Call Paul Davis: Do You Know Black Mold?

Every homeowner fears black mold, but what is it? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold likes to grow in moist spots and is usually seen in areas where condensation has collected or near untreated puddles inside. These spores enter the house by windows, other openings or brought in on personal items and coats. While most fungus in your house aren’t dangerous, this species leads to health issues if neglected.

How Black Mold affects Health

The spores black mold produces are the reason behind black mold poisoning. Symptoms include chronic sneezing, 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. Nausea, vomiting and bleeding in the lungs and nose occur in the most severe cases of long term exposure.

More about Mold

Mold quickly spread across walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home suffers water damage, you should have a Paul Davis technician check the walls for mold infestations. They can go unseen for weeks, and then spring up essentially overnight.

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

  • Mold emits a strong, mildewed 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.
  • A black mold infestation can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can cause chronic inflammation and constant cold-like symptoms.
  • Individuals 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 extended the exposure, the more severe the danger.

Exceptionally humid 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 environment where it flourishes must first be removed. Water sources have to be handled, and any residual moisture must be carefully 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 curtail the tide. Moisture can drench hidden sections of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep coming back to these spots.

If you suspect your house may have black mold, contact Paul Davis today. We safely test and confirm the presence of black mold before starting treatment. You can depend on our contractors to remove black mold effectively. Don’t risk your health, call for a black mold inspection today.