The growth of mold and mildew will always be a big issue for property owners. They can destroy the integrity of one’s property and even put one’s health at risk, but what is black mold? In a nutshell, it is made up of several species of toxic mold that thrives in humid environments but most professionals focus on specific type: Stachybotrys chartarum. It can be recognized by their greenish-black color on the surfaces they grow on.
How dangerous is black mold? As we have mentioned above, they are toxic. Hence, exposure to them can lead to different health issues. On top of that, they can also aggravate existing medical conditions. Don’t worry, we’re going to talk more about what these are in a bit, and most importantly, how to get rid of black mold.
Signs and Symptoms
Color – The first sign is the color. It can be identified by its black or greenish-black hue. There are certain species that manifest with a grayish color and a powdery texture.
Symptoms – Aside from the visual effect of black mold, you can also identify black mold in your home with its strong distinguished odor. The smell can be pretty hard to miss but we certainly recommend getting the help of a professional when in doubt.
Health Effects – A clue there may be black mold is if there are physical signs from you. You may start sneezing or coughing when you step into a room which is infested.
Here are other short-term health effects:
- Nose stuffiness
- Coughing
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
Prolonged exposure can cause these:
- Feelings of exhaustion
- Sinusitis
- Migraine
- Frequent coughing
- Fever
- Difficulty Breathing
Long-term exposure can lead to:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Tingling and numbing sensation
- Light Sensitivity
On top of that, it can also aggravate other health conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive disorder. Black mold poisoning is not something to take lightly. We strongly recommend dealing with any mold issues as soon as they are discovered.
The best way to deal with black mold is to call a professional like Able Construction, LLC. We can come assess your situation and come up with a plan to remove the mold from your house.