Do You Know Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but do you know why? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold likes to grow in damp places and is often seen around condensation or where there's been water damage. These spores enter the home through windows, other openings and can also be tracked on shoes and clothing. Although most molds in your home are nothing to worry about, this variety can cause health issues if neglected.

Health Effects of Black Mold

Black mold is a poisonous fungus with spores. Typically symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation as well as skin rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Especially serious occasions of prolonged contact to black mold are more life threatening. Often compounded by 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 growth. They can go ignored for weeks, and then appear virtually overnight. Once mold produces colonies in your property, it quickly breeds and releases toxins that make life unpleasant for inhabitants:

  • Mold emanates a pungent, mildewed scent that prevents rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold causes problems for allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, making symptoms flare up.
  • A black mold infestation can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause chronic inflammation and ongoing cold-like symptoms.
  • People with weakened 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 more severe the danger.
Unusually humid homes and offices can be vulnerable to mold invasions even if no water damage has happened. 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 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 opening, it isn't enough to stem the tide. Moisture can soak hidden portions of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep returning to these spots. If you suspect your home may have black mold, speak with Paul Davis today. Our team analyzes for existence of black mold before treatment. You can depend on our specialists to remove black mold quickly. Don't risk your health, schedule a black mold inspection today.