Call Paul Davis: What is Black Mold?

Every homeowner dreads black mold, but do you know what it is? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in damp spots and is usually seen in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. These spores enter the home through doors, other entrances or brought in on personal items and clothing. While most molds found in your home aren’t dangerous, this variety can cause health problems if neglected.

Black Mold Poisoning

Black mold is a poisonous fungus that releases airborne toxins. Typically 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. Particularly severe cases of long-term exposure to black mold are more life threatening. Paired with an allergy to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

More about Mold

Mold doesn’t take long to permeate walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home experiences water damage, you should have a professional check the walls for mold infestations. They can go unnoticed for weeks, and then spring up practically overnight.

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

  • Mold releases a strong, musty smell that prevents rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can activate chronic 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 issues or even death.
  • The more extended the exposure, the more severe the danger.

Unusually damp 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 a skillful opinion right away.

To get rid of mold, the setting where it flourishes must first be removed. Water sources have to be handled, and any residual moisture must be carefully dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start.

Whether a dripping roof, burst pipe, or other entry point, it isn’t enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can soak hidden sections of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep returning to these areas.

If you suspect your home may contain black mold, speak with Paul Davis today. Our team analyzes for presence of black mold before remediation. You can depend on our contractors to remove black mold effectively. Don’t risk your health, request an inspection for black mold today.