What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but do you know what it is? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in wet environments and is usually seen in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. These spores come into your home by doors, other openings or brought in on shoes and clothing. While most molds found in your home are nothing to worry about, this variety leads to health issues if neglected.

What are the Health Risks?

Black mold is a poisonous species of mold that releases airborne toxins. Symptoms include chronic sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat and rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose are seen in the most severe cases of long term exposure.

More 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 spring up virtually overnight.

Once mold produces colonies in your property, it quickly grows and releases toxins that make life difficult for occcupants:

  • Mold emanates a pungent, mildewed smell that stops rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can trigger long-lasting 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 greater the danger.

Unusually humid homes and offices can be vulnerable to mold invasions 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 setting where it prospers must first be removed. Water sources have to be handled, and any remaining moisture must be efficiently dried out. Only then can mold removal and remediation start.

Whether a dripping roof, burst pipe, or other entry point, it isn’t enough to stem the tide. Moisture can soak out-of-sight sections of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep returning to these areas.

Call Paul Davis now if you suspect your home has black mold. Our team analyzes for existence of black mold before remediation. You can depend on our contractors to eliminate black mold effectively. Don’t risk your health, get a black mold inspection now.