Learn More About Black Mold

Every homeowner fears black mold, but do you know what it is? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in wet environments and is most commonly found around condensation or near untreated puddles inside. These spores enter the home through windows, other entrances or tracked on personal items and clothing. Although most molds around your home aren't dangerous, black mold causes illness if ignored.

How Black Mold affects Health

Black mold is a poisonous species of fungus with airborne toxins. Symptoms include chronic sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat and rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose are seen in the most serious cases of long term exposure.

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 unseen for weeks, and then appear virtually overnight. Once mold forms colonies in your living space, it quickly breeds and releases toxins that make life miserable for residents:

  • Mold emanates a strong, musty smell that stops rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive individuals, 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.
  • People with compromised immune systems can get systemic infections of the lungs, skin, or digestive tract.
  • In rare instances, mold toxins can cause neurological concerns or even death.
  • The more lengthy the exposure, the more severe the danger.
Exceptionally humid 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 an expert opinion right away. If you want to eradicate mold, the atmosphere where it thrives 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 opening, it isn't enough to stem the tide. Moisture can saturate hidden sections of your home. Without proper cleanup procedures, mold will keep returning to these spots. If you are worried that your home may be growing black mold, reach out to Paul Davis now. We safely test and confirm the presence of black mold before starting treatment. You can depend on our professionals to remove black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, get an inspection for black mold now.