What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but do you know what it is? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in damp spots and is often found in areas where condensation has collected or pools or stagnant water inside. Spores enter the home via windows, small entrances and can also be tracked on shoes and coats. While most molds around your home are harmless, this species causes illness after long term exposure.

Health Effects of Black Mold

The spores black mold produces are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. The most common 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 serious occurances of long-term contact to black mold are more dangerous. Paired with an allergic reaction 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 growth. They can go ignored for weeks, and then spring up virtually overnight.

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

  • Mold releases a strong, mildewed odor that stops rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, making symptoms flare up.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty 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 cases, mold toxins can cause neurological problems or even death.
  • The more extended the exposure, the more severe 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 right away.

To get rid of mold, the environment where it thrives must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be handled, and any residual moisture must be efficiently dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start.

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

If you think your home may be growing black mold, speak with Paul Davis today. We safely test and confirm the presence of black mold before remediation. You can rely on our professionals to remove black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, request a black mold inspection today.