Combating Black Mold

No homeowner wants black mold, but do you know what it is? Also called Stachybotrys, black mold likes to grow in wet spots and is usually found around condensation or near untreated puddles inside. Spores enter the home by doors, other openings or brought in on personal items and clothing. Although most fungus around your home aren’t dangerous, this variety can cause illness if neglected.

Signs of Black Mold Exposure

The spores black mold produces are the main culprit behind black mold poisoning. The most common symptoms include chronic sneezing, eye, nose and throat irritation and rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Especially severe cases of long-term exposure to black mold can be 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

Mold quickly spread across walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home experiences water damage, you should have a professional check the walls for mold infestations. They can go unnoticed for weeks, and then spring up virtually overnight.

Once mold produces colonies in your property, it quickly breeds and releases toxins that make life difficult for inhabitants:

  • Mold emits a strong, musty odor that stops rooms from smelling fresh.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive people, 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 chronic 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 extended the exposure, the greater the danger.

Exceptionally damp homes and offices can be subject 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.

To get rid of mold, the atmosphere where it prospers must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be dealt with, and any remaining 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 stem the tide. Moisture can soak out-of-sight areas of your home. Without proper cleanup processes, mold will keep coming back to these spots.

If you suspect your home may contain black mold, call Paul Davis today. We safely inspect and confirm the presence of black mold before starting treatment. Depend on our professionals to remove black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, get an inspection for black mold today.