Learn More About Black Mold

Every homeowner worries about black mold, but do you know why? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) likes to grow in damp areas and is most commonly found in areas where condensation has collected or anywhere near untreated water damage. These spores come into your house by doors, small entrances and can also be brought in on personal items and coats. While most fungus around your house aren't dangerous, black mold can cause health issues with long term exposure.

How Black Mold affects Health

The spores black mold releases are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat and rashes. In addition, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning. Especially severe occurances of long-term exposure to black mold can be more dangerous. Paired with an allergy to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

About Mold

Mold quickly spread across walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home suffers water damage, you should have a professional check the walls for mold infestations. They can go unseen for weeks, and then appear practically overnight. Once mold produces colonies in your living space, it immediately breeds and releases toxins that make life unpleasant for occcupants:

  • Mold emanates a pungent, musty scent that stops rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive individuals, 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 trigger long-lasting inflammation and constant cold-like symptoms.
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems can get systemic infections of the lungs, skin, or digestive tract.
  • In rare instances, mold toxins can cause neurological issues or even death.
  • The more prolonged the exposure, the greater the danger.
Unusually damp homes and offices can be vulnerable to mold infestations 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 environment where it flourishes must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any residual moisture must be thoroughly dried out. Only then can mold removal and remediation start. Whether a dripping roof, burst pipe, or other entry point, it isn't enough to stem the tide. Moisture can soak out-of-sight sections of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep coming back to these spots. If you suspect your house may be growing black mold, speak with Paul Davis now. Our team analyzes for presence of black mold before starting treatment. You can depend on our specialists to remove black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, call for an inspection for black mold now.