What is Black Mold?

Every homeowner dreads black mold, but what is it? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold likes to grow in wet spots and is often found in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. Spores enter the house via windows, other openings and can also be brought in on shoes and clothing. While most molds around your house aren’t dangerous, this variety causes illness with long term exposure.

Risks Behind Black Mold Exposure

Black mold is a toxic species of mold that releases spores. 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. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose are seen in the most severe cases of long term exposure.

More about Mold

Black mold grows quickly, so you should never postpone calling a professional to inspect for mold infestation. They can go unnoticed for weeks, and then appear practically overnight.

Once mold produces colonies in your property, it quickly breeds and discharges toxins that make life miserable for occcupants:

  • Mold emits a strong, mildewed scent that prevents rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold causes problems for 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 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 cases, 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 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 atmosphere where it thrives must first be removed. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any residual moisture must be thoroughly 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 drench hidden areas of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep returning to these areas.

Call Paul Davis today if your home has black mold. We safely test and confirm the existence of black mold before removal. Depend on our contractors to remove black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, request a black mold inspection today.