Call Paul Davis: What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but do you know why? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in moist spots and is often seen around condensation or anywhere near neglected water damage. Spores come into your house through windows, other entrances and can also be brought in on personal items and coats. While most molds in your house aren’t dangerous, this species can cause health issues after long term exposure.

Health Effects of Black Mold

Black mold is a poisonous fungus that releases airborne toxins. The most common symptoms include chronic coughing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat as well as skin rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Especially serious occasions of prolonged exposure to black mold are 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.

More about Mold

Black mold grows quickly, so you should never delay calling a professional to inspect for mold growth. They can go ignored for weeks, and then spring up virtually overnight.

Once mold forms colonies in your property, it quickly breeds and discharges toxins that make life unpleasant for occcupants:

  • Mold emits a strong, mildewed scent that prevents rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on 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 trigger long-lasting inflammation and ongoing 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 problems or even death.
  • The more prolonged the exposure, the more severe the danger.

Unusually damp homes and offices can be subject to mold infestations even if no water damage has happened. If you see or smell something that could be mold, get an expert opinion right away.

To get rid of mold, the setting where it prospers must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any remaining moisture must be efficiently 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 soak out-of-sight sections of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep coming back to these spots.

If you are worried that your house may be growing black mold, contact Paul Davis today. Our team analyzes for presence of black mold before remediation. Depend on our professionals to eliminate black mold effectively. Don’t risk your health, get a black mold inspection today.