What is Black Mold?

Every homeowner fears black mold, but do you know why? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold likes to grow in moist areas and is most commonly found in areas where condensation has collected or anywhere near untreated water damage. These spores come into your house through doors, small entrances and can also be brought in on personal items and clothing. While most molds around your house aren't dangerous, black mold can cause health issues if ignored.

How Black Mold affects Health

The spores black mold produces are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. Typically symptoms include chronic sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat as well as skin rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose are seen in the most severe cases of long term exposure.

Information about Mold

Mold doesn't take long to permeate walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home suffers water damage, you should have a Paul Davis technician check the walls for mold infestations. They can go unnoticed for weeks, and then spring up essentially overnight. Once mold produces colonies in your property, it quickly grows and discharges toxins that make life difficult for occcupants:

  • Mold emanates a strong, mildewed odor 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 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 instances, mold toxins can cause neurological problems or even death.
  • The more prolonged the exposure, the more severe the danger.
Exceptionally humid homes and offices can be subject to mold invasions even if no water damage has happened. If you see or smell something that could be mold, get an expert opinion immediately. If you want to eradicate mold, the setting where it thrives must first be removed. 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 dripping roof, burst pipe, or other opening, 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. Contact Paul Davis now if your home has black mold. Our team analyzes for presence of black mold before removal. Depend on our professionals to eliminate black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, schedule a black mold inspection now.