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 often seen around condensation or anywhere near neglected water damage. Spores come into your home by windows, small entrances and can also be brought in on personal items and coats. While most fungus around your home are harmless, this species causes health problems after long term exposure.

Signs of Black Mold Exposure

The spores black mold releases are the main culprit behind black mold poisoning. The most common symptoms include chronic coughing, eye, nose and throat irritation as well as skin rashes. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue and persistent headaches. Particularly serious cases of long-term exposure to black mold are more dangerous. 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

Mold doesn’t take long to permeate walls, floors and ceilings. Whenever your home experiences water damage, you should have a Paul Davis technician check the walls for mold infestations. They can go ignored for weeks, and then spring up practically overnight.

Once mold creates colonies in your property, it immediately breeds and discharges toxins that make life miserable for inhabitants:

  • Mold releases a pungent, mildewed odor that stops rooms from smelling clean.
  • Mold wreaks havoc on allergy-sensitive people, as well as those with asthma, causing a physical reaction.
  • Mold can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Mold toxins can activate long-lasting inflammation and constant 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 problems or even death.
  • The more extended the exposure, the greater the danger.

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

To get rid of mold, the setting where it flourishes must first be eliminated. Water sources have to be handled, and any remaining moisture must be thoroughly 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 drench hidden sections of your home. Without proper cleanup methods, mold will keep returning to these spots.

If you think your home may be growing black mold, call Paul Davis today. Our team analyzes for existence of black mold before removal. You can rely on our specialists to remove black mold effectively. Keep your family safe, call for a black mold inspection today.