Call Paul Davis: What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but do you know what it is? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in wet environments and is usually seen in areas where condensation has collected or pools or stagnant water inside. Spores enter the house by doors, other openings or tracked on shoes and coats. Although most molds around your house are nothing to worry about, black mold causes illness if ignored.

How Black Mold affects Health

Black mold is a toxic species of mold with airborne toxins. Symptoms include chronic coughing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat as well as skin rashes. Additionally, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning. Particularly serious occasions of prolonged exposure to black mold can be 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.

About Mold

Black mold grows quickly, so you should never delay calling a professional to inspect for mold infestation. They can go ignored for weeks, and then appear essentially overnight. Once mold creates colonies in your living space, it immediately breeds and releases toxins that make life unpleasant for residents:

  • Mold emanates a strong, musty scent 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 difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can trigger chronic inflammation and constant 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 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 immediately. To get rid of mold, the atmosphere where it flourishes must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any remaining moisture must be efficiently dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start. Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn't enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can saturate out-of-sight areas of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep coming back to these areas. If you think your house may have black mold, reach out to Paul Davis now. Our team analyzes for existence of black mold before starting treatment. You can rely on our specialists to remove black mold quickly. Don't risk your health, get an inspection for black mold now.