Combating Black Mold

Every homeowner dreads black mold, but do you know why? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in damp environments and is most commonly found around condensation or where there's been water damage. These spores enter the home through doors, small openings and can also be tracked on shoes and coats. Although most molds around your home are harmless, this variety can cause health problems after long term exposure.

How Black Mold affects Health

The spores black mold produces are the reason behind black mold poisoning. The most common symptoms include chronic coughing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat as well as skin rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose occur in the most serious cases of long term exposure.

About Mold

Black mold grows quickly, so you should never postpone calling a professional to inspect for mold growth. They can go ignored for weeks, and then spring up practically overnight. Once mold creates colonies in your property, it quickly grows and discharges toxins that make life miserable for inhabitants:

  • Mold emanates a strong, mildewed smell that stops rooms from smelling clean.
  • 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 cause chronic inflammation and constant cold-like symptoms.
  • People 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 greater the danger.
Unusually 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 environment where it prospers must first be removed. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any residual moisture must be thoroughly dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start. Whether a dripping roof, burst pipe, or other entry point, it isn't enough to stem the tide. Moisture can saturate out-of-sight sections of your home. Without proper cleanup procedures, mold will keep returning to these areas. If you think your home may be growing black mold, call Paul Davis now. Our team analyzes for presence of black mold before removal. You can depend on our contractors to remove black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, schedule a black mold inspection now.