Fighting Black Mold

Every homeowner fears black mold, but do you know why? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in damp spots and is usually seen in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. These spores come into your house by doors, small openings or brought in on personal items and coats. While most molds in your house aren't dangerous, this species leads to health issues with long term exposure.

What are the Health Risks?

The spores black mold produces are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat as well as skin rashes. In addition, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning. Particularly serious occurances of long-term exposure to black mold are more life threatening. Often compounded by allergic reaction 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 delay calling a professional to inspect for mold growth. They can go unseen for weeks, and then appear practically overnight. Once mold creates colonies in your property, it quickly grows and discharges toxins that make life miserable for occcupants:

  • Mold emits a strong, mildewed odor that prevents rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold causes problems for allergy-sensitive individuals, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can trigger long-lasting inflammation and ongoing cold-like symptoms.
  • People with compromised immune systems can get systemic infections of the lungs, skin, or digestive tract.
  • In rare instances, mold toxins can cause neurological problems or even death.
  • The more extended the exposure, the more severe the danger.
Unusually humid 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. If you want to eradicate mold, the setting where it thrives must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be handled, and any remaining moisture must be thoroughly dried out. Only then can mold removal and remediation start. Whether a dripping roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn't enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can drench out-of-sight sections of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep coming back to these areas. If you are worried that your house may be growing black mold, reach out to Paul Davis today. Our team analyzes for presence of black mold before remediation. You can depend on our professionals to remove black mold quickly. Don't risk your health, schedule an inspection for black mold today.