Black Mold Removal: Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Homeowners are responsible for a lot of things. With everything else going on, some items get pushed to the side and saved for a later date. One item that requires immediate attention is black mold removal. Putting it off can be extremely dangerous for several reasons.
Here, the mold remediation professionals at Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions, serving the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware tri-state area, detail the dangers that loom with mold and why you shouldn’t wait to act.
What Is Black Mold?
Black mold is a type of fungus. There are many kinds of black mold, but the most common is Stachybotrys chartarum. It’s most known for displaying a dark green or black color. Black mold grows and spreads on materials that contain a lot of cellulose, including paper products, wood products, and drywall. The fungus thrives in specific conditions. It needs warm temperatures and moisture to grow and spread. For this reason, black mold commonly appears in damp or water-damaged areas of the home, such as basements, showers, walls, and windows.
Why Is Black Mold Dangerous?
Black mold produces spores that can enter the air, potentially threatening everyone nearby. Black mold also produces an unpleasant odor from microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Exposure to spores and mVOCs can result in the following symptoms:
- Excessive sneezing and coughing
- Nasal congestion and postnasal drip
- Sore and red eyes
Those with respiratory conditions such as asthma may experience more severe symptoms, including:
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry cough and chest tightness
The severity of symptoms and how quickly black mold affects you depends on whether you have any allergies or sensitivities to it. Those with a black mold allergy experience symptoms immediately after spores come in contact with their bodies.
Don’t Put Off Black Mold Removal
Putting off mold remediation extends the amount of time you and others are exposed to it. Initial exposure to black mold is dangerous enough, regardless of your current health status. Prolonged exposure poses very serious health risks beyond the common symptoms. One potential threat to long-term mold exposure is bronchitis. Prolonged exposure to black mold can also make it more difficult for your body to fight the illness and recover.
Beyond respiratory issues, people exposed to mold for a long period may start to experience symptoms such as persistent headaches and migraines, increased exhaustion, and sporadic muscle cramps.
Is it Safe to Treat Mold Yourself?
Many DIY enthusiasts may be tempted to tackle mold removal themselves. Homeowners should be cautious and aware of the potential risks, such as:
Threat of Regrowth
When it comes to mold removal, cleaning isn’t enough. Mold remediation is only effective when you address the source of mold growth to minimize recurrence. If the source isn’t identified and corrected, regrowth is likely to occur within a short period. Understanding how to treat mold at the source requires advanced knowledge possessed by trained professionals.
You May Potentially Aggravate the Situation
When cleaning mold, spores can quickly distribute in the air. On top of being dangerous to human health, spores that float in the air may land in other areas that were previously unaffected. What was once a single mold colony at the start can quickly turn into multiple colonies to deal with.
Health Hazards
The danger and potential health risks of mold are well documented. Therefore, mold mediation requires specialized equipment and personal protective gear. Without safety masks, gloves, and protective eyewear, homeowners should never attempt to remove mold by themselves.
Call the Mold Remediation Pros Today
Don’t wait to act if you notice black mold in your home. Instead, turn to the black mold removal experts at Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions. As part of our basement waterproofing services, we offer professional mold remediation services. With a thorough understanding of the science behind mold growth and reoccurrence, our remediation process involves identifying the source of mold growth and repairing it to avoid future growth. Our team of experts uses the best technology and materials to meet the needs of our clients and perform effective mold removal services.
As part of our services, customers receive free estimates, 0% financing, and lifetime warranties on many offerings. Contact us today to learn more about the mold remediation services we offer in our service areas throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
