Call Paul Davis: What is Black Mold?

No homeowner wants black mold, but what is it? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in damp places and is most commonly seen around condensation or anywhere near untreated water damage. Spores enter the house via doors, other entrances or brought in on shoes and coats. Although most molds in your house are harmless, this species can cause illness if neglected.

Risks Behind Black Mold Exposure

The spores black mold releases are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat as well as skin rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Especially serious cases 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 postpone calling a professional to inspect for mold growth. They can go unseen for weeks, and then appear practically overnight.

Once mold produces colonies in your property, it quickly grows and releases toxins that make life difficult for inhabitants:

  • Mold emanates a strong, mildewed scent that stops rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, making symptoms flare up.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause long-lasting inflammation and continuous cold-like symptoms.
  • People with weakened immune systems can get systemic infections of the lungs, skin, or digestive tract.
  • In rare instances, mold toxins can cause neurological concerns 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 occurred. If you see or smell something that could be mold, get an expert opinion right away.

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 opening, it isn’t enough to stem the tide. Moisture can saturate out-of-sight portions of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep returning to these areas.

If you think your house may have black mold, contact Paul Davis now. Our team analyzes for existence of black mold before removal. Depend on our specialists to eliminate black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, call for a black mold inspection now.