What is Black Mold?

Every homeowner fears black mold, but do you know why? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in damp areas and is often found around condensation or near untreated puddles inside. These spores come into your home via doors, small entrances and can also be brought in on shoes and coats. Although most molds found in your home aren't dangerous, black mold leads to health issues after long term exposure.

Risks Behind Black Mold Exposure

Black mold is a poisonous mold that releases spores. Symptoms include chronic sneezing, eye, nose and throat irritation as well as skin 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 serious 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 appear virtually overnight. Once mold produces colonies in your property, it immediately breeds and discharges toxins that make life miserable for occcupants:

  • Mold emanates a pungent, musty odor that prevents 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 trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause 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 prolonged the exposure, the greater 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 an expert opinion immediately. If you want to eradicate mold, the environment where it thrives must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any remaining moisture must be thoroughly dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start. Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other entry point, it isn't enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can drench hidden areas of your home. Without proper cleanup procedures, mold will keep coming back to these areas. If you think your home may be growing black mold, call Paul Davis now. We safely test and confirm the existence of black mold before remediation. Depend on our professionals to eliminate black mold effectively. Don't risk your health, call for a black mold inspection now.