Call Paul Davis: What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but what is it? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in damp places and is often found around condensation or anywhere near neglected water damage. Spores enter the home via doors, other entrances and can also be brought in on shoes and coats. Although most molds found in your home are nothing to worry about, this species leads to health problems if neglected.

Health Effects of Black Mold

The spores black mold produces are the reason behind black mold poisoning. Typically symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose occur in the most severe cases of long term exposure.

More about Mold

Mold quickly spread across 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 property, it quickly grows and releases toxins that make life miserable for occcupants:

  • Mold emanates a strong, mildewed smell that prevents rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, making symptoms flare up.
  • A black mold infestation can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can activate long-lasting inflammation and continuous cold-like symptoms.
  • People 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 prolonged the exposure, the greater the danger.
Unusually humid homes and offices can be subject to mold invasions even if no water damage has occurred. If you see or smell something that could be mold, get a skillful opinion right away. To get rid of mold, the setting where it prospers must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be handled, and any residual moisture must be efficiently dried out. Only then can mold removal and remediation start. Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other entry point, it isn't enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can saturate hidden sections of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep returning to these areas. If you think your home may have black mold, reach out to Paul Davis today. Our team inspects for presence of black mold before remediation. You can rely on our specialists to eliminate black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, schedule a black mold inspection today.