Combating Black Mold

No homeowner wants black mold, but what is it? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) likes to grow in damp places and is most commonly seen around condensation or anywhere near untreated water damage. These spores come into your home by doors, other openings or brought in on personal items and clothing. While most molds found in your home aren't dangerous, this species leads to illness with long term exposure.

How Black Mold affects Health

The spores black mold releases are the main culprit 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 can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning. Especially severe cases of long-term contact to black mold can be more life threatening. Paired with an allergic reaction to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

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 unseen for weeks, and then spring up practically overnight. Once mold creates colonies in your living space, it immediately grows and releases toxins that make life unpleasant for inhabitants:

  • Mold emits a pungent, musty odor that stops 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 cause long-lasting inflammation and ongoing 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 extended the exposure, the greater the danger.
Exceptionally damp 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 right away. If you want to eradicate mold, the environment where it thrives must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be handled, and any remaining moisture must be thoroughly dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start. Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn't enough to stem the tide. Moisture can drench hidden sections of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep coming back to these areas. If you are worried that your home may be growing black mold, contact Paul Davis now. We safely inspect and confirm the presence of black mold before treatment. Depend on our professionals to eliminate black mold effectively. Don't risk your health, schedule an inspection for black mold now.