What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but do you know what it is? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) likes to grow in moist environments and is most commonly seen in areas where condensation has collected or anywhere near neglected water damage. These spores enter the house by doors, small openings and can also be brought in on personal items and coats. Although most molds around your house are harmless, black mold causes health problems with years of exposure.

Health Effects of Black Mold

Black mold is a poisonous species of fungus with spores. Symptoms include chronic coughing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat 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.

More about Mold

Mold doesn’t take long to permeate walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home experiences water damage, you should have a professional check the walls for mold infestations. They can go ignored for weeks, and then appear practically overnight.

Once mold forms colonies in your living space, it immediately breeds and discharges toxins that make life unpleasant for occcupants:

  • Mold emits a pungent, mildewed odor that prevents rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, making symptoms flare up.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can activate chronic inflammation and continuous cold-like symptoms.
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems can get systemic infections of the lungs, skin, or digestive tract.
  • In rare instances, mold toxins can cause neurological concerns or even death.
  • The more prolonged the exposure, the more severe the danger.

Exceptionally damp homes and offices can be subject to mold infestations even if no water damage has occurred. If you see or smell something that could be mold, get a skillful opinion immediately.

To get rid of mold, the atmosphere where it thrives must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be handled, and any residual moisture must be efficiently dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start.

Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn’t enough to stem the tide. Moisture can saturate hidden areas of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep coming back to these areas.

If you are worried that your house may have black mold, call Paul Davis today. We safely test and confirm the existence of black mold before remediation. You can depend on our professionals to remove black mold quickly. Don’t risk your health, call for a black mold inspection today.