Combating Black Mold

Every homeowner worries about black mold, but do you know what it is? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in moist environments and is usually found around condensation or pools or standing water inside. These spores come into your home through windows, small entrances and can also be tracked on personal items and coats. While most fungus around your home are harmless, this species can cause health issues with long term exposure.

Black Mold Poisoning

Black mold is a toxic species of fungus that releases spores. Typically 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. Especially severe occurances of prolonged contact to black mold are more life threatening. Paired with an 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 infestation. They can go unseen for weeks, and then appear virtually overnight. Once mold creates colonies in your living space, it quickly grows and releases toxins that make life miserable for inhabitants:

  • Mold emits a strong, mildewed scent that stops rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive individuals, as well as those with asthma, making symptoms flare up.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can trigger long-lasting inflammation and constant 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 greater the danger.
Unusually damp homes and offices can be vulnerable to mold invasions 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 residual moisture must be carefully dried out. Only then can mold removal and remediation start. Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other opening, it isn't enough to curtail the tide. Moisture can saturate hidden sections of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep coming back to these areas. Call Paul Davis now if your home has black mold. We safely inspect and confirm the presence of black mold before removal. You can rely on our specialists to eliminate black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, get a black mold inspection now.