Do You Know Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but what is it? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in damp environments and is often seen around condensation or anywhere near untreated water damage. Spores come into your house via doors, small entrances and can also be tracked on shoes and coats. Although most fungus around your house aren't dangerous, black mold causes health problems if left untreated.

Health Effects of Black Mold

The spores black mold produces are the main culprit behind black mold poisoning. Typically symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Particularly severe cases of long-term exposure to black mold can be more life threatening. Often compounded by allergic reaction to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

More about Mold

Mold quickly spread across walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home experiences water damage, you should have a Paul Davis technician check the walls for mold infestations. They can go unseen for weeks, and then spring up essentially overnight. Once mold creates colonies in your living space, it immediately breeds and releases toxins that make life miserable for occcupants:

  • Mold emits a pungent, musty smell that prevents rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold causes problems for allergy-sensitive individuals, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • A black mold infestation can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause 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 problems or even death.
  • The more extended the exposure, the greater the danger.
Exceptionally humid homes and offices can be vulnerable to mold infestations even if no water damage has happened. If you see or smell something that could be mold, get a skillful opinion right away. If you want to eradicate mold, the environment where it flourishes must first be removed. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any residual moisture must be carefully dried out. Only then can mold removal and remediation start. Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn't enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can soak hidden portions of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep coming back to these areas. Contact Paul Davis now if you suspect your home is infested with black mold. Our team inspects for presence of black mold before remediation. Depend on our contractors to eliminate black mold effectively. Don't risk your health, get a black mold inspection now.