Combating Black Mold

Every homeowner worries about black mold, but do you know what it is? Black mold (also known as Stachybotrys) likes to grow in damp places and is most commonly seen in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. Spores come into your home by doors, small openings and can also be tracked on shoes and clothing. While most fungus found in your home aren’t dangerous, this species leads to illness after long term exposure.

Health Effects of Black Mold

Black mold is a toxic species of fungus with airborne toxins. The most common symptoms include chronic sneezing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Particularly serious cases of prolonged contact to black mold are more life threatening. Often compounded by allergic reaction to the black mold spores, these symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

More about Mold

Black mold grows quickly, so you should never postpone calling a professional to inspect for mold growth. They can go ignored for weeks, and then spring up essentially overnight.

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

  • Mold emits a strong, mildewed smell that prevents rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold causes problems for allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, making symptoms flare up.
  • A black mold infestation can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause long-lasting inflammation and constant cold-like symptoms.
  • Individuals 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 extended the exposure, the more severe the danger.

Unusually humid 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 a skillful opinion immediately.

If you want to eradicate mold, the atmosphere where it prospers 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 dripping roof, burst pipe, or other entry point, it isn’t enough to close the tide. Moisture can drench out-of-sight areas of your home. Without proper cleanup procedures, mold will keep coming back to these spots.

If you think your home may be growing black mold, speak with Paul Davis today. We safely test and confirm the existence of black mold before removal. Depend on our contractors to eliminate black mold effectively. Don’t risk your health, request an inspection for black mold today.