Call Paul Davis: What is Black Mold?

Every homeowner dreads black mold, but do you know why? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold grows in moist spots and is often found in areas where condensation has collected or pools or stagnant water inside. These spores come into your home by windows, small openings or brought in on personal items and coats. Although most molds around your home aren't dangerous, black mold can cause illness with long term exposure.

Health Effects of Black Mold

The spores black mold releases are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic coughing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat and rashes. In addition, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning. Particularly serious occasions of long-term 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 infestation. They can go ignored for weeks, and then spring up essentially overnight. Once mold produces colonies in your property, it quickly breeds and releases toxins that make life miserable for residents:

  • Mold emits a pungent, musty smell that stops rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold causes serious problems for allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can activate chronic inflammation and ongoing 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 lengthy the exposure, the greater the danger.
Unusually damp homes and offices can be vulnerable to mold infestations 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 setting where it thrives must first be removed. 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 close the tide. Moisture can soak out-of-sight areas of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep returning to these areas. If you are worried that your home may contain black mold, contact Paul Davis today. Our team inspects for existence of black mold before remediation. Depend on our contractors to eliminate black mold quickly. Don't risk your health, get a black mold inspection today.