What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but do you know what it is? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) likes to grow in wet environments and is usually seen around condensation or pools or standing water inside. Spores enter the house through windows, small openings and can also be tracked on personal items and clothing. Although most molds around your house aren't dangerous, this species leads to illness after years of exposure.

Black Mold Poisoning

The spores black mold produces are the main culprit behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation 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 serious cases of long term exposure.

More 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 spring up essentially overnight. Once mold produces colonies in your property, it quickly grows and releases toxins that make life unpleasant for occcupants:

  • Mold emits a pungent, mildewed scent that stops rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold causes problems for allergy-sensitive individuals, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause 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 issues or even death.
  • The more prolonged the exposure, the greater the danger.
Exceptionally damp 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 handled, and any remaining 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 stem the tide. Moisture can drench out-of-sight sections of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep returning to these spots. Call Paul Davis now if you suspect your home has black mold. Our team analyzes for existence of black mold before starting treatment. Depend on our professionals to eliminate black mold effectively. Don't risk your health, request an inspection for black mold now.