Call Paul Davis: What is Black Mold?

Every homeowner dreads black mold, but what is it? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) grows in damp spots and is often seen in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. Spores come into your home by doors, other entrances or brought in on shoes and clothing. Although most fungus around your home aren’t dangerous, this species leads to illness with long term exposure.

What are the Health Risks?

The spores black mold produces are the major cause behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic coughing, 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 occur in the most severe cases of long term exposure.

About Mold

Black mold grows quickly, so you should never delay calling a professional to inspect for mold infestation. They can go unseen for weeks, and then spring up virtually overnight.

Once mold forms colonies in your property, it quickly grows and discharges toxins that make life difficult for occcupants:

  • Mold releases a pungent, musty smell that prevents rooms from smelling fresh.
  • 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 ongoing 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 issues or even death.
  • The more prolonged the exposure, the greater the danger.

Unusually damp homes and offices can be subject to mold invasions even if no water damage has happened. If you see or smell something that could be mold, get an expert opinion right away.

If you want to eradicate mold, the setting where it thrives must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be handled, and any residual moisture must be efficiently dried out. Only then can mold elimination and remediation start.

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

Call Paul Davis today if you suspect your home has black mold. We safely test and confirm the existence of black mold before remediation. Depend on our specialists to eliminate black mold quickly. Keep your family safe, get an inspection for black mold today.