Fighting Black Mold

No homeowner wants black mold, but what is it? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in wet areas and is often seen in areas where condensation has collected or pools or standing water inside. These spores come into your home by doors, small entrances and can also be tracked on personal items and clothing. Although most molds found in your home are nothing to worry about, black mold can cause health issues after years of exposure.

How Black Mold affects Health

The spores black mold releases are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. Other symptoms include, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose are seen in the most serious cases of long term exposure.

About Mold

Mold quickly spread across walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home experiences water damage, you should have a professional check the walls for mold infestations. They can go unnoticed for weeks, and then spring up essentially overnight.

Once mold forms colonies in your living space, it immediately grows and releases toxins that make life miserable for residents:

  • Mold emanates a strong, musty smell that prevents rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive individuals, 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 constant cold-like symptoms.
  • People with weakened immune systems can get systemic infections of the lungs, skin, or digestive tract.
  • In rare cases, mold toxins can cause neurological concerns or even death.
  • The more extended the exposure, the greater the danger.

Unusually humid homes and offices can be subject to mold invasions 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 environment where it flourishes must first be removed. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any residual moisture must be thoroughly dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start.

Whether a leaky roof, burst pipe, or other entry point, it isn’t enough to stem the tide. Moisture can saturate out-of-sight portions of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep returning to these spots.

Call Paul Davis today if you suspect your home is infested with black mold. Our team inspects for presence of black mold before removal. You can rely on our contractors to eliminate black mold quickly. Don’t risk your health, request a black mold inspection today.