What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but what is it? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in damp environments and is often found in areas where condensation has collected or where there's been water damage. Spores come into your home by windows, small entrances or tracked on personal items and clothing. While most fungus found in your home are harmless, this species can cause illness after years of exposure.

Risks Behind Black Mold Exposure

The spores black mold produces are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. The most common symptoms include chronic sneezing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. In addition, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning. Particularly severe cases of prolonged contact to black mold are more life threatening. Paired with an allergy to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

About Mold

Black mold grows quickly, so you should never delay calling a professional to inspect for mold infestation. They can go unseen for weeks, and then appear practically overnight. Once mold produces colonies in your living space, it immediately grows and releases toxins that make life miserable for occcupants:

  • Mold emanates a pungent, musty odor that stops rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on 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 activate long-lasting inflammation and continuous cold-like symptoms.
  • People 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 extended the exposure, the greater the danger.
Unusually humid homes and offices can be subject 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 setting where it flourishes must first be removed. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any remaining moisture must be efficiently 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 saturate hidden portions of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep coming back to these spots. Contact Paul Davis today if your home is infested with black mold. Our team analyzes for existence of black mold before treatment. You can depend on our contractors to remove black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, request a black mold inspection today.