What is Black Mold?

Every homeowner fears black mold, but do you know what it is? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold likes to grow in wet areas and is often found in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. Spores enter the home through doors, other openings and can also be brought in on shoes and clothing. While most molds around your home aren't dangerous, this species can cause illness after years of exposure.

Health Effects of Black Mold

Black mold is a poisonous species of mold with spores. Symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Especially severe occasions of long-term exposure to black mold are more dangerous. Paired with an allergic reaction to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

Information about Mold

Black mold grows quickly, so you should never postpone calling a professional to inspect for mold growth. They can go unseen for weeks, and then appear essentially overnight. Once mold forms colonies in your property, it quickly breeds and releases toxins that make life unpleasant for residents:

  • Mold emanates a strong, musty scent that prevents 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 difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can trigger long-lasting inflammation and continuous cold-like symptoms.
  • Individuals with weakened 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 greater the danger.
Exceptionally 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 right away. If you want to eradicate mold, the setting where it thrives must first be removed. 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 dripping 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 returning to these areas. If you are worried that your home may have black mold, call Paul Davis today. We safely inspect and confirm the presence of black mold before removal. Depend on our professionals to remove black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, get an inspection for black mold today.