About Black Mold

No homeowner wants black mold, but what is it? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in moist places and is usually seen around condensation or anywhere near neglected water damage. These spores enter the house through doors, other entrances or brought in on shoes and coats. Although most molds found in your house are nothing to worry about, this variety can cause health problems if neglected.

Black Mold Poisoning

The spores black mold produces are the reason behind black mold poisoning. Typically symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation as well as skin rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Especially severe cases of prolonged exposure to black mold are more life threatening. Often compounded by an allergy to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

About Mold

Black mold grows quickly, so you should never postpone calling a professional to inspect for mold infestation. They can go unseen for weeks, and then spring up essentially overnight.

Once mold forms colonies in your property, it immediately grows and releases toxins that make life unpleasant for residents:

  • Mold emits a pungent, musty smell that stops rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold causes serious problems for allergy-sensitive individuals, as well as those with asthma, making symptoms flare up.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause long-lasting inflammation and continuous cold-like symptoms.
  • Individuals with compromised immune systems can get systemic infections of the lungs, skin, or digestive tract.
  • In rare instances, mold toxins can cause neurological concerns or even death.
  • The more prolonged the exposure, the greater the danger.

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

If you want to eradicate mold, the setting where it thrives must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be handled, and any residual moisture must be thoroughly dried out. Only then can mold removal and remediation start.

Whether a dripping roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn’t enough to close the tide. Moisture can drench hidden sections of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep returning to these areas.

If you suspect your house may have black mold, call Paul Davis today. We safely test and confirm the existence of black mold before removal. You can rely on our professionals to remove black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, schedule a black mold inspection today.