digestive tract.
  • In rare cases, mold toxins can cause neurological issues or even death.
  • The more extended the exposure, the greater the danger.

Unusually damp homes and offices can be subject to mold invasions even if no water damage has occurred. If you see or smell something that could be mold, get a skillful opinion immediately.

To get rid of mold, the atmosphere where it thrives must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any residual moisture must be thoroughly dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start.

Whether a dripping roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn’t enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can soak hidden portions of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep coming back to these spots.

If you are worried that your house may be growing black mold, call Paul Davis today. We safely inspect and confirm the presence of black mold before remediation. You can depend on our contractors to remove black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, call for an inspection for black mold today.