Do You Know Black Mold?

Every homeowner fears black mold, but what is it? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in damp areas and is often found in areas where condensation has collected or where there’s been water damage. Spores enter the house via doors, small entrances or brought in on personal items and clothing. While most fungus found in your house are nothing to worry about, black mold leads to health issues with long term exposure.

Health Effects of Black Mold

The spores black mold releases are the reason behind black mold poisoning. The most common symptoms include chronic sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat as well as skin rashes. Additionally, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose occur in the most serious cases of long term exposure.

More 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 unnoticed for weeks, and then appear essentially overnight.

Once mold produces colonies in your property, it quickly grows and discharges toxins that make life unpleasant for residents:

  • Mold emanates a strong, musty odor that stops rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold causes problems for allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • A black mold infestation can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause chronic inflammation and continuous cold-like symptoms.
  • Individuals 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 more severe the danger.

Unusually humid homes and offices can be vulnerable to mold infestations even if no water damage has occurred. If you see or smell something that could be mold, get an expert opinion immediately.

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

Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn’t enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can saturate out-of-sight sections of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep coming back to these areas.

Call Paul Davis today if your home contains black mold. Our team analyzes for existence of black mold before remediation. You can rely on our specialists to remove black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, call for an inspection for black mold today.