What is Black Mold?

Every homeowner dreads black mold, but do you know why? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in damp spots and is most commonly seen in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. Spores enter the house via windows, small openings or brought in on shoes and clothing. While most fungus around your house are harmless, this species can cause illness if left untreated.

Health Effects of Black Mold

Black mold is a toxic mold with airborne toxins. Typically symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Particularly severe cases of long-term exposure to black mold can be 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.

Information about Mold

Mold quickly spread across walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home suffers water damage, you should have a Paul Davis technician check the walls for mold infestations. They can go unseen for weeks, and then spring up virtually overnight. Once mold forms colonies in your living space, it quickly grows and discharges toxins that make life miserable for inhabitants:

  • Mold emanates a strong, musty scent that stops rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold causes serious problems for 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 chronic inflammation and ongoing cold-like symptoms.
  • People with compromised immune systems can get systemic infections of the lungs, skin, or digestive tract.
  • In rare cases, mold toxins can cause neurological problems or even death.
  • The more prolonged the exposure, the more severe the danger.
Unusually 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 a skillful opinion immediately. To get rid of mold, the environment where it thrives must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be handled, 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 soak hidden sections of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep coming back to these areas. Contact Paul Davis now if you suspect your home contains black mold. Our team analyzes for presence of black mold before removal. Depend on our professionals to eliminate black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, get a black mold inspection now.