Learn More About Black Mold

Every homeowner dreads black mold, but do you know why? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in wet environments and is most commonly found in areas where condensation has collected or pools or standing water inside. Spores enter the house by windows, other openings or tracked on shoes and clothing. While most molds around your house aren’t dangerous, black mold can cause health problems after long term exposure.

Signs of Black Mold Exposure

Black mold is a poisonous species of fungus that releases spores. Typically symptoms include chronic sneezing, eye, nose and throat irritation as well as skin rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Especially severe occasions of prolonged contact to black mold can be more dangerous. Often compounded by allergic reaction to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

Information 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 appear practically overnight.

Once mold forms colonies in your living space, it immediately grows and releases toxins that make life miserable for occcupants:

  • Mold releases a pungent, mildewed scent that prevents rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive individuals, 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 activate 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 cases, mold toxins can cause neurological problems or even death.
  • The more extended the exposure, the more severe 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 right away.

To get rid of mold, the environment where it prospers must first be removed. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any residual moisture must be carefully 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 hidden portions of your home. Without proper cleanup procedures, mold will keep coming back to these spots.

If you are worried that your house may be growing black mold, contact Paul Davis today. We safely test and confirm the existence of black mold before remediation. Depend on our professionals to eliminate black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, get a black mold inspection today.