Do You Know Black Mold?

Every homeowner fears black mold, but do you know what it is? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) likes to grow in moist environments and is usually found in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. Spores enter the home through windows, other openings or brought in on personal items and clothing. Although most molds found in your home are nothing to worry about, this variety can cause health issues if left untreated.

Black Mold Poisoning

The spores black mold produces are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic coughing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat and rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Especially severe cases of prolonged exposure 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 postpone calling a professional to inspect for mold infestation. They can go ignored for weeks, and then spring up virtually overnight. Once mold forms colonies in your living space, it quickly breeds and releases toxins that make life miserable for residents:

  • Mold emanates a pungent, musty odor that prevents rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold causes serious problems for 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 trigger 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 concerns or even death.
  • The more lengthy the exposure, the more severe the danger.
Unusually 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 an expert opinion immediately. If you want to eradicate mold, the atmosphere where it flourishes must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be handled, and any residual moisture must be thoroughly dried out. Only then can mold removal and remediation start. Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn't enough to stem the tide. Moisture can saturate out-of-sight sections of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep coming back to these spots. Contact Paul Davis today if you think your home is infested with black mold. We safely test and confirm the presence of black mold before starting treatment. Depend on our specialists to eliminate black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, get an inspection for black mold today.