What is Black Mold?

Every homeowner dreads black mold, but what is it? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold likes to grow in wet environments and is often seen around condensation or anywhere near untreated water damage. Spores enter the home through windows, other entrances and can also be tracked on personal items and clothing. While most molds found in your home are harmless, this variety causes illness if ignored.

Health Effects of Black Mold

Black mold is a toxic species of mold that releases airborne toxins. 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. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose occur in the most serious cases of long term exposure.

About Mold

Mold doesn't take long to permeate walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home experiences water damage, you should have a Paul Davis technician check the walls for mold infestations. They can go unseen for weeks, and then appear virtually overnight. Once mold produces colonies in your property, it immediately breeds and discharges toxins that make life miserable for residents:

  • Mold releases a strong, musty odor that stops rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold causes serious problems for allergy-sensitive individuals, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can trigger long-lasting inflammation and ongoing cold-like symptoms.
  • Individuals 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 occurred. 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 dealt with, and any residual moisture must be efficiently dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start. Whether a dripping roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn't enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can soak hidden portions of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep coming back to these spots. Contact Paul Davis today if you suspect your home has black mold. We safely inspect and confirm the presence of black mold before remediation. You can rely on our contractors to eliminate black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, request an inspection for black mold today.