Do You Know Black Mold?

Every homeowner dreads black mold, but what is it? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in damp places and is most commonly seen in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. These spores enter the house by windows, small openings or brought in on personal items and coats. While most fungus found in your house aren’t dangerous, this species causes illness if ignored.

Black Mold Poisoning

The spores black mold produces are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic sneezing, eye, nose and throat irritation as well as skin rashes. In addition, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning. Especially severe occasions of long-term exposure to black mold are more dangerous. 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

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

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

  • Mold emits a pungent, musty scent that stops rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on 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 trigger chronic inflammation and ongoing 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 greater the danger.

Exceptionally damp 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 right away.

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

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

If you think your house may contain black mold, speak with Paul Davis now. We safely test and confirm the existence of black mold before remediation. You can depend on our professionals to eliminate black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, get a black mold inspection now.