Call Paul Davis: What is Black Mold?

Every homeowner fears black mold, but do you know why? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) likes to grow in wet areas and is most commonly found in areas where condensation has collected or pools or stagnant water inside. These spores enter the house by doors, small openings or tracked on shoes and coats. While most fungus around your house are harmless, this variety can cause illness after long term exposure.

Health Effects of Black Mold

Black mold is a toxic species of mold that releases airborne toxins. Symptoms include chronic sneezing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose occur 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 spring up virtually overnight.

Once mold forms colonies in your living space, it quickly grows and discharges toxins that make life miserable for inhabitants:

  • Mold emits a pungent, musty scent that stops rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold causes problems for allergy-sensitive individuals, 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 continuous 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 lengthy the exposure, the more severe the danger.

Unusually damp homes and offices can be vulnerable to mold infestations even if no water damage has happened. 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 handled, 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 entry point, it isn’t enough to close the tide. Moisture can drench out-of-sight sections of your home. Without proper cleanup procedures, mold will keep returning to these areas.

If you are worried that your house may have black mold, call Paul Davis now. Our team analyzes for presence of black mold before starting treatment. You can rely on our specialists to remove black mold quickly. Don’t risk your health, request an inspection for black mold now.