Do You Know Black Mold?

Every homeowner worries about black mold, but do you know why? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in moist spots and is often found in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. These spores enter the home through windows, other entrances or tracked on shoes and clothing. Although most molds around your home are nothing to worry about, this variety causes health issues if left untreated.

How Black Mold affects Health

Black mold is a poisonous fungus that releases spores. The most common symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation as well as skin rashes. In addition, 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 are seen in the most severe cases of long term exposure.

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 ignored for weeks, and then appear essentially overnight. Once mold forms colonies in your living space, it quickly grows and releases toxins that make life unpleasant for inhabitants:

  • Mold releases a strong, musty scent that prevents 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 trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause 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 extended the exposure, the greater the danger.
Unusually damp 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 a skillful opinion immediately. If you want to eradicate mold, the atmosphere where it flourishes must first be removed. Water sources have to be handled, and any remaining moisture must be carefully dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start. Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn't enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can saturate hidden sections of your home. Without proper cleanup procedures, mold will keep returning to these areas. Contact Paul Davis today if your home is infested with black mold. We safely inspect and confirm the existence of black mold before removal. You can rely on our contractors to remove black mold effectively. Don't risk your health, call for a black mold inspection today.