Do You Know Black Mold?

Every homeowner dreads black mold, but do you know what it is? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in damp environments and is most commonly seen in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. These spores come into your house through doors, other openings or brought in on shoes and clothing. Although most fungus found in your house are harmless, black mold can cause health issues if neglected.

How Black Mold affects Health

The spores black mold releases are the main culprit behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. Additionally, 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.

Information about Mold

Mold doesn't take long to permeate walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home suffers water damage, you should have a professional check the walls for mold infestations. They can go ignored for weeks, and then appear virtually overnight. Once mold forms colonies in your living space, it immediately grows and releases toxins that make life unpleasant for inhabitants:

  • Mold emits a pungent, musty scent that stops rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • A black mold infestation can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause chronic inflammation and ongoing cold-like symptoms.
  • Individuals with weakened 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 lengthy the exposure, the more severe the danger.
Exceptionally humid 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 a skillful opinion immediately. To get rid of mold, the environment where it thrives must first be removed. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any residual moisture must be thoroughly dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start. Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn't enough to close the tide. Moisture can drench hidden areas of your home. Without proper cleanup procedures, mold will keep returning to these areas. If you suspect your house may have black mold, reach out to Paul Davis today. Our team inspects for existence of black mold before removal. You can rely on our specialists to eliminate black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, get an inspection for black mold today.