Call Paul Davis: What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but what is it? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold likes to grow in damp spots and is often seen around condensation or where there's been water damage. Spores enter the home through windows, other entrances or tracked on shoes and clothing. While most molds around your home aren't dangerous, this species can cause illness if ignored.

Black Mold Poisoning

The spores black mold releases are the main culprit behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic sneezing, eye, nose and throat irritation as well as skin rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Especially severe cases of prolonged contact to black mold are more life threatening. Paired with an allergy to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

More about Mold

Black mold grows quickly, so you should never postpone calling a professional to inspect for mold infestation. They can go unnoticed for weeks, and then spring up practically overnight. Once mold produces colonies in your living space, it immediately breeds and discharges toxins that make life miserable for residents:

  • Mold releases a strong, musty odor that prevents rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • A black mold infestation can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can activate long-lasting inflammation and continuous 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 more severe the danger.
Exceptionally damp homes and offices can be subject to mold infestations even if no water damage has happened. If you see or smell something that could be mold, get an expert 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 efficiently dried out. Only then can mold removal 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 sections of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep coming back to these areas. If you are worried that your home may be growing black mold, call Paul Davis now. We safely test and confirm the presence of black mold before removal. You can rely on our professionals to remove black mold quickly. Don't risk your health, call for an inspection for black mold now.